ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Semester: VI
Sub Code: BS 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
ii 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:(10 hours)
Environmental Pollution
i Definition
ii Causes, effects and control measures of
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 7:(10 hours)
Field Work
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

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