UNIVERSITY OF DHAKA

Syllabus of the Department of

Soil, Water and Environment

for
B.S. (Honours) Course
Sessions: 2016-2017, 2017-2018, 2018-2019

Published by
The University of Dhaka
Bangladesh

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 Department of Soil, Water and Environment, University of Dhaka
1. Department of Soil, Water and Environment offers B.S. (Honours) degree with an aim to produce trained
personnel for Agriculture and Environment related fields.
2. The duration of the Program will be of 4 (four) academic years divided into 4 (four) sessions, so that there
will be one session in each academic year. The entire Program is covered by a set of theoretical, practical
(laboratory/field), and Seminar courses. A student must have to earn 128 credits for successful completion of
his/her graduation program.
3. The total performance of a student in a given course will be evaluated on the basis of a scheme of
continuous assessment and course final examinations. For theory courses the continuous assessment will be
made through a set of in-course examinations, class participation and a course final examination. Continuous
assessment of Practical (laboratory/field) courses will be made through observation of the student at work,
viva-voce, assignments and evaluation of practical reports.

The distribution of marks for theoretical and Practical courses will be as follows:

Items Marks
Class attendance 5%
In-course assessment 35%
Course Final Examination 60%

Basis for awarding marks for class attendance will be as follows:

Attendance Marks (%)

(% of total class held)
95 and above 5
90 to less than 95 4
85 to less than 90 3
80 to less than 85 2
75 to less than 80 1
Less than 75 0
4. Marks obtained for each course will be converted to grades. A basic four point (4.00) grading scale will be
followed. The following letter grades and corresponding grade-points will be used to determine the student’s
grade point average (GPA):

Marks Obtained Corresponding Grade

Letter Grade Point

80% or above A+ 4.00

75% to less than 80% A 3.75
70% to less than 75% A- 3.50
65% to less than 70% B+ 3.25
60% to less than 65% B 3.00
55% to less than 60% B- 2.75
50% to less than 55% C+ 2.50
45% to less than 50% C 2.25
40% to less than 45% D 2.00
Less than 40% F 0.00

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 Summary of Course Distribution for B.S. (Hons.) Degree

Courses for 1st Year

Course No. Course Title Credits

Departmental Courses
SWE 101 Introductory Soil – I 2
SWE 102 Introductory Soil – II 2
SWE 103 Introductory Environmental Science 2
SWE 104 Introductory Water Science 2
SWE 105 Practical 4
SWE 106 Viva-voce 2
Extra-Departmental Courses
CM 100F Fundamentals of Chemistry 4
BOT 001 Diversities in Plant Kingdom and Plant Physiology 4
GLT 101 Geology 2
GLP 102 Petrology & Mineralogy Lab 2
Total Credit 26

Courses for 2nd Year

Course No. Course Title Credits

Departmental Courses
SWE 201 Soil Mineralogy and Soil Colloids 2
SWE 202 Soil Physics 4
SWE 203 General Microbiology 2
SWE 204 Calculus 2
SWE 205 Biostatistics 2
SWE 206 Plant Biochemistry 2
SWE 207 Practical 4
SWE 208 Viva-voce 2
Extra-Departmental Courses
FC2 Functional and Communicative English 2
CM 241H Chemistry of the Elements 2
CMGL 101H General Chemistry Laboratory 2
GMT 201 Introduction to Geography and Environment 2
GML 202 Fundamentals of GIS 2
Total Credit 30

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Courses for 3rd Year

Course No. Course Title Credits

SWE 301 Pedology 4
SWE 302 Soil Chemistry – I 4
SWE 303 Soil Biochemistry 2
SWE 304 Soil Microbiology 2
SWE 305 Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition 4
SWE 306 Water Resources 2
SWE 307 Atmospheric Science 2
SWE 308 Ecology and Environment 4
SWE 309 Practical 8
SWE 310 Viva-voce 2
Total Credit 34

Courses for 4th Year

Course No. Course Title Credits

SWE 401 Soil Survey and Remote Sensing 2
SWE 402 Soil Conservation 2
SWE 403 Soil Water Management 4
SWE 404 Soil Management 2
SWE 405 Agronomy 2
SWE 406 Crops of Bangladesh 2
SWE 407 Soil Pollution and Waste management 4
SWE 408 Climate change and Adaptation 2
SWE 409 Soils of Bangladesh 2
SWE 410 Soil Chemistry – II 2
SWE 411 Hydrology 2
SWE 412 Seminar 2
SWE 413 Practical 8
SWE 414 Viva-voce 2
Total Credit 38
Total Credits for 4 years 128

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 Detailed outline of the Courses
FIRST YEAR

SWE 101 Introductory Soil – I 2 Credit

Objective:
Introductory Soil – I (SWE 101) will provide the beginners an understanding of soil from both pedological
and edaphological approaches. The objective of the course is to introduce basic knowledge on formation,
composition, and properties of soil, so that students’ interest for studying this complex and dynamic system
will be developed.
Course contents:
Concepts of soils: Pedology and Edaphology; Foundation of Pedology; Soil as a heterogeneous and three
dimensional component of the landscape; Spatial variability of soils in relation to landscape.
Terminologies used in Pedology: Soil Series, Soil Family, Soil Phases, Soil Type, Mapping unit,
Taxonomic unit, Soil Association, Soil Consociation, Soil Complex, Landscape, Land type, Land form, Soil
colour, Profile, Horizon, Layer, Control section, Soil sequence, Pedon, Polypedon, Soil monolith.
Volume composition of soils.
Evolution and composition of the earth.
Rocks: Their formation, nature and classification
Minerals: Their formation, characteristics and classification; Silicate structure.
Weathering of rocks and minerals: Physical and Biogeochemical weathering process; Weathering
sequences and results.
Typical soil profile: Master horizons and their formation; Importance of soil profile study; Soil solum and
Regolith.
Factors of soil formation.
Fundamental processes of soil formation: Humification, Littering, Eluviation, Illuviation, Calcification,
Decalcification, Podzolization, Laterization, Gleization, Ferrugination, Ferrolysis, Salinization,
Desalinization, Alkalization, Dealkalization, Pedoturbation, Lessivage, etc.
Physical nature of the soil separates: Particle size distribution, texture and Soil textural classes, Soil
Structure: classification and importance; Soil consistence; Soil water: Importance, Forces of retention and
classification, Soil moisture constants; Soil air: composition and importance; Soil color: fundamental ideas
and importance. Soil temperature – importance and distribution.
Books recommended:
Brady, N.C. and R.R. Weil. 2007. The Nature and Properties of Soils. (14th ed.) Pearson Publ.
Bridges, E.M. 1997. World Soils. (3rd ed.) Cambridge Univ. Press.
Buol et al. 2005. Soil Genesis and Classification. Iowa State press, USA.
Jenny, H. 1980. The Soil Resource: Origin and Behavior. Springer-Verlag, New York Inc.
Sehgal, J. 2005. Pedology: Concepts and Applications. Kalayani Publishers, New Delhi, India.

SWE 102 Introductory Soil – II 2 Credit

Objective:
Introductory Soil – II (SWE 102) is designed to develop an understanding and knowledge of the basic
chemical and biological concepts in soil. This course will help Under Graduate students to acquire an
introductory idea about soil as a new subject.
Course contents:
Soil Chemistry and Soil Microbiology - An introduction to the course; Importance; Interrelationship with
other branches of Soil Science, Water and Atmospheric studies.

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Chemical Aspect of three phases of soil - interrelationship among the three phases of soil and the
importance of the phases of soil in relation to plant growth; Chemical nature and properties of soil
components; Essential and beneficial elements for plant growth.
Soil organic matter- sources and chemical constituents of soil organic matter. Organic compounds-
carbohydrates, protein, amino acids, nucleic acid, amino sugars, lignin, lipids, pectin, chitin, hormones, and
enzymes.
Soil air- chemical composition and variations of gaseous components. Impact of gaseous components on soil
properties and environmental pollution.
Soil solution - Structure and properties of water molecule; Chemical nature of ions; composition and
concentration of soil solution; importance.
Soil pH – pH scale; classification of soil on the basis of pH values; Buffer solution and buffering.
Soil organisms: Scope of Microbiology in relation to the study of soil, water and atmosphere sciences. Soil
Biota: Morphology, function and importance.
Soil as a source of energy and nutrients to the biota. Nutritional division; Temperature and oxygen
requirements; Cultivation of microorganisms.
Books recommended:
Brady, N.C. and R.R. Weil. 2002. The Nature and Properties of Soil. (13th ed.) Pearson Education,
Singapore.
Green et al. 1995. Biological science. (2nd ed.). Cambridge Univ. Press.
Killham, K. 1994. Soil Ecology. (1st ed.) Cambridge Univ. Press.
Pelczar et al. 1988. Microbiology. (5th ed.) Mc Graw-Hill Book Company.
Tan, K.M. 1993. Principles of Soil Chemistry. (2nd ed.) Marcel Dekker Inc. New York.

SWE 103 Introductory Environmental Science 2 Credit

Objective:
Introductory Environmental Science is an elementary level course, designed to introduce beginners the basic
concepts of Environmental Science. It aims to teach different segments of environment like Biosphere,
Biological resources, Lithosphere, Atmosphere, Hydrosphere, Pollutants and Pollution.
Course contents:
Basic concepts: Environmental Science; Major components of Environment; Ecology, Ecosystems and
Ecological community; Ecosystem – simplicity and adversity; Restoration ecology.
Biosphere: Biosphere, Biomes and biography; Bio-geochemical cycles and human interference.
Biological Resources: Evolution, adaptation, dispersal mechanisms; Biodiversity, fisheries, forests, human
population and demographic changes; Pest control; Genetic engineering.
Lithosphere: Soil fertility, fertilizers and Environment; Impacts of agriculture on environment;
Contemporary major environmental issues in the world; Greenhouse effects, Sea level.
Atmosphere: Composition and structure of the atmosphere; Weather and Climate; Climate change and
global warming.
Hydrosphere: Composition of fresh water, lake, pond, river and sea -waters.
Anthrosphere: Impacts of human activities on the segments of environment.
Pollutants and Pollution: Sources and types of pollutants; pollution of soil, air and water.
Books recommended:
Botkin, D. B. and E. A. Keller. 2012. Environmental Science- Earth as a living Planet. (8th ed.) John
Wiley and Sons, Inc.
Manahan, S. E. 2000. Environmental Chemistry.(7th ed.) Lewis Publishers.

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SWE 104 Introductory Water Science 2 Credit
Objective:
Introductory Water Science (SWE 104) aims to provide undergraduate students a basic understanding of
Water science from climate and hydrologic perspective. On completion of this course the participants will
be able to explain fundamentals of hydrologic cycles. Hydrologic parameters, ground water flow, recharge
and contamination, along with sanitation and human health will be discussed in this course.
Course contents:
Water Science: Hydrology and Climate. Various processes of hydrologic cycle.
Precipitation: Forms, Measurement, Mean precipitation of an area. Losses from precipitation-- Initial loss,
Evaporation, Evapotraspiration, Infiltration.
Catchment: Drainage basin, watershed divide, formation of streams, stream pattern, stream orders, drainage
density, drainage pattern, works of stream.
Runoff: Overland flow, surface runoff, factors, Stream flow-stage and velocity, discharge measurement,
rainfall-runoff relations. Ground water level.
Hydrograph: Factors, components, hydrograph separation, floods.
Ground water: Distribution of ground water, aquifers and their characteristics, geologic formation of
aquifers, porosity and permeability, movement of groundwater, extraction and recharge of groundwater.
Basic ideas on groundwater contamination, suction mode, force mode tubewells, sanitation and health.
Books recommended:
Ahmed, M.F. and M. M. Rahman. 2003. Water Supply and Sanitation- Rural and Low Income Urban
Communities. (2nd ed.) Progressive Printers Ltd. Bangladesh.
Davie, T. 2003. Fundamentals of Hygrology. (1st ed.) Routledge, London.
Raphael, V. and G. Kazmann. 2003. Modern Hydrology. (2nd ed.) Harper and Row, New York.
Reddi, P. J. R. A. 2001. Text Book of Hydrology. (2nd ed.) Laxmi Publ., India.
Todd, D. K. 2008. Ground Water Hydrology. (3rd ed.) John Willey & Sons.

