Fergusson College

Unit1
Ecology & Environment: Definition, Scope-Branches of Ecology. Components of the
Environment-Atmosphere, Lithosphere, Hydrosphere and Biosphere, Applications of Ecology, Concept of levels of organization and biosphere. Abiotic factors-Nature of response of organisms to Abiotic factors; Laws of limiting factors and Tolerance. Autecology-Definition-Comparison of autecology and synecology, Concept of species, speciation, characteristics of population. Unit II
Basic components of an ecosystem-structure and functional aspects of an Ecosystem-Tropic structure-Ecological Niche-Ecological Dominance-Stability, Diversity rule. Homeostasis, aquatic
Ecosystem-physico-chemical nature of lentic and lotic ecosystems. Types of aquatic ecosystemstructure and organisation with examples of fresh water Ecosystem. Marine water ecosystem, estuarine water Ecosystem-Mangroves. Terrestrial Ecosystem: Tundra forest, Grassland, Desert ecosystem. Energy flow in ecosystems-Laws of Thermodynamics. Productivity-Biomass production, primary productivity and net productivity. Food Chain Types of food chain with examples, Foodweb, Ecological pyramid of biomes. Number and energy-inverted ecological pyramids. Biogeochemical Cycles Availability and rate of cycling of nutrients-gaseous and Sedimentary cycle. Unit III
Fundamentals, Scope and relevance of Environmental Geology, Interaction of Lithosphere with Atmosphere, Biosphere and Hydrosphere. Earths Materials: Minerals, rocks and soil. Economic importance of Mineral, Soil forming minerals and rocks. Soil conservation and erosion. Study of Earth interior Crust, Mantle and core. Geomorphological studies: Nature and type of land-forms. Natural Hazards-Earthquake, Volcano, Landslides, Floods, Hydrological cycle-Water quality Monitoring methods.

Yes.
Yes, distance learning degree is valid as same a regular degree. Distance learning is made for those who belong to the working professional. Just think if you want to do an MBA program or any other program from regular university then for this you'll have to resign your current job for studies where if you will get enrolled in distance learning university then you will not have to drop the job as in distance learning student gets online facility of learning.
As you point out on the validity I want to tell you my friend distance learning has value and most of the big universities in India as well as in abroad are transforming their universities into distance learning university.
Distance learning is always the first options of working professionals. Distance learning University must have UGC and DEB approval, If the university doesn't have those approvals then the degree will not be valid, So first check the approval and reviews then apply for admission in distance learning.