ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIESE

Semester: VI
Sub Code: BSC T 601
Credits: 4
Hours/Wk: 4
Total Hrs: 60
Exam Marks: 50
IA Marks: 50
Exam Duration: 3 Hrs

Chapter 1(5 hours):
The Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies
i. Definition, scope and importance.
ii. Need for public awareness.

Chapter 2(5 hours):
Natural Resources
i. Introduction.
ii Renewable and non-renewable resources.
iii Role of an individual in conservation of natural resources.
iv Equitable use of resources for sustainable lifestyles.

Chapter 3(10 hours):
Ecosystems
i. Concept of an ecosystem.
ii. Structure and functions of an ecosystem.
iii.Producers, consumers and decomposers. iv. Energy flow in the ecosystem.
v. Ecological succession.
vi. Food chains, food webs and ecological pyramids.
vii.Introduction, types, characteristic features, structure and functions.

Chapter 4(10 hours):
Biodiversity and its Conservation
i. Introduction - definition, genetic, species and ecosystem diversity.
ii. Biogeographic classification of India.
iii. Value of biodiversity: consumptive, productive use, social, ethical, aesthetic and option values.
iv. Biodiversity at global, national and local levels.
v. India as a mega diversity nation.
vi. Hotspots of biodiversity.
vii. Threats to biodiversity: habitat loss, poaching of wildlife, man-wildlife conflicts. viii Endangered and endemic species of India.
ix. Conservation of biodiversity: in-situ and ex-situ.

Chapter 5(5 hours):
Environmental Pollution
i. Definition.
ii. Causes, effects and control measures of pollution.
iii. Solid waste management: causes, effects and control measures of urban and industrial waste.
iv. Role of individuals in pollution prevention.
v. Pollution case studies.
vi. Disaster management: floods, earthquakes, cyclones, landslides.

Chapter 6(15 hours):
Social Issues and the Environment
i. From unsustainable to sustainable development.
ii. Urban problems related to energy.
iii. Water conservation, rain water harvesting, watershed management.
iv. Resettlement and rehabilitation of people; its problems and concerns, case studies.
v. Environmental, ethics: issues and possible solutions.
vi. Climate change, global warning, acid rain, ozone layer depletion, nuclear accidents and nuclear holocaust, case studies.
vi. Wasteland reclamation.
vii. Consumerism and waste products.
viii. Environment protection Act.
ix. Air (prevention and control of pollution) Act.
x. Water (prevention and control of pollution) Act.
xi. Wildlife protection Act.
xii. Forest conservation Act.
xiii. Issues involved in enforcement of environmental legislation.
xiv. Public awareness.

Chapter 7(10 hours):
Human Population and the Environment
i. Population growth, variation among nations.
ii. Population explosion-family welfare program.
iii. Environmental and human health.
iv. Human rights.
v. Value education.
vi. HIV/AIDS.
vii. Women and child welfare.
viii. Role of information technology in environment and human health.

Chapter 8:
Field Work
i. Visit to a local area to document environmental assets, river/forest/grass lands/hill/mountain.
ii. Visit to a local polluted site.
iii. Study of common plants, insects, birds.
iv. Study of simple ecosystems.

Text books:

Erach Bharucha : Text for Environmental Studies-For Undergraduate Courses of all Branches of Higher Education. (University Grants Commission, New Delhi, 2004).