SWE 105 Practical 4 Credit

(Forty percent (40%) of the total mark is allocated for class record and sixty percent (60%) for final
examination)
Course contents:
Study of two ideal soil profile in the field depending on soil catena. Determination of gravimetric water
content, bulk density, particle density of soil. Determination of' soil texture by feel method and by
Hydrometer method.
Basic chemical analysis: principles of acid-base titration and oxidation-reduction reactions; preparation of
standard solutions and standardization of unknown solutions; determination of soil pH; determination of
organic carbon and free carbonates. Handling of Microscope, Preparation of media, Simple staining,
Negative staining.
Determination of dissolved Oxygen, dissolved solids, suspended solids, turbidity and hardness of water.
Qualitative analysis of inorganic and organic ions.
Method of measuring river discharge. Measurement of fluctuations in “ground water level”. Determination
of uniformity co-efficient in a monitoring well site.
Books recommended:
Huq and Alam. 2005. A Handbook on Analyses of Soil, Plant and Water. SWED, Dhaka University.
Klute, A. 1986. Methods of Soil Analysis. Part I. (2nd ed.) Soil Sci. Soc. Am., Madisn, WI, USA.

SWE 106 Viva-voce 2 Credit

The viva-voce will be evaluated by the Examination committee. The student’s performance on the overall
courses will be assessed through oral examination.

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 Extra-Departmental courses

CM 100F Fundamentals of Chemistry 4 Credit

Objective:
Fundamental of Chemistry aims to provide undergraduate students of the department of Soil, water and
Environment a basic understanding of chemistry. The course content covers different chemical reactions and
processes.
Course contents:
• The structure of atom: the discovery of electron, proton and neutrons, cathode rays, radioactivity,
particle scattering, Rutherford model, fractional atomic masses; isotopes; mass spectroscopy,
spectrum of atomic hydrogen; Bohr model; dual nature of matter, wave nature of electrons; atomic
orbitals; electron configuration of atoms.
• Radioactivity and unclear reactions. Nuclear binding energy; fission and fusion reactions.
• Periodic classification of elements. Ionization potential, electro-negativity, electron affinity, atomic
radius, variation of properties along a period and down a group, diagonal relationship, representative
elements, transition elements, chemical properties of s-, p- and d-block elements.
• Chemical bonds: electronic theory, valence bond theory, molecular orbital theory, sigma- and
pi-bonds, c-c bonds, catenation, polar molecules, electro-negativity and electron affinity, hydrogen
bonding, shapes of molecules, VSEPR theory, hybridization.
• Oxidation and reduction, oxidation number, Analytical reagents.
• States of aggregation of matter, kinetic theory of matter, nature of heat, changes of state.
• The gaseous state: the gas laws, the perfect gas equation, the kinetic theory of gases, the distribution
of molecular velocities, intermolecular attraction, liquefaction of gases, the critical state, the critical
constants.
• Vapour pressure of liquids, temperature dependence mixtures of liquids, Raoult's law, fractional
distillation, solutions of non-volatile solids; celligative properties of solutions. Henry's law, Nernst
distribution law.
• Energy changes in chemical reactions, the first law of thermodynamics, the concept of internal
energy and enthalpy; measurement of enthalpy changes, enthalpy of formation, Hess’s law, lattice
enthalpy, Born-Haber cycle; spontaneous processes, concept of entropy.
• Chemical equilibrium, the equilibrium law, the equilibrium constant, homogeneous and
heterogeneous equilibrium, the principle of Le chatelier and Brown, the dependence of K on
temperature.
• Acids and bases, the Lewis concept, the Bronsted concept, strong and weak acids, acid-base
equilibrium in aqueous solutions, Ostwald dilution law, pH, buffer solutions, neutralization curves,
indicators for acid-base titrations.
• Electrolysis, galvanic cells, electrodes and electrode reactions, reduction potential, the
electrochemical series, the standard hydrogen electrode, measurement of pH.
• Rates of chemical reactions, order and molecularity, zero and 1st order reactions, half life, carbon
dating, temperature dependence of rates of reactions.
• The organic compounds and organic chemistry, hydrocarbons, aliphatic hydrocarbons, saturated and
unsaturated hydrocarbon, alkanes, alkenes and alkynes, the aromatic hydrocarbons, delocalization in
the benzene ring; nomenclature of organic compounds, the IUPAC system, Petroleum, natural gas,
refining of petroleum; petrochemicals.
• The concept of acids, bases, nucleophiles, electrophiles, carbocations, carbanions and free radicals.
• Reactions of alkanes, alkenes and alkynes; substitution and hydrogen abstraction reactions in
alkanes; hydrogenation, hydrohalogenation, ozonolysis of alkenes and alkynes, homolytic addition of
hydrogen halides; geometrical isomers.
• Functional groups, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, epoxides, amines, amides, typical reactions
of the functional groups.

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 • Some important reactions of aromatic compounds; substitution at the benzene ring, Friedel-Craft's
reaction; diazotizaion and coupling sulphonation and nitration.
• Organic macromolecules: polythenes; Teflon; plastic; resin; nylon; peptides, protein, cellulose and
starch.
Books recommended:
Ebbing, D. D. and S. D. Gammon. General Chemistry.

BOT 001 Diversities in Plant Kingdom and Plant Physiology 4 Credit

Objective:
This course aims to provide undergraduate students of the department of Soil, Water and Environment a
basic knowledge of Plant Kingdom and its classification; Plant Pathology; Plant Physiology and different
processes.

Theory Marks: 80

Diversities in Plant kingdom (Marks: 50)

• What is diversity? Plants through geological history; Plants of the past and present.
• Classification systems of Plant Kingdom.
• Major characteristic features of the major Plant Divisions.
• Morphology, ecology, distribution, adaptation and methods of reproduction of the following plant
groups:
• Prokaryotes, (b) Algae, (c) Fungi and Lichens, (d) Bryophytes, (e) Pteridophytes, (f) Gymnosperms,
(g) Angiosperms with typical examples from each group.
• Phytoplankton and benthic algae (freshwater to manure) and their importance.
• Importance of the microbes (biological and industrial)
• Plants and environments: Plant diversity in relation to environmental factors, e.g., light, temperature,
water, habitats, atmospheric gases, seasonal changes and natural catastrophe.
• Plant Pathology: Definition of disease in plants; causes of plant diseases; how do plant pathogens
cause disease in plants; kinds and amount of losses owing to plant diseases; Koch's postulates and use
of Koch's postulates in the diagnosis of plant diseases; plant disease control through cultural and
chemical methods; study of some common plant diseases caused by plant viruses (Tobacco mosaic
disease), bacteria (Bacterial blight of rice) and fungi (Late blight of potato, Powdery mildew of
cucurbits, Stem rust of wheat).
Plant Physiology (Marks: 30)
• Mineral nutrition of plants: Role and deficiency, symptoms of essential elements.
• Photosynthesis: (a) The light reaction phase - transformation of light energy into chemical energy in
plastids (b) The chemical reaction phase; Different kinds of chemical reactions: C3, C4 and CAM
pathways (c) The importance of photosynthesis for the existence of the biological world.
• Respiration: Mechanism of aerobic and anaerobic respiration, Glycolysis, Kreb's Cycle and
electron Transport System (with structural formula and enzymes involved), Fermentation,
• Nitrogen Metabolism: (a) The nitrogen fixation - the physical and biological nitrogen fixation, (b)
The nitrogen cycle.
• Plant growth regulating substances: Classification, examples and physiological effects; importance
of' growth regulators in the growth and development of plants and plant parts.
• Physiology of flowering: (a) Photoperiodism: role of phytochrome, light and dark periods
(b) Vernalization: role of low temperature with special reference to winter Wheat.

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Practical: Marks: 20

Diversifies in Plant Kingdom

• At the beginning all the students should be taken outside the department to study the plants in nature
(algae to Angiosperms) within/around the Curzon Hall Campus. They will see plants adapted to
different habitats and identify herbs, shrubs, trees, climbers, epiphytes, sub-aerial, terrestrial, aquatic
plants, etc. in the laboratory to see what organisms are present.
• Study of phytoplankton (both fresh water and marine) at least one or two examples from
Cyanoptyceae, Volvocales, chlorococcales, Desmidiales, Diatoms, Euglenales and dinoflagellates
• Study of algae: Aquatic - Ulothrin, Oedogonium, Cladophora, Stigeoclonium, Chara/Nitella,
Sargassum, Polysiphonia. Terrestrial - Fritschiella, Vaucheria/Botrydium, Nostoc. Subacrial -
Trentipohila, Scytonema.
• Study of fungi: Synchyrium, Saprolegania/ Achlya, Saccharaomyces, Penicillium, Aspergillus,
Ascobolus, Agaricus/Lepiotd, Ganodermal/ Polyporus
• Study of lichens: Crustose, foliose and fruticose types.
• Study of hepatics: Riccia, Marchantia, Anthoceros (habit, details of thallus and sex organs).
• Study of ferns: habit and details of the gametophytes (male and female) and sporophytes
• Study of ferns: a typical fern plant with sori and. Its protanllus with sex organs and an aquatic fern.
• Study of non-fern ptendopytes: Equisetum, Sclaginella, Mersilea and Isoetes
• Study of Gymnosperms: Cycas, Pinus and Gnetum with cones (I.S.).
• Study of angiosperms: (a) Herbs, shrubs, trees, climbers, epiphytes, sciophytes, heliophytes; (b)
differences between dicot and monocot leaves and flowers; stems and leaves; (c) study of the
families poaceae (Gramineae), Orchidaceae, Nymphaceae, Leguminosae and Compositae.
• Study of plant diseases covered in the theory course and fungi causing damage to food stuff, leather,
and cotton fabrics.
• To demonstrate the culturing of fungi and preparation of Bordeaux mixture.
Plant Physiology
• Experiment to demonstrate the effect of different' intensities of light on the rate of photosynthesis.
• Experiment to demonstrate that starch grains are formed on the chlorophyllous portion of a leaf by
using Cassava leaf.
• Experiment of prove light and CO2 are essential for photosynthesis.
• Transverse sections of C3 and C4 plant leaves to identify Kraz Anatomy of C4 plant leaves.
• Experiment to demonstrate presence of nodules in the roots of leguminous plant; section and
maceration of nodules, and to observe nodule forming bacteria and bacteroids.
• Experiment to demonstrate rise in temperature during respiration using germinating seeds and young
flower buds.
• Experiment with germinating seeds to show evaluation of CO2 during respiration.
• Experiment to show apical dominance due to auxins, and removal of the same triggering axillary
shoot growth using Colens & Tageuan plants.
• Experiment to show increase of intemodal length through application of gibberellie acid and
suppression of the same by trilodo benzoic acid and Cycocel;
• Experiment to demonstrate the herbicidal effect of 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid on dicotyledonus
and monocotyledonous plants;
• Experiment to observe short day, long day and, day neutral plants at different seasons and to record
the name of plants.
• Experiment to observe the effect of break of dark period on flowering of short day plants.
• Experiment to observe simple starch, compound starch and inulin.

