SYLLABUS
Unit 1 :Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies
Definition, scope and importance
(2 lectures)
Need for public awareness.
Unit 2: Natural Resorees :
Renewable andnon-renewable resourees :
Natural resources and associated problems.
a) Forest resourees : Use and over-exploitation, deforestation, case stydie
Timber extraction, mining, dams and their effects on forest and tribal peoglk
Water resources : Use and over-utilization of surface and ground wate.
b)
floods. drought, conflicts over water, dams-benefits and problems
Mineral resources:Use and exploitation, environmental effects of extracing
c)
and using mineralresources, case studies.
Food resources : World food problems,changes caused by agriculture and
d)
overgrazing.effects of modern agriculture, fertilizer-pesticide problems, w
logging, salinity, case studies.
and non renewable
e) Energy resources : Growing energy needs, renewable
sources. Case studies.
energy sources, use of alternate energy
man induced
) Land resources : Land as a resource, land degradation,
landslides, soil erosionand desertification.
" Role of an individual in conservation of natural resources.
" Equitable use of resoureces for sustainable lifesty les.
(8lecturs
Unit 3 :Ecosystems
ecosystem.
function of an
Structure and
decomposers.
consumers and
Producers,
ecosystem.
Energy flow in the
Ecological succession.
ecological pyramids.
webs and
Food chains, food
function of the
structure and
features,
characteristic
Introduction,
types,
following ecosystem :
Forest ecosystem
b. Grassland ecosystem
Desert ecosystem
C. estuaries)
rivers, oceans,
streams, lakes,
ecosystems
(ponds,
Aquatic (6 lectures)
d.
conservation
Biodiversity and its
Unit 4: ecosystem
diversity.
genetic, species
and
Definition :
Introduction
classification ofIndia
ethical, aesthetic
Biogeographical
social,
productive use,
use,
biodiversity :consumptive
Value of
and option values
National and
local levels.
Biodiversity at
global,
mega-diversity
nation
Inida as a
Hot-sports of biodiversity.
Threats to biodiversity : habitat
loss, poaching of wildlife. man-wildlife
India
Endangered and endemic species of
" Conservation of biodiversity : In-situ and Ex-situ conservation of f biodiversity.
(8 lecture
Unit 5: Environmental Pollution
Definition
Cause, effects and control measures
of :
a. Air pollution
b Water pollution
C. Soil pollution
d. Marine pollution
e. Noise pollution
f. Thermal pollution
Nuclear hazards
and control measures of urban and
Solid waste Management : Causes, effects
industrial wastes.
Role of an individual in prevention of pollution.
Pollution case studies.
Diaster management : floods, earthquake, cyclone
and landslides.
(8 lectures)
Unit 6: Social Issues and the Environment
From Unsustainable to Sustainable devekyment
" Urban problems related to energy
Water oonser ation, rain water harvesting, watershed management
Resettlement and rahabilitation of ople; its poblems and concems Case
Studies
Environmental ethics : Issues and possible solutions
" Climate change. global waming. acid rain, ozone layer depletion, nuclear
accidents and holocaust. Case Studies.
Wasteland reclamation.
Consumerism and waste products.
Environment Protection Act.
Pollution)Act.
Air (Prevention and Control of
Pollution)Act
Water (Prevention and control of
Wildlife Protection Act
Forest Conservation Act
legislation.
enforcement of environmental
Issues involved in
Public awareness. (7 lectures)
Population and the Environment
Unit 7:Human
nations.
variation among
Population growth,
Programme.
explosion - Family Welfare
Population
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