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GLT 101 Geology 2 Credit
Objective:
This course aims to provide undergraduate students of the department of Soil, Water and Environment a
basic concept of Geology, and to provide first hand knowledge on rocks and minerals.
Course contents:
Concepts of Geology: The Earth - its internal structure and composition; geological processes, external and
internal geological time scale and evolution of life from fossil record. A brief introduction to palaeontology.
Mineralogy: Study of the physical properties, chemistry and classification of common rock forming and ore
minerals.
Petrology: Study of the origin, mode of occurrence, texture, structure, composition and classification of
igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks with emphasis on the rock types of Bangladesh.

GLP 102 Petrology & Mineralogy Lab 2 Credit

Course contents:
Study of common rock forming and ore minerals in land specimen. Study of common igneous, sedimentary
and metamorphic rocks in hand specimen.

SECOND YEAR

SWE 201 Soil Mineralogy and Soil Colloids 2 Credit

Objective:
SWE 201 (Soil Mineralogy and Soil Colloids) is designed to provide students the knowledge and
understanding on the composition and classification of rocks and minerals, and genesis, classification,
structure, importance, etc. of layer silicates. The objective also includes knowledge development on the
classification, preparation, purification and properties of colloids.
Course contents:
Rocks and minerals: Kinds of rocks; essential and accessory minerals; primary and secondary minerals;
silicate and non-silicate minerals; stability of minerals; time sequence of mineral occurrence; common
minerals in different size fractions of soils.
Clay minerals: General properties; classification; structure; genesis; sources of charges; identification; oxide
and hydroxide minerals in soils; factors affecting types of clay minerals; amorphous materials in soils;
distribution of clay minerals in major soil groups of the world and major soils of Bangladesh.
General study of colloids: Characteristics of coarse dispersion, colloidal system and solution; classification
of colloidal systems; preparation and purification of sols; optical & kinetic properties of sols; structure of
colloidal systems - electrical double-layer and triple-layer theory; Donnan's theory of membrane equilibrium;
surface behaviour of colloids; adsorption-desorption phenomenon; adsorption capacities of various soil
components; different adsorption equations.
Books recommended:
Bahl et al. 2009. Essentials of Physical Chemistry. S. Chand & Company Ltd.
Bohn et al. 2001. Soil Chemistry. (2nd ed.) Wiley.
Brady, N.C. and R.R. Weil. 2002. The Nature and Properties of Soil. (13th ed.) Pearson Education,
Singapore.
Sehgal, J. 2014. A Textbook of Pedology: Concepts and Applications. (2nd ed.) Kalyani.
Tan, K. H. 1993. Principles of Soil Chemistry. (2nd ed.) Marcel Dekker, Inc.

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SWE 202 Soil Physics 4 Credit
Objective:
SWE 202 (Soil Physics) is intended to provide Under Graduate students of the department with the
theoretical basis for understanding physical and hydrological properties of soils. This course focuses on
solid, liquid, and gaseous phases of soil. In addition, Soil temperature and Soil colour will also be discussed.
After the completion of the course, students will gain a comprehensive knowledge on physical properties of
soil, coupled with soil-water movement under saturated condition.
Course contents:
Soil Physics in Perspective: Definition of Soil Physics, History of Soil Physics; Soil Physical properties.
Phases of soil: Soil – a three phase disperse system; Description of the three phases; Mass and volume
relations of soil constituents.
The Solid Phase:
Texture- Definition, Primary particles, Specific surface of soil particles, Particle size analysis and expression
of results, Derivation of Sedimentation equation (Stokes’ law), assumptions and limitations of Stokes’ law,
Determination of Textural class of a soil.
Structure – Definition, classification, and agricultural significance of soil structure; Genesis, Evaluation and
management of soil structure.
Soil Consistence – Definition, Classification, Atterberg’s constants and their practical significance.
Soil Compaction – Occurrence of soil compaction in agricultural fields, Consequences of soil compaction,
Control of soil compaction.
The Liquid Phase:
Molecular properties of water- Structure, H-bonding, States of water.
Fluid properties of water – Surface tension, Capillarity, Viscosity, Density, Derivation of capillary rise
equation.
Soil water contents – Definition and measurements.
Energy state of water in soil – Soil water potential- definition, components, measurement.
Water retention in soil – Water release curve, hysteresis.
Water movement in soil – Saturated flow, Darcy’s law, Poiseuille’s equation, Water flux through a uniform
homogeneous soil profile, Flux through a layered soil profile, Hydraulic conductivity, Determination of
saturated hydraulic conductivity in the laboratory.
The Gaseous Phase: Composition of soil air and atmospheric air, Aeration, Mechanisms of soil gas
exchange, Measurement of Soil aeration.
Soil Temperature: Introduction, Temperature based classification in the Soil Taxonomy, Heat capacity,
Thermal conductivity, Thermal diffusivity, Factors affecting soil temperature.
Soil Colour: Causes and significance of soil color, Munsell’s Colour Chart.
Books recommended:
Baver et al. 1972. Soil Physics. Jhon Wiley & Sons Inc. NY, USA.
Baver, L. D. 1956. Soil Physics. (3rd ed.) Jhon Wiley & Sons Inc. NY, USA.
Hillel, D. 1998. Environmental Soil Physics. Academic Press. London, UK
Kohnke, H. 1979. Soil Physics. Tata McGraw-Hill Publishing Company Ltd., New Delhi, Indai.
Scott, H. D. 2000. Soil Physics: Agricultural and Environmental Applications. C State Univ. Press,
Ames, Iowa, USA.

SWE 203 General Microbiology 2 Credit

Objective:
General Microbiology (SWE-203) aims to deal with five major groups of microorganisms-viruses, bacteria,
fungi, algae and protozoa. The scope of microbiology covers all aspects of microbial life and it extends to
both eukaryotic as well as prokaryotic microbes. This course is concerned with different aspects of microbes

12
including their form, structure, reproduction, physiology, metabolism including enzymes involved,
classification, fermentation, protein synthesis, and most importantly their economic importance.
Course contents:
Historical development of Microbiology.
Protist concept: Differentiation between the eukaryotic and prokaryotic protists; Whittaker’s Five Kingdom
concept; General characteristics of bacteria, fungi and algae: their classification, morphology, growth and
reproduction; Factors affecting the growth and abundance of various microorganisms in soil and
environment; Importance of microorganisms in agriculture, industry and medicine; Protozoa: their habitat,
distribution in the nature, subdivisions, mode of reproductions and importance.
Microbial metabolism of carbohydrates and protein synthesis with reference to enzymes involved;
Oxidative and fermentation pathways; Soil as a source of energy and nutrients for the biota - minerals,
organic matter and living biomass; Enzymes: types, mode of action, Km, factors affecting enzyme activities;
Principles, types and functions of microscope.
Books recommended:
Alexander, M. 1977. Introduction to soil microbiology. (2nd ed.) Wiley, USA.
Kathleen, P. T. and B. Chess. 2014. Foundations in Microbiology. (9th ed.) McGraw-Hill Book Co.
Singapore.
Pelczaret al. 1988. Microbiology. (5th ed.) McGraw-Hill Book Co., Singapore.
Pommervilleet al. 2011. Alcamo's Fundamentals of Microbiology. (7th ed.) Jones and Bartlett
Publishers, USA.

SWE 204 Calculus 2 Credit

Objective:
The objective of this course is to familiarize the students with differentiation and integration methods so that
they will be able to understand and handle models and equations used in different courses on Soil, Water
and Environment better.
Course contents:
Differential Calculus:
Relations and Functions, Domain and range of functions, Graphs of functions, Even and Odd functions.
Limit, Continuity and Differentiability of Functions. Various Techniques of differentiation, Chain Rule,
logarithmic, Implicit and Parametric Differentiation. Rule’s theorem, Mean-value theorem and Taylor’s
theorem. Applications of Differential Calculus: Maxima and Minima of Functions, Applied Maxima and
Minima Problems.
Integral Calculus:
Anti Derivatives, Indefinite Integrals; Integration by substitution, Standard integrations, Integration by parts,
Integration of rational and Trigonometric functions. Definite Integrals: Elementary definite integrals,
Properties of definite integrals, Standard formulas for definite integrals, Gamma and Beta functions.
Applications of integral Calculus: Arc length, Area and Volume by definite integrals.

Books recommended:

Anton et al. 2015. Calculus (Early Transcendental). (10th ed.) Johns Wiley and Sons, Inc.
Matin, A. and B. Chakrabarty. 2012. Differential Calculus. (6th ed.) Standard Book Mart
Matin, A. and B. Chakrabarty. 2012. Integral Calculus. (6th ed.) Standard Book Mart

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SWE 205 Biostatistics 2 Credit
Objective:
This course is designed to acquaint the students with the statistical theories and methods and its application
in biological sciences and agriculture which will enable them to understand the concept involved in data
presentation, analysis and interpretation. The content would ultimately prepare the students to handle
research data for appropriate statistical analysis and interpretation.
Course Contents:
Introductory Statistics: Definition, Characteristics and Importance. Data Collection, Classification and
Summarization. Tabular and Graphical representation of Data. Stem and Leaf Diagram, Frequency
distribution –Ungrouped and Grouped, Frequency Polygon and Ogive.
Summary Measures: Measures of Central Tendency –Mean, Median and Mode and their Empirical
Relations. Quantiles, Box Plot. Absolute and Relative Measures of Dispersion –Mean Deviation, Standard
Deviation and Co-efficient of Variation. Standard Error of the Mean. Normal Distribution and Skewness.
Probability and Sampling: Concept of Probability Measures, Probability Rules –Addition and
Multiplication Law. Population and Sampling, Sample size, Sample Design, Errors in Sample Survey,
Probability and Purposive Sampling –Techniques, advantages and limitations.
Relationship between Variables: Simple Correlation Analysis, their Testing and Interpretation. Multiple
and Partial Correlation Coefficient. Regression Analysis –Simple Linear and Multiple Regression Model,
Scatter Diagram, Regression Equation. Coefficient of Determination.
Test of Hypothesis: Null and Alternative Hypotheses, Student’s t-Test, Chi-Square Test, F-Test, Tukey’s
test, Confidence Limit, ANOVA and Test of Significance.
Experimental Design: Basic Concepts and Principles, Field Plot Technique, Completely Randomised
Design, Randomised Block Design and Latin Square Design –their Field Lay-out, Analysis of Variance and
Significance Test.
Use of different Statistical Packages for Experimental Data Analysis.

Books Recommended:
Gomez, K. A. and A. A. Gomez. 1984. Statistical Procedures for Agricultural Research. John Wiley
and Sons, Inc.
Mahajan, B. K. 2010. Methods in Biostatistics. (7th ed.) Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers.
Mian, M. A. and A. M. Miyan. 2011. An Introduction to Statistics (5th ed.) Ideal Books, Dhaka.
Rangaswamy, R. 1995. A text book of Agricultural Statistics. New Age International.
Zaman et al. 1982. Simple Lessons from Biometry. Bangladesh Rice Res. Ins. Joydebpur.

SWE 206 Plant Biochemistry 2 Credit

Objective:
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to describe the structure and chemical
and physical properties of amino acids, sugars, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids; explain the relationship
between structure and function of macromolecules including proteins, enzymes, and carbohydrates; explain
how light energy is captured and converted to chemical forms of energy to power functions of cells and
whole plants; explain the principles of enzyme kinetics and how enzyme properties contribute to metabolic
processes; and to explain molecular biochemistry of stress tolerance mechanism in plants.
Course Contents:
Protein: Amino acids-classification, function, amino acid activating enzymes; Peptides, Protein biosynthesis
in plants; Tertiary and Quaternary protein structure (ex: rubisco).
Nucleic acid: Nucleic acid-classification, functions, synthesis of nucleotides, replication of DNA, RNA
characteristics and functions.
Enzymes: Enzymes-definition, classification, characteristics, mode of action, Michaelis–Menten kinetics,
basics of protein-ligand interaction, Plant hormone-structure, function.
Energy flow: light reaction of photosynthesis-pigments, photosystem, ATP synthesis; photosynthetic C
assimilation-Calvin cycle, C3, C4, CAM pathways, photo-respiration, glycolysis.

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Carbohydrate: Carbohydrate- structure, classification, synthesis and breakdown of sucrose & starch.
Biochemistry of stress tolerance: drought, salinity, heat stress and their tolerance mechanism in plant.
Books Recommended:
Heldt, H-W. 2011. Plant Biochemistry. 4th Edition. Elsevier Academic Press.
Buchanan et al. 2000. Biochemistry and molecular Biology of plants. John Wiley and Sons.

SWE 207 Practical 4 Credit

(Forty percent (40%) of the total mark is allocated for class record and sixty percent (60%) for final
examination)
Identification of soil forming minerals; Separation of clay fraction from soil; identification of clay minerals
by CEC method; Experimental verification of Fruendlich's adsorption equation.
Collection and storing of soil samples for studying physical properties; Detailed particle size analysis of soil
by combination of hydrometer and sieving methods, and presentation of data by particle size distribution
curve; Determination of liquid limit and plastic limit.
Microscope; Microbiological tools and techniques; preparation of media, cultivation of bacteria, simple and
negative staining techniques used in microbiology; Isolation of bacteria and fungi from soil; Purification and
preservation of culture; Gram staining; Motility test of bacteria; and morphology of bacterial colony.
Statistical Data Analysis for the Measurement of Central Tendency, Dispersion, Correlation, Regression,
Analysis of Variance and Experimental Design and Interpretation of Results. Use of Modern Statistical
Softwares in Experimental Data Analysis.
Books Recommended:
Klute, A. 1986. Methods of Soil Analysis. Part 1. (2nd ed.) Soil Sci. Soc. Am., Madisn, WI, USA.
Page et al. 1982. Methods of Soil Analysis. Part 2. (2nd ed.) Soil Sci. Soc. Am., Madisn, WI, USA.

SWE 208 Viva-voce 2 Credit

The viva-voce will be evaluated by the Examination committee. Student’s performance on the overall
courses will be assessed through oral examination.

Extra-Departmental Courses

FC 2 Functional and Communicative English 2 Credit

Objective:
The objective of this course is to increase oral and writing skills of the students. After successful completion
of this course the participants will be able to answer test questions of their major subjects with less
grammatical mistakes. Since the medium of instruction in the Department of Soil, Water and Environment is
English, this course will help the students to follow the class lectures better.
Course Contents:
Reading: Reading passages would include extracts from different genres – academic articles, business
correspondence, biographies, newspaper reports, editorials, short stories, interviews, travel writings, etc.
Students will identify the discourse patterns and different features of the given genre. Students will learn to
read for different purposes. As well as learning to skim and scan for obtaining information they will learn to
read critically to identify the writer’s stance, point of view, attitude, etc. Through reading, they will develop
awareness of the context in interpreting the text and then exploit this knowledge in their own writing.
Writing:
Paragraphs: Narrative, descriptive, compare and contrast, classification, cause and effect, definition, etc.
Essays: Arguments, Expository, Narrative, Biographies, etc.

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Business Correspondence: Job application, CV, Joining letter, Resignation letter, Leave of Absence, Memos,
Reports, etc.
Grammar:
Active and passive voice, direct and indirect speech, modal auxiliaries, conditional sentences, prepositions,
conjunctions, Wh questions, Yes-No questions, tense, error correction, joining sentences and transformation
of sentences.
Listening and Speaking:
Oral presentations in groups: Students will select topics for presentation in consultation with the course
teacher.
Pronunciation: Students will be made familiar with the IPA so that they can use the dictionary as a guide for
pronunciation.
Listening would involve understanding class lectures delivered in English. Students would be encouraged to
listen to the BBC world service, read English news papers, and watch English news channels.

CM 241H Chemistry of the Elements 2 Credit

Course Contents:
Chemistry of the representative elements: Chemistry of alkali and alkaline earth metals; chemistry of
representative elements of Gr 3A-7A with particular reference to B and Al, C and Si, N and P, O and S and
the chemistry of the halogens.
Metallurgy of some selected elements: Occurrence and extraction of Mg, Al, Cr, Fe, Ni, Cu, Au, Zn, Sn
and Pb.
The First Transition series and the Lanthanides: The metals and their oxidation states; aqueous
chemistry; chemistry of oxides and halides; the lanthanides and actinides - their general features, oxidation
states occurrence and isolation; oxides and hydroxides; aquo ions and oxo salts.
Coordination chemistry: synthesis of coordination compounds; nomenclature and structures of complex
compounds; Werner's primary and secondary valency concepts; Sidwick's electronic concept; valency bond
theory; stability of coordination compounds; isomerism in coordination compounds; coordination
compounds in biological systems.
Inert gases: occurrence, isolation and application; chemistry of xenon, other noble gases.
Elements of radiochemistry: discovery of radioactivity; concept of half life and mean life of radioelements;
radioactive decay; isotopes and their uses; artificial radioactivity and nuclear reactions; nuclear reactors -
principles and uses.

CMGL 101H General Chemistry Laboratory 2 Credit

• Course Contents:
• Preliminary investigation action of heat on-selected inorganic compounds such as NH4Cl,
NaNO2, NaNO3, Pb(NO3)2, Zn-salts, metal carbonates, halides, sulphides, sulphites; action of
dilute and concentrated sulphuric acid on inorganic compounds and action of acids in presence of
Cu turnings and MnO2; action of sodium hydroxide; flame colouration and borax bead reactions.
• The identification of acid radicals (anions) in solution.
• The identification of metal ions (cations) in solution; the analytical classification of the metal
ions; analysis of the silver group (Group I), copper group (Group IIA); test for interfering radicals
such as phosphates, borates and their removal; analysis of the iron group (Group IIIA), zinc group
(Group IIIB), calcium group (Group IV), and the alkali group.
• Standardization of a given HC1 solution with standard Na2CO3 solution and determination of
sodium carbonate and sodium hydrogen carbonate in a sample of washing soda.
• Standardization of given thiosulphate solution with K2Cr2O7 solution and determination of copper
content of a supplied solution.
• Preparation of Mohr’s salt and determination of its content by titration against standard K2Cr2O7
• Determination of the enthalpy of neutralization of an acid calorimetrically.
• Determination of the partition coefficient of I2 between water and CH2Cl2.

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 • Investigation of the effect of reactant concentration on the rate of a chemical reaction.
• Investigation of the effect of temperature on the rate of a chemical reaction.
• Construction of a chemical cell and measurement of its e.m.f. and determination of the redox
potential of an electrode.
• Investigation of the variation of conductance of a weak electrolyte with concentration.
• Determination of the molar mass of a volatile liquid by the Duma's method.
• Purification of a given organic compound by recrystallization/distillation and termination of its
m.p/b.p and refractive index.
• Determination of the presence of nitrogen, halogen and sulphur in organic compounds.
• Identification of the functional groups in organic compound (unsaturation; alcohol; phenol;
carbonyl; aldehydde, ketone; carboylic acid; aromatic amine and nitro-groups).
• Preparation of organic compound using substitution elimination and oxidation reactions.

GMT 201 Introduction to Geography and Environment 2 Credit

Course contents:
• Introduction to Physical Geography and Environmental Science
Physical Geography
Its relation to Environmental Science
• The Earth's crust and Lithosphere
Composition of Earth’s crust (Sial, Sima, Rocks and Minerals).
• Earth Movement and Geomorphic processes
Changes in the crust: exogenic and endogenic; aggradational and degradational
Earth quakes and volcanism.
• Factors and Elements of Climate
Factors: altitude, latitude, vegetation, ocean, land, etc.
Elements: rainfall, temperature, humidity, pressure etc.
• Vegetation Types and Distribution
• Human Geography and Human Environment: scope and subject matter.
• Population: Factors and Distribution
• Economic Activities: Classification
Primary activities
Secondary activities
Tertiary activities.
• Settlement
Types (urban and rural) and characteristics.

GML 202 Fundamentals of GIS 2 Credit

Objective:
Fundamentals of GIS (GML 202) is designed to be an introductory Under Graduate course to emphasize the
understanding of GIS theory, technology, and applications. It will focus on teaching students the principles
and operations of GIS, GPS and RS. After the completion of this course students would be able to use these
technologies with a multi-disciplinary approach.

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Course contents:
GIS: Definition of GIS; components of a GIS; Importance of GIS; GIS hardware and software, purpose of
GIS; basic concept of GIS; GIS in planning and Management; Major functions of GIS; How does GIS
works; GIS and LIS.
Datasets and data models: Data and data processing, primary data and secondary data; importance of data
quality in GIS; possible sources of errors in datasets and remedies; metadata; spatial data and non-spatial
data; GIS- a layer based approach; AEZ in the GIS data layers; raster and vector GIS; advantages and
disadvantages of raster and vector GIS; importance of topology; grid and pixels.
Maps: Ideas on base maps and thematic maps; purpose of a map and map scale; map features and map
characteristics; map projections: importance of map projection, kinds of map projection, advantages and
limitations of map projection, map projection used in Bangladesh; mapping agencies and sources of map
resources in Bangladesh; cartography, digital cartography and manual cartography; contour map, spot height,
soil map, land use map etc.
GIS applications: GIS activities in Bangladesh; GIS applications areas regarding soil, water and
environment related issues.
GPS: Define GPS; why GPS is needed in present days; Components of GPS; sources of errors in GPS; uses
or application areas of GPS; relationships between GPS and GIS.
Precision farming: Definition, basic concepts of precision farming; precision farming in the developed
countries; why precision farming is needed specifically for Bangladesh; Role of GPS-GIS technologies in
precision farming;
Remote Sensing: definition, principles of remote sensing (RS), components of RS systems, advantages of
RS, application areas of RS, Relationship between RS, GIS and GPS. Remote Sensing related organizations
like SPARRSO, ICIMOD, etc.

Books recommended:
Demers, M. N. Fundamentals of GIS, 2000. John Wiley and Sons Inc. Singapore.
Star, J. and John Estes. 1990. An introduction of GIS. Prentice Hall Inc. New Jersey.
Understanding GIS.1990-1995. Environmental Systems Res. Inst., USA.

THIRD YEAR

SWE 301 Pedology 4 Credit

Objective:
The aim of this course is to study the soils of the world as they occur in their natural environment. At the end
of this course, students should be able to have a basic understanding of how soils form and the patterns in
which they occur on landscapes; to investigate morphogenetic properties of soils in the field; and to have a
working knowledge of Soil Taxonomy.
Course contents:
Scope of pedology; pedological and edaphological concepts and approaches in the study of soils; concept of
soil in natural and anthropic system.
Concepts of soil development; chemistry of soil development; genetic soil horizons and soil profiles; pedon
as a soil individual; master and diagnostic horizons in soils.
Weathering: types and factors of weathering; Geochemical and pedochemical weathering processes; stability
indices and weathering sequences of minerals; weathering and soil formation.
Factors and processes of soil formation: climate, parent material, relief, organism, time; detailed study of the
factors of soil formation. biogeochemical processes in soil formation; specific soil forming processes; soil-
landscape relationships and catenary sequence.

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Geographical distribution of major soils on the earth’s surface; zonality concepts of soils; study of the orders
of soil taxonomy-their environmental settings, genetic processes, properties and use potentials; classification
of soil orders up to suborder level.

Books recommended:
Buo et al. 2005. Soil Genesis and Classification. Iowa State Press, USA.
FAO. 2006. Guidelines for Soil Description (4th ed.). FAO, Rome.
Jenny, H. 1941. Factors of Soil Formation. McGraw Hill Book Co., New York.
Jenny, H. 1980. The Soil Resource: Origin and Behavior. Springer-Verlag, New York Inc.
Sehga, J. 2005. Pedology-Concepts and Applications. Kalayani Publishers, New Delhi, India.

SWE 302 Soil Chemistry – I 4 Credit

Objective:
Soil Chemistry – I (SWE 302) is designed to provide information about the chemical processes which are
continuously going on in soil in relation to plant growth, soil genesis and environmental aspects. This is one
of the basic courses in relation to the study of soil, water and environmental sciences.
Course contents:
Concept of Soil Chemistry: Scope of Soil Chemistry. Soil inorganic colloids – properties and importance
Soil Organic matter: Composition and source. Humus – Chemical composition; classification and
properties; theories of humus formation; Extraction and fractionation. Importance of organic matter on soil
properties and in relation to pollution.
Liquid phase: Dynamic equilibrium of soil solution with solid and gaseous phases. Factors affecting the
composition and concentration of soil solution. Solubility and movement of salts in soil and factors affecting
salt movement. Importance of soil solution on soil development and plant growth.
Ion exchange reactions in soils: Cation, anion and ligand exchange; origin of ion exchange properties;
Qualitative aspects of cation exchange; Ion exchange reactions; ion exchange capacities of various soil
components; factors influencing ion exchange phenomenon; Importance of ion exchange in soils.
Soil reaction: Types of acidities in soil. Soil acidification- sources of hydrogen ion in soil; Soil alkalization
–sources of hydroxyl ion in soil. Importance of pH on soil properties and plant growth.
Chemistry of soil amendments: Buffer components of soil and mechanism of buffering; amelioration of
soil acidity and alkalinity ; liming materials –their reactions in soil; determination of lime requirement and
factors controlling the liming program; Acid forming materials- sulphur and sulphate containing materials,
their reactions in soil and factors controlling the acidification programme.
Plant nutrients- forms and labile pool of plant nutrients in soil. Availability of plant nutrients. Nutrient
fixation mechanisms and factors controlling the non-biological fixation of N, P and K in soil. Sulphate
retention by soil. Nutrient buffering capacity of soil – mechanism and importance; quantity-intensity
relationship. Fractionation of N,P,K,S, and micronutrients.
Transformations of N, P, K, S and micronutrients in soil under varied conditions.
Organo-mineral associations - types and mechanisms of formation. Significance of organo-mineral
associations on soil properties and environment.
Books recommended:
Bear, F. E. 1965. Chemistry of the Soil. (2nd ed.) Oxford and IBH Publishing Company.
Bohn et al. 1979. Soil Chemistry. (1st ed.) John Wiley and Sons.
Brady, N.C. and R.R. Weil. 2002. The Nature and Properties of Soil. (13th ed.) Pearson Education,
Singapore.
Stevensen, F. J. 1986. Cycles of Soil. (1st ed.) John Wiley and Sons.

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SWE 303 Soil Biochemistry 2 Credit
Objective:
Soil Biochemistry (SWE 303) aims to teach Biochemical processes involved in the soil. Emphasis will be
given on organic matter decomposition, microbial breakdown of protein, amino acid and nucleic acids in
soil.
Course contents:
Notion about the microorganisms and their role in soil and environmental quality. Problems related to their
in vitro studies. Microbial metabolism—catabolic and anabolic reactions. Biochemical pathway of energy
production ,generation of ATP. The relationship between anabolism, catabolism and ATP.
Soil as a catalytic system – General principles of catalysis. Biotic and abiotic reactions – Hydrolysis,
oxidation-reduction, formation of free radicals, condensation and polymerization, phototransformation.
Catalysis in soil – Enzymes as catalysts in soil. Extracellular, intracellular, Constitutive and Inducible
enzymes. Factors influencing enzyme activities in soil – pH effects, resistance to proteolysis and thermal
denaturation, Activation energy and temperature coefficient. Effects of salinity, trace elements, pesticides,
addition of fertilizers, organic amendments.
Major organic polymers from plant, microbial and animal residues in soil. Functional classification of
enzymatic activities in soil. Properties of soil enzymes. Classification of soil enzymes (by location and
function). Methods of identifying soil enzymes. Humus-enzyme complexes, clay-enzyme complexes.
Transformation reactions involving both natural and xenobiotic organic compounds in soil.
Decomposition of organic matter and release of nutrients. Soil respiration.
Chemistry, existence, and properties in brief of cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignin, starch, pectin, chitin, gums,
polyphenols and amino sugars and their bio-degradation in soil. Factors affecting their decomposition in soil.
Impact of C/N ratio on decomposition.
Microbial breakdown of protein, amino acids, nucleic acids in soil and release of ammonium and nitrate.
Fate of ammonium and nitrate in soil. Ammonia volatilization, denitrification and nitrate pollution and their
impact on soil, water and environment as well as on the economy of N-fertilization.
Biological oxidation, priming action, catabolic repression, fermentation and putrefaction, soil reducing
power, mineralization, humification and dehumification.
Biodegradation of pesticides.
Books recommended:
Alexander, M. 1977. Introduction to soil microbiology. (2nd ed.) Wiley, USA.
Brady, N.C. and R.R. Weil. 2002. The Nature and Properties of Soil. (13th ed.) Pearson Education,
Singapore.
McLaren, A. D. and G.H. Peterson. Soil Biochemistry No. 1 & 2.
Rao, N. S. S. Soil Microorganisms and Plant Growth.
Stevensen, F. J. 1986. Cycles of Soil. (1st ed.) John Wiley and Sons.
Stevensen, F. J. Nitrogen in Agricultural Soil.

SWE 304 Soil Microbiology 2 Credit

Objective:
This course aims to guide the students to gain knowledge on microbes living in the environment, specifically
in the soil. It deals with different processes where microorganisms play vital and active role.
Course contents:
Application of microbiology in various fields including soil.
Microorganisms in their natural environment; soil as a medium for microbial growth; soil microbial
communities; Rhizosphere - its effects on microorganisms and plant growth.

20
Microorganisms and environmental stress - various extreme environments; microbial communities and their
adoptions.
Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF): microbiology and bio-chemistry of nitrogen fixation; nitrogen fixation
under different environmental conditions; preparation and use of inoculums; adaptation and success of bio-
fertilizers; impact of bio-fertilizer on agriculture; measurement of RNF.
Mycorrhiza: definition and classification of mycorrhiza; role of ecto-and endo-micorrhiza in crop production.
Azolla-Anabena symbiosis - its physiology and use in tropical agriculture; role of microorganisms in soil
fertility and plant growth.
Books recommended:
Bergersen, F. J. Methods for Evaluating Biological Nitrogen Fixation. Jhon Willy & Sons.
Rahman et al. Biological Nitrogen Fixation associated with Rice Production. Kluver Acad. Pub.
Rao, N. S. S. Soil Microbiology. Oxford & Ibh Publishing Co. Pvt Ltd.
Stanier, R. Y. General Microbiology. The Macmillan Press Ltd.
Stewart, W D P. Nitrogen Fixation in Plants. The Athlone Press.
Van Elsas et al. Modern Soil Microbiology. Marcel Dekker,Inc.
Vincent, J.M. Nitrogen Fixation in Legumes. Academic Press.

SWE 305 Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition 4 Credit

Objective:
This course aims to guide the students to gain knowledge and tackle problems on i) recent advances in soil
fertility and plant nutrition, ii) nutrient uptake and physiological roles of plant nutrients, iii) fertilizer needs
and methods of application, and nutrient interactions, iv), plant growth and growth responses, and
mathematical models, v) Soil resilience, fertilizers and environment, organic and modern farming, and
nutrient status of Bangladesh soils.

Course contents:
Past and recent advances in the field of soil fertility and plant nutrition; factors affecting plant growth and
development.
Plant nutrient elements: Essentiality of nutrient elements; categories of nutrients; mechanisms of nutrient
uptake in plants; physiological roles of various plant nutrient elements
Fertilizer materials: Sources and manufacture of major fertilizer materials; single, compound and mixed
fertilizer; fertilizer grades, and fertilizer ratios; fertilizer law; organic fertilizer and bio-fertilizers
Diagnosis of fertilizer needs: Different approaches to diagnosis; visual symptoms; soil and plant analysis,
biological methods and laboratory; greenhouse and field experimentation.
Nutrient interactions: Antagonistic-synergistic activity; response of crops to fertilizer application; various
equations and curves; calculation of fertilizer needs of soil.
Methods of fertilizer application: Reasons and rationale of various methods; fertilizer movement in soil;
fate of added nutrient in soil; residual effects of fertilizers; salt index; balanced fertilization; impact of
fertilizer application on soil quality and environment.
Plant growth and growth responses to factors affecting plant growth; mathematical models to express
fertilizer response.
Soil resilience, impacts of inorganic fertilizers on environment; organic farming and modern farming.
Nutrient status of Bangladesh soils; AEZ and fertilizer requirements; fertilizer application in a single crop
and in a crop sequence; crop modeling.
Books recommended:
Hassan et al. 2012. Fertilizers Recommendation Guide. Bangladesh Agric. Res. Council, Dhaka.
Mengel et al. 2001. Principles of Plant Nutrition. (5th ed.) Springer.
Russel, E. W. 2015. Soil Condition and Plant Growth. Longmans, Green and Co.
Tisdale et al. 2013. Soil Fertility and Fertilizer. (8th ed.)

21
SWE 306 Water Resources 2 Credit
Objective:
Guide the students to gain knowledge on origin and sources of water, distribution of surface and ground
water, aquatic ecosystem, water quality, use and purification , and water resource management.
Course contents:
Origin and sources of water.
Distribution of surface and ground water: Types of water bodies/storage systems, Global geographic
distribution, Quantification of water resources, measurement/prediction tools.
Aquatic ecosystems and aquatic biology.
Uses of water: Needs vs. Supply, allocation of water among competing demands.
Water quality and standards: Physical and chemical processes in surface water. Interaction between soil
processes and water quality. Water pollution and water pollutants. Surface and ground water pollution.
Monitoring of water quality and pollution. Principles and practices of water quality control.
Climate change and water resources in Bangladesh.
Biogeochemical aspects of major rivers of the world with special reference to the rivers of Bangladesh.
Water purification processes: Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary treatment processes.
Concepts of water resource management: Water resource management scenario in Bangladesh-National
water policy. Floods and drought management. Ground water availability. Arsenic contamination of Ground
water-causes and remedies. Future (long term) issues: conservation of ground water, temporal management
of surface water based on supply and demand.
Books Recommended:
Goel, P. K. 1996. Water Pollution- Causes, Effects and Control. (1st ed.) New Age International (P)
Ltd. New Delhi, India.
Kudesia, V. P. and R. Kudesia. 1998. Water Pollution. (4th ed.) PragatiPrakashan, India.
Manahan, S. E. 1997. Environmental Science and Technology. (1st ed.) CRC Press, Florida.
Park, C. 2001. The Environment: Principles and Applications. (2nd ed.) Routledge, UK.
Sharma, B. K. 2003. Environmental Chemistry. (7th ed.) Krishna Prakashan Media (P) Ltd.
Meerut, India.

SWE 307 Atmospheric Science 2 Credit

Objective:
Atmospheric Science (SWE 307) aims to provide students a basic knowledge and understanding of the
atmosphere as a part of the environmental control system. This course gives an understanding of the
composition and structure of the atmosphere, global energy budget, atmospheric moisture budget, global air
circulation, air pollution, climate change and its overall impact on humans and environment.
Course Contents:
Description of the atmosphere: Composition of the atmosphere; variation of atmospheric composition with
height; vertical profiles of the atmospheric pressure, temperature and air density.
Solar radiation and the global energy budget: Solar energy and principles of electromagnetic radiation;
radiation laws; solar constant, calculation of energy balance of the earth; global energy balance of the earth-
atmosphere system; factors affecting incoming solar radiation on the earth; factors affecting variation of the
temperature on the earth's surface.
Atmospheric moisture budget: Atmospheric components of the global hydrological cycles; changes of state
of water; evaporation, humidity and condensation; cloud types, formation of cloud and precipitation;
adiabatic processes – air stability and instability.
Atmospheric motion: Air pressure and winds; forces affecting winds; horizontal and vertical, transport of
winds.

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Global air circulation: Global pressure belts; global wind belts; wind classification, monsoon circulation;
tropical cyclones; and EI Nino-Southern Oscillation (EN SO) events.
Atmospheric chemistry related to atmospheric processes: Effects of atmospheric motions on atmospheric
chemistry; half-life, residence time and renewal time of chemicals in the atmosphere; chemical and
photochemical reactions in the atmosphere.
Air pollution: Types and sources of air pollution; criteria of air pollutants; hazardous air pollutants; ambient
air quality standards; and indoor air quality.
Some atmospheric effects of air pollution: Ground level ozone formation; photochemical and industrial
smog formation: ozone layer depletion; acid deposition.
Atmospheric aerosols: Air borne particulate matter; aerosols; chemical composition of aerosol particles;
transformations of aerosols; residence time, transportation and sink of aerosol particles.
Anthropogenic effects on climate: Greenhouse gases; terrestrial infra-red radiation and the greenhouse
effect; global warming and sea level changes; effects of global warming and sea level rise on the natural
resources and socio-economic conditions of Bangladesh.
Books recommended:
Barry, R. G. and R. J. Chorley. 2003. Atmosphere. Weather and Climate. (8 th ed.) Routledge
Taylor and Francis Group. London.
Hobbs, P. V. 2000. Introduction to Atmospheric Chemistry. Cambridge Univ. Press.
Jacob, D. J. 1999. Introduction to Atmospheric Chemistry. Princeton Univ. Press, Prin ceton,
NJ.
Lutgens, F. K. and E.J. Tarbuck. 1982. The Atmosphere: An Introduction to Meteorology. (2 nd
ed.) Prentice-Hall Inc. NJ
Miller, G. T. 2000. Living in the Environment – Principles, Connections and Solutions. (11 th
ed.) Brooks/Cole Publ. Company.

SWE 308 Ecology and Environment 4 Credit

Objective:
SWE 308 (Ecology and Environment) is a multidisciplinary course which provides knowledge on the
interactions between organisms and their environments, balance in ecosystem processes, and on
environmental conservation. Students will learn to predict what will happen to an organism, a population or
a community under a particular set of circumstances. Based on these predictions, the students will be able
to control and exploit the organisms.
Course contents:
Ecology and its domain: Organisms – match between organisms and their environments; Conditions,
Resources, Unitary and modular organisms; Principles of thermodynamics in relation to ecology.
Communities and Ecosystems: Interactions of biological and environmental factors, structure, different
components, energy flow, food chain, food web, energy exchange in ecosystem, ecosystem modeling.
Succession: Causes, trends, types, and general process of succession, model of succession.
Ecological Interactions: Neutralism, competition, mutualism, commensalism, ammensalism, parasitism,
disease, predators, plant/ microbe, animal/ microbe, animal/ animal, plant/ animal & microbe/ microbe.
Bio-geochemical Cycles: Carbon, nitrogen, sulphur, & phosphprus cycles.
Biodiversity: Biomass, microbial biomass, biodiversity, factors responsible for determination of
biodiversity, levels of biodiversity, types of biodiversity, global biodiversity crisis, losses and conservation
of biodiversity with special reference to Bangladesh.
Genetically modified plants and microbes: use in the environment, food, agriculture, and technology
transfer.
Forest Ecosystem: Total territory of forest land, species diversity, conservation of tree genetic resources,
types of species to be affected by global climate change.

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Anthropogenic Effects on Ecosystem: Factors affecting human population change, world population
growth pattern, urbanization and industrialization, population growth pattern vs. resources of Bangladesh,
human impacts on ecosystem.
Books recommended:
Aditya, A. K. and P. Haldar. 2000. Biodiversity and Environment. Daya Publishing House, Tri
Nagar, Delhi, India.
Begon et al. 1996. Ecology. (3rd ed.) Blackwell Science Ltd.
Fisher, R.F. and D. Binkley. 2000. Ecology and Management of Forest Soils. John Wiley & Sons Inc.,
Canada.
Killham, K. 1994. Soil Ecology. Cambridge University Press, UK.
Molles, M. C. 2002. Ecology: Concepts and Applications. (2nd ed.) McGraw-Hill Higher Education.

SWE 309 Practical 8 Credit

(Forty percent (40%) of the total mark is allocated for class record and sixty percent (60%) for final
examination)
Study of soil site characteristics: topography, drainage, parent material and vegetation; detailed study of soil
profiles in catena; collection and preservation of soil samples for laboratory analysis,
Introduction to different instruments for chemical analysis. Determination of active and reserve acidities of
soil. Determination of lime requirements of soil for amelioration and effects of these amendments on soil
properties. Determination of total NPKS and micronutrients in soil. Determination of EC. Determination of
CEC and exchangeable bases, percent base saturation and ESP.
Incubation studies on the evolution CO2, nitrogen mineralization and potential denitrification in soil using
different energetic resources and at varying moisture level.
Identification of bacteria by biochemical tests and similarity matrix; MTU tests, KIA tests and IMVIC tests;
determination of ammonification and nitrification potential of soil; study of nitrogen fixation by free living
bacteria; preparation of inoclulum and it application; measurement of BNF; sterilization of seed and soil.
Preparation of culture solution; sand culture experiment to observe the effects of missing elements on some
common crops; acquaintance with different fertilizers and methods of their use; choice of extraction methods
to assess the availability of N, P, K, S, Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn analysis of plants for different nutrients.
Determination of water quality for drinking and irrigation purposes.
Measurement of physical parameters of atmosphere; collection of air sample from different locations in
Dhaka city and determination of nature and concentration of pollutants.
Estimation of microbial biomass, carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus; measurement of gas fluxes.

Books recommended:
Anderson, J.M. and J. S .I. Ingram. Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility: A Hand Book of Methods.
Huq and Alam. 2005. A Handbook on Analyses of Soil, Plant and Water. SWED, Dhaka University.
Jackson, M. L. 1973. Soil Chemical Analysis. Prentice Hall, New Delhi, India.
Klute, A. 1986. Methods of Soil Analysis. Part I. (2nd ed.) Soil Sci. Soc. Am., Madisn, WI, USA.

SWE 310 Viva-voce 2 Credit

The viva-voce will be evaluated by the Examination committee. The student’s performance on the overall
courses will be assessed through oral examination.

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 FOURTH YEAR

SWE 401 Soil Survey and Remote Sensing 2 Credit

Objective:
This course is intended to expose the students with the modern concepts and techniques in conducting soil
survey. More emphasis is given on applied aspects like stereoscopic study, describing soils in the field as
well as delineating soil mapping units, taxonomic classification, data interpretation and report preparation.
Lecture also introduce theoretical concepts in remote sensing and connect these concepts to soil survey
application.
Course contents:
Soil Survey: Definition and Aspects, Principal types, Importance and Agricultural uses of Survey data,
Modern Orders of Soil Survey –their Specifications, techniques and uses with advantages and limitations.
Soil Survey Work Plan and Traverse Plan. Examination and Description of Soil in the Field.
Soil Mapping: Map Projection, Scale, and Legend, Digital Map Construction using GIS, Plotting of Soil
Boundaries, Different Types of Soil Map, Soil Mapping and Taxonomic Units, USDA Soil Classification
and Soil Correlation Studies. Tools and Techniques of Soil Sampling for Different Purposes.
Base Materials: Principal type of Base Maps –Vertical and Oblique Aerial Photograph, Aerial Mosaic,
Topographic Map, Mouza Map, Satellite Images etc.with their Merits and Demerits. Background of Aerial
Platform, Photo Scale and Distortion, Flight Planning, Aerial Camera and Filter.
Photogrammetry: Definition and Basic Principles; Height, Relief Displacement and Area Measurement and
Correction. Definition and Principles of Aerial Photo-Interpretation (API). Theory of Stereovision,
Parallactic Angle and 3D View. Use of Stereoscope in Interpretation and Analysis of Aerial Photos.
Land Evaluation: Definition, Purpose and Principles. Land Use and Land Cover. Land Evaluation
Procedure, Land Capability and Crop Suitability Classification in Bangladesh, Storie Index. Sustainable
Land Use Planning. Soil Survey Interpretations. Soil Survey Database in Bangladesh –District
Reconnaissance Report and Upazila Nirdeshika.
Remote Sensing (RS): Background and Basic Principles, Electromagnetic Energy, Satellite System and
Orbital Characteristics, Sensors and Resolution Types; Passive and Active RS System, Basic Components –
Data Acquisition, Processing, Interpretation and Analysis. Spectral Reflectance Equation. Spectral
Signatures of Soil, Vegetation and Water. RS and GIS. Use of RS Data in Soil Survey and Land Use
Planning.

Books Recommended:
Buol et al. 2003. Soil Genesis and Classification. (5th ed.) Iowa State University Press, Iowa, USA.
Jensen, J. R. 2006. Remote sensing of the Environment. Pearson Education Inc.
Lillesand et al. 2008. Remote Sensing and Image Interpretation. (6th ed.) John Wiley and Sons.
Sehgal, J. L. Introductory Pedology: Soil Genesis, Survey and Classification. Kalyani Publishers,
New Delhi, India.
Soil Survey Division Staff. 1993. Soil Survey Manual. Soil Conservation Service. US Dep. Agric
Hand Book No. 18.

SWE 402 Soil Conservation 2 Credit

Objective:
SWE 402 (Soil Conservation) deals with types, processes, extent and effects of soil degradation and soil
erosion with special emphasis on their control. This course also aims to educate the students how to
conserve an irreplaceable resource like soil.
Course contents:

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Soil as a basic and irreplaceable resource. Population versus resource base of the world; Soil quality
concept; Physical, chemical and biological indicators of soil quality.

Soil Degradation: Types and processes of soil degradation; Factors affecting soil degradation; Assessment
of degradation processes on world scale; Soil degradation in South Asia and South-East Asia.

Soil Erosion: Classification of erosion; harmful effects of erosion; factors affecting water and wind erosion;
quantifying the impact of erosion; field measurements of erosion; predicting erosion potential erosion
models; monitoring soil erosion impact on crop productivity.

Soil Conservation: Principles of soil conservation; planning soil conservation for a given area; land
capability classification in relation to soil degradation; problems of implementing soil conservation practices
in the field; Socio-economic aspects of soil conservation.

Sustainable land use: Land sustainability, sustainable land use system and soil resilience; assessment of soil
sustainability; Functions of soil management techniques for soil and water conservation; future approaches
of soil conservation.
Books recommended:
Blum et al. 1998. Methods for Assessment of Soil Degradation. CRC Press, New York.
Khan, T. H. 1999. Soil Conservation and Sustainable Land Use, Dept of Soil, Water and Environment, Univ.
of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Lal, R. and B. A. Stewart. 1990. Advances in Soil Science. Vol.II. Soil Degradation. Springer- Verlag, New York.
Morgan, R. P. C. 1995. Soil Erosion and Water Conservation. (2nd ed.) Longman Group UK Limited.
Pierce, F. J. and W. W. Fyre. 1998. Advances in Soil and Water Conservation. (1st ed.) Sleeping Beer Press, USA.

SWE 403 Soil Water Management 4 Credit

Objective:
SWE 403 (Soil water Management) is intended to provide Under Graduate students of the department with
the theoretical basis for understanding soil water regime and the relationships among soil water, plant and
atmosphere. This course will also focus on irrigation and drainage practices. After the completion of the
course, students will gain a comprehensive knowledge on Soil-Plant-Atmosphere-Continuum (SPAC) and on
the process of irrigation and drainage.
Course contents:
Soil water regime:
Field capacity concept, available water, factors affecting water storage in the soil profile, field water balance.
Infiltration, factors affecting infiltration, profile moisture distribution during infiltration, infiltration models,
methods of measuring infiltration rates.
Evaporation, factors affecting evaporation, reduction of evaporation from bare soil surface.
Soil water - plant relations:
Role of water in plants, processes of water absorption by plants, energy concept of water absorption,
pathway of water in soil-plant-atmosphere system, factors affecting water absorption.
Plant responses to soil moisture conditions- the water relations in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum
(SPAC); Resistances in the movement of water within the plants and from soil to the roots.
The free energy concepts of soil and plant water potentials; Determination of moisture changes in the soil-
plant system; determination of soil and plant water potentials by Thermocouple Psychrometer and Pressure
bomb techniques.
Transpiration, factors affecting transpiration. Water requirement of crops, evapotranspiration (ET) and
consumptive use (CU), classification of CU of water by crops, factors affecting ET, methods of estimating
ET.
Irrigation:
Background history of irrigation; Sources and Quality of Irrigation water; Selection of land for irrigation;
Frequency of irrigation / irrigation cycle; Time to start and when to stop irrigation; Irrigation units, Duty of
water.

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Irrigation systems-their suitability for different soils and crops; Field irrigation efficiency.
Irrigation needs of major crops in Bangladesh.
Drainage:
History of drainage; Land requirement of drainage; Problems, needs and benefits of drainage; Types of
drainage- their merits and demerits;
Drainage relation to irrigation, slope and other parameter.
Drainage of coastal planes and swampy lands.
Waterlogged soil; Types of water logging; Factors affecting formation of waterlogged soil; Constrains
associated with excess water; Management of waterlogged soil.
Books recommended:
Baver et al. 1972. Soil Physics. Jhon Wiley & Sons Inc. NY, USA.
Baver, L. D. 1956. Soil Physics. (3rd ed.) Jhon Wiley & Sons Inc. NY, USA.
Hillel, D. 1998. Environmental Soil Physics. Academic Press. London, UK
Majumdar, D. K. Irrigation Water Management, Principles and Practice. Prentice-Hall, India.
Sharma, S. K. 1988. Principles and Practice of Irrigation Engineering. S.Chand & Company (Pvt)
Ltd. New Delhi, India.

SWE 404 Soil Management 2 Credit

Objective:
SWE 404 (Soil Management) is designed with an aim to teach students how to manage a soil for better crop
production. This course also deals with the problem soils and their management strategies.
Course contents:
Objective and principle of soil management; preparation of seedbed; maintenance of organic matter in soil;
nitrogen economy of soils; organic manures - green manure, farm manure, compost and other organic
manners; preparation of different types of manures and composts; microbiology of manures and composts;
importance of manures and composts in improving soil properties and crop yield.
Origin and nature of problem soils; formation, properties, amelioration and management of various
problematic soils: saline, alkaline and acid soils; acid sulphate soils; waterlogged soils; hilly soils; forest
soils; sandy soils; soils contaminated with pesticides and other pollutants; organic soils and their utilization.
Wetland and coastal management.
Concept of dry land farming and organic farming.
Books recommended:
Brady, N.C. and R.R. Weil. 2002. The Nature and Properties of Soil. (13th ed.) Pearson Education,
Singapore.
Malcolm, E. S. (Ed.). 2000. Handbook of Soil Science. CRC Press LLC.

SWE 405 Agronomy 2 Credit

Objective:
SWE 405 (Agronomy) is an under graduate course designed to educate students the basic principles of
agriculture. On completion of this course the students will be able to understand the relationship between
climate and agriculture, soil tillage, seed germination and weed control.
Course contents:
Principles of Agronomy; Origin and importance of agriculture; Agronomy and duties of an agronomist;
Location, area, climate, rivers and agricultural seasons of Bangladesh; Agronomic classification of plants;
Crop propagation.
Agricultural climatology: Weather and climatological elements; Influence of weather and climate on
vegetation and crop production; Factors affecting climate of a region.
Soil tillage: Purposes of tillage practices; Soil tilth; Types and methods of tillage operations; Tillage
equipment and implements - their classification and suitability of their use to different soils and crops; Farm
machinery.

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Seed: Definition and importance of seed; Seed germination; Seed dormancy; Quality of good seeds and
seedlings; Factors affecting quality of seeds and seedlings; Evaluation of seed quality; Seed testing and seed
treatment; Seed certification; Seed rate; Seed law; Maximum economic yield of crop.
Weeds: Classification of weeds; Harmful and beneficial effects of weeds; Crop – weed association; Weed
management and control. Herbicides - classification, use and methods of application; Weed control
environmental concerns; Common weeds of Bangladesh.
Books recommended:
Gopal, C. D. 1989. Fundamentals of Agronomy. Oxford and IBH Publ. Co. Ltd.
Kakde, J. R. 1985. Agricultural Climatology. (2nd ed.) Metropolitan Books, New Delhi.
Pearson, L.C. 1967. Principles of Agronomy. (1st ed.) Prindle Weber and Schmidt.
Rao, V. S. 2000. Principles of Weed Science. (2nd ed.) CRC Press.

SWE 406 Crops of Bangladesh 2 Credit

Objective:
From SWE 406 (Crops of Bangladesh) the students will gain comprehensive knowledge on indigenous food
crops, vegetable, and fruit crops of Bangladesh. It will create opportunity to know cultivation practices
along with innovative technologies to increase yield that will ensure sustainable agricultural crop
production and food security. The students will learn fundamental concepts and principles of Crop Science
and then relate these concepts for the improved production of various crop plants. The course will provide
substantial knowledge on crop parameters, methods of cultivation, limitations as well as necessary
initiatives to overcome these limitations to boost up crop production.
Course contents:
Classification of crops.
Agronomy of arable crops of Bangladesh: origin, climate, soil requirements, cultural practices,
fertilization, harvesting and storing of the main crops of Bangladesh.
Cereal crops of Bangladesh: Rice, wheat and maize. Brief description about other minor cereal crops of
Bangladesh.
Fibre crops of Bangladesh: Jute and cotton. Brief description about other minor fibre crops.
Other important crops of Bangladesh: Sugarcane, potato, tobacco, pulse and oilseed crops.
Agronomy of perennial crops: Tea, rubber, jackfruit, mango and coconut.
Cropping systems practiced in Bangladesh: monocropping, mixed cropping, multiple cropping and crop
rotation.
Cropping intensity.
General survey of agricultural data in relation to the production of different crops of Bangladesh.

Books recommended:

Dey, G. C. Fundamentals of Agronomy.

Duncan, G. H. and W. A. Ross. 1957. Growing Field Crops. Mc Graw-Hill, NY.
Jalil Bhuiyan, A. J. and A. K. Ganguly. Fruit Tree Management.
Radha, T. and L. Mathew. 2007. Fruit Crops. New India Publishing, New Delhi, India.
Singh, S. S. Handbook of Agricultural Science.
Singth, C. 1989. Modern Techniques of Raising Field Crops. Oxford & IBH Publishing, New Delhi.

SWE 407 Soil Pollution and Waste Management 4 Credit

Objective:
Soil Pollution and Waste Management (SWE 407) extends knowledge about environmental awareness,
sources of soil pollution by heavy metals, agrochemicals, radioactive materials. Within the preview of this
course it is also concerned with sources of natural and artificial radioactivity: hazards, transfer into food

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chain, after effects of radioactive accidents as well as effects on human and disposal of radioactive wastes.
This course also aims to develop students’ capacity to understand environmental pollution through
hazardous wastes, sewage sludge, atmospheric dry and wet deposition, solid wastes, municipal and
industrial wastewater, health-care wastes; and to apply principles and techniques of waste management.
Course Content:
Soil environment: Meaning of soil environment; sources of soil pollution.
Heavy metals: Sources and world production; contents of heavy metals in normal soil, water and plants,
permissible limits of heavy metals in soils, water and corps; biochemistry, chemical toxicology and impact of
heavy metals on soil ecology, crops and humans; LD50 values; remediation of heavy metal toxicity.
Pesticides and herbicides: Definition, classification, uses and impact on soil and water ecosystem;
biodegradation of pesticides and herbicides; lethal doses, health hazards.
Radioactivity: Radioactive materials, sources of natural and artificial radioactivity; hazards caused by
radioactivity; transfer of radioactivity into food chain; after effects of reactor accidents and nuclear weapon
tests; permissible limits of radioactivity in soil and foods; impact of radioactivity on human and animal
management and disposal of radioactive wastes.
Environment pollution: Concept of environmental pollution; effects of environmental pollution upon
humans and environment; environmental awareness.
Hazardous and toxic wastes: Hazard, hazardous waste, toxic waste and risk analysis; factors affecting dose
and response of toxic chemicals; hazardous waste management; PCBs – properties, uses, human and
environmental health contamination.
Fossil fuels: Energy, power and energy carrier; fossil fuels and the environment; coal resources in
Bangladesh and their effects on the biophysical environmental upon opencast and underground coal mining.
Solid waste: Sources, classification and physical composition of solid waste; physical, chemical, energy and
biological properties of solid waste; collection, handling, storage and transportation of municipal solid
wastes; waste minimization design – reuse, recovery (resources and energy), recycling, thermal and
biological treatment processes; ultimate disposal of municipal solid wastes and sanitary landfill site
management.
Health-care waste management: Categories and sources of health-care wastes; risks associated with health-
care wastes; handling, storage and transportation of health-care wastes; treatment and disposal of hazardous
health-care wastes.
Sewage sludge treatment: Municipal wastewater; wastewater characteristics; effluent standards; sewerage
system; wastewater treatment processes; sludge treatment and disposal.
Effluent treatment plant (ETP) for industries: Industrial wastewater; characteristics and harmful effects;
industrial wastewater treatment processes in tanneries, diary plant, pharmaceuticals, textile units,
petrochemicals and paper industry; special processes for the removal of chromium, phenol, mercury,
nitrogen and dissolved salts from industrial wastewater.
Atmospheric dry and wet deposition: Gaseous pollutants and their effects on plants.

Books recommended:
Adriano, D. C. 2001. Trace elements in terrestrial environments. (2nd ed.) Springer Science &
Business Media, New York, USA.
De, A. K. 2010. Environmental Chemistry. (7th ed.) New Age International Pvt. Ltd., India.
Goel, P. K. 1996. Water Pollution Causes, Effects and Control. (1st ed.) New Age International (P)
Limited,New Delhi, India.
Kiely, G. 1998. Environmental engineering. Irwin McGraw-Hill, Boston, USA
Peavy, et al. 1985. Environmental engineering. McGraw-Hill Book Company, NY.
Sharma, B. K. 2003. Environmental Chemistry. (7th ed.) Krishna Prakashan Media (P)Ltd.,
Meerut, India.
Silberberg. 2004. Chemistry. (6th ed.) McGraw-Hill Book Co., Singapore.
Stoker et al. 1975. Environmental Chemistry: Air and Water Pollution. (2nd ed.) Scott, Foresman.

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SWE 408 Climate Change and Adaptation 2 Credit
Objective:

The objective of this course is to guide the students to gain knowledge and tackle problems on i) Climate
change, ii) Effects/evidences of changes in climate and adaptation, iii) Impacts/uncertainties/risk of climate
change and adaptation/mitigation technologies, iv) Clean technology; support science, innovation and
promote climate resilience, well-built communities, international and regional cooperation.

Course Content:
Earth’s Climate System – Climate in the spotlight, climate classification, the earth’s natural green house
effects and global warming.
Observed changes and its causes – Observation of effects and evidences of changes in climate and
environment, changes in patterns of temperature, precipitation and sea level rise, drivers of climate
change, climate sensitivity and feedbacks.
Impacts of climate change - Impacts of climate change and possible solutions on various sectors:
Agriculture, Forestry and Ecosystem, Industry, Human health and Society. Projected impacts for different
regions, uncertainties in the projected impacts of climate change, risk of irreversible changes.
Climate change adaptation and mitigation measures – Adaptation strategy/options in various sectors:
Industry, Agriculture, Coastal Zones, Human Health. Key mitigation technologies and practices: Industry,
Agriculture, Carbon capture and storage.
Clean technology – Principles of low carbon economy, carbon trading, clean development mechanism,
examples of future clean technology.
Climate Change: a. Long term goals - Economic growth, research and innovation, managing risks, well-
built communities, and international and regional cooperation; b. Short term needs – Price on carbon,
actions in key sectors, support science and technology, promote climate resilience and risk management.

Recommended Books:
Al core, Inconvenient Truth, - Video form (1h 36 min), Amazon Video on Disc
(www.imdb/title/tt0497116), 2006.
Dash, S.K. 2007. Climate Change – An Indian Perspective, Cambridge Univ. Press India Pvt. Ltd.
India.
Johnston, T. and Q. Chiotti. 2000. Climate change and the adaptability of Agriculture, ASA Spec.
Publ. No. 59, Madison, USA.
Pachauri, R. K. and A. Reisinger, A. (Eds.). 2007. IPCC Fourth Assessment Report - The AR4
Synthesis Report, IPCC, Geneva, Switzerland.
van Dam, J. C. 2003. Impacts of climate change and climate variability on hydrological regimes,
Cambridge Univ. Press, Cambridge, UK.

SWE 409 Soils of Bangladesh 2 Credit

Objective:
The aim of this course is the study of the origin and behavior of soil resources of Bangladesh. At the end of
this course, students should be able to understand the genesis, classification and use potentials of the soils of
Bangladesh.
Course Content:
Environmental conditions and pedogenic factors in Bangladesh; dominant soil forming processes in
Bangladesh; stages of soil formation under seasonally flooded conditions- ripening, homogenization,
reduction, ferrolysis, decalcification, formation of gleyans, formation of subsoil structure, acidification,
formation of mottles, formation of plough pan etc.; inundation land types; soils on physiographic units of
Bangladesh.
Major soils of Bangladesh; 7-soil tracts; general soil types of Bangladesh; classification of the soils of
Bangldesh on the basis of Soil Taxonomy and FAO-UNESCO Legend; Agroecological Zones (AEZ) of
Bangladesh: concept of AEZ, and brief description of different AEZs of Bangladesh; soil series and soil
families in Bangladesh; Morphological description of some important soil series of Bangladesh.

30
Books Recommended:
Brammer, H. 1996. The Geography of the Soils of Bangladesh. The Univ. Press Ltd., Dhaka.
FAO-UNDP. 1988. Land Resources Appraisal of Bangladesh for Agricultural Development. Agroecological
Regions of Bangladesh. Report-2. FAO report.FSO, Rome.
Hassan, M. M. 1999. Soils of Bangladesh- Their Genesis, Classification and Use Potential. Consultant and
Allied Agro Industries, Dhaka.
Huq, S.M.I. and J. U. M. Shoaib. 2013. The Soils of Bangladesh. Springer-Verlag, New York Inc.
Hussain, M. S. 1992. Soil Classification with Special Reference to the Soils of Bangladesh. Dhaka Univ. Press,
Dhaka.

SWE 410 Soil Chemistry – II 2 Credit

Objective:
The objective of SWE 410 (Soil Chemistry-II) is to increase students’ understanding on differences between
chemistry of upland and submerged soils and to increase familiarity with submerged soils of Bangladesh.
After completing this course the students’ skill in research with submerged soils will increase and they will
be able to utilize submerged soils for boosting rice production through better management.
Course Content:
Chemistry of waterlogged soil: Characteristics of waterlogged soils; electrochemical changes;
transformations of N, P, S, Fe, Mn and other nutrients; chemical changes during drying of waterlogged soils;
decomposition of organic matter and its effect on soil chemical properties; chemical, physical and biological
conditions prevailing in paddy soils; adaptation of plants to waterlogged soils.
Chemical potential of soil cations and anions: Chemical equilibrium – general principle; pH and solubility
of different chemical compounds; equilibrium involving sparingly soluble crystalline solids – calcium
phosphate, calcium carbonate, oxides of iron and aluminum.

Books recommended:
Bohn et al. 1979. Soil Chemistry. (2nd ed.) A. Wiley-Interscience Publication.
Brady, N.C. and R.R. Weil. 2002. The Nature and Properties of Soil. (13th ed.) Pearson Education,
Singapore.
IRRI. 1964. Mineral Nutrition of Rice. Johns Hopkins Press, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
IRRI. 1985. Wetland Soils: Characterization, Classification and Utilization. International Rice
Research Institute, Los Baños, Philippines.
Ponampurema, F. N. 1972. Chemistry of Submerged Soil. Advances in Agronomy. Am. Soc. Agron,
Madison, USA.
Sanchez, P. A. 1976. Properties and Management of Soils in the Tropics. John Wiley & Sons.
Tan, K. H. 1993. Principles of Soil Chemistry. (2nd ed.) Marcel Dekker, Inc.
Wild, A. 1988.Russell’s Soil Conditions and Plant Growth. (11th ed.) Longman Scientific.

SWE 411 Hydrology 2 Credit

Objective:
On completion of this course (SWE 411 Hydrology) students should be able to: describe the movement of
water through the hydrologic cycle and the factors that affect its flow, measure the flow of water at various
points of the hydrologic cycle, and explain ground water dynamics. This course also deals with well
hydraulics.
Course Content:
Surface water hydrology: Runoff and Flooding; Flood Plain Mapping; Hydrograph Calculation; Drainage
basins and Drainage patterns; River flow and Discharge measurements.
Ground water hydrology: Rock properties affecting ground water; Sub-surface distribution of ground
water; Ground water flow equations; Ground water levels and environmental influences, Ground water
pollution and contaminant transport; Saline water intrusion in aquifers; management of aquifers; Basin-wide
ground water development.

31
Fundamentals of well hydraulics: Ground water exploration, pumping test, presentation and interpretation
of results; Water mining and land subsidence, Tube wells- types, design, drilling, construction and
maintenance.
Ground water resources of Bangladesh: hydrological background; Regional ground water conditions;
Ground water utilization; Ground water development potential, planning, and management.

SWE 412 Seminar 2 Credit

The objective of this course is to train the students in preparing seminar paper on a given topic, preparation
and use of presentation materials - slides, transparencies, multimedia projectors, etc. At the end of the course
students will be required to prepare a seminar paper on a given topic and present it before an audience.

SWE 413 Practical 8 Credit

(Forty percent (40%) of the total mark is allocated for class record and sixty percent (60%) for final
examination)
Study of Base Materials, Stereoscopic Study and Interpretation of aerial photograph. Study and Identification
of Soils in the Field, Demarcation of Soil Boundaries on Base Map. Construction of Final Soil Map etc.
using GPS and GIS. Preparation of Soil Survey Report with Data Interpretations and Recommendations.
Measurement of physical, chemical and biological indicators for assessing the quality of soil of a given area;
Preparation of report and recommendation.
Pot/Field/Laboratory experiment: students will jointly carry out a pot/field/laboratory experiment to study a
given problem. The objectives of the experiment will be (a) training of the students in determining the
objectives of an experiment; (b) preparation of experimental design; (c) setting up of the experiment; (d)
cultural practices; (e) analysis of soil and plant samples; (f) interpretation of' data; and (g) preparation of
report and recommendation. Evaluation of seed quality in the laboratory. Seed testing and treatments.
Chemical and electrochemical changes due to flooding – changes in pH and redox potential; transformation
of N, S, Fe, Mn and P.
Field trips to different Agro-Ecological Zones of' Bangladesh. Visit to different soil conservation related
laboratories and research stations. Field visit and report submission on lands most prone to climate change.
Collection of soil samples and determination of Bulk density, Percentage of different sized particles,
Dispersion ratio, and Erosion ratio. Calculation of Universal Soil Loss by using USLE and recommendation
of conservation practices. Visit to the polluted areas around Dhaka city and collection of waste effluent, soil,
and plant sample; determination of heavy metals in waste, sewage sludge, soil and plant sample;
determination of water quality; determination of DO, BOD and COD; preparation of report and
recommendation.
Huq and Alam. 2005. A Handbook on Analyses of Soil, Plant and Water. SWED, Dhaka University.
Jackson, M. L. 1973. Soil Chemical Analysis. Prentice Hall, New Delhi, India.
Klute, A. 1986. Methods of Soil Analysis. Part I. (2nd ed.) Soil Sci. Soc. Am., Madisn, WI, USA.

SWE 413 Viva-voce 2 Credit

The viva-voce will be evaluated by the Examination committee. Student’s performance on the overall
courses will be assessed through oral examination.

---------- X ----------

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