t 1 : The Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies
Definition, scope and importance
(2 Lectures)
Need for public awareness.
Unit 2 : Natural Resources :
Renewable and non-renewable resources :
Natural resources and associated problems.
a) Forest resources : Use and over-exploitation, deforestation, case studies. Timber
extraction, mining, dams and their effects on forests and tribal people.
b) Water resources : Use and over-Utilization of surface and ground water, floods,
drought, conflicts and water, dams-benefits and problems.
c) Mineral resources : Use and exploitation, environmental effects of extracting and
using mineral resources, case studies.
d) Food resources : World food problems, changes caused by agriculture and
overgrazing, effects of modern agriculture, fertilizer-pesticide problems, water
logging, salinity, case studies.
e) Energy resources : Growing energy needs, renewable and non renewable energy
sources, use of alternate energy sources. Case studies.
f) Land resources : Land as a resource, land degradation, man induced landslides,
soil erosion and desertification.
x Role of an individual in conservation of natural resources.
x Equitable use of resources for sustainable lifestyles.
Unit 3 : Ecosystems
x Concept of an ecosystem.
x Structure and function of an ecosystem.
x Producers, consumers and decomposers.
x Energy flow in the ecosystem.
x Ecological succession.
x Food chains, food webs and ecological pyramids.
x Introduction, types, characteristic features, structure and function of the following
ecosystem :-
Forest ecosystem
Grassland ecosystem
Desert ecosystem
Aquatic ecosystems (ponds, streams, lakes, rivers, oceans, estuaries)
(6 lectures)
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Unit 4 : Biodiversity and its conservation
x Introduction – Definition : genetic, species and ecosystem diversity.
x Biogeographical classification of India
x Value of biodiversity : consumptive use, productive use, social, ethical, aesthetic and
option values
x Biodiversity at global, National and local levels.
x India as a mega-diversity nation
x Hot-spots of biodiversity.
x Threats to biodiversity : habitat loass, poaching of wildlife, man-wildlife conflicts.
x Endangered and endemic species of India
x Conservation of biodiversity : In-situ conservation of biodiversity.
Unit 5 : Environmental Pollution
Definition
x Causes, effects and control measures of :-
a. Air pollution
b. Water pollution
c. Soil pollution
d. Marine pollution
e. Noise pollution
f. Thermal pollution
g. Nuclear hazards
x Solid waste Management : Causes, effects and control measures of urban and
industrial wastes.
x Role of an individual in prevention of pollution.
x Pollution case studies.
x Disaster management : floods, earthquake, cyclone and landslides.
(8 lectures)
Unit 6 : Social Issues and the Environment
x From Unsustainable to Sustainable development
x Urban problems related to energy
x Water conservation, rain water harvesting, watershed management
x Resettlement and rahabilitation of people ; its problems and concerns. Case studies.
x Environmental ethics : Issues and possible solutions.
x Climate change, global warming, acid rain, ozone layer depletion, nuclear accidents and
holocaust. Case studies.
x Wasteland reclamation.
x Consumerism and waste products.
x Environment Protection Act.
x Air (Preventation and Control of Pollution) Act.
x Water (Prevention and control of Pollution) Act
x Wildlife Protection Act
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x Forest Conservation Act
x Issues involved in enforcement of environmental legislation.
x Public awareness.
(7 lectures)
Unit 7 : Human Population and the Environment
x Population growth, variation among nations.
x Population explosion – Family Welfare Programme.
x Environment and human health.
x Human Rights.
x Value Education.
x HIV / AIDS
x Women and Child Welfare.
x Role of Information Technology in Environment and human health.
x Case Studies.
Unit 8 : Field work
x Visit to a local area to document environmental and river forest grassland hill mountain.
x Visit to a local polluted site – Urban / Rural / Industrial / Agricultural
x Study of common plants, insects, birds.
x Study of simple ecosystems-pond, river, hill slopes, etc. (Field work Equal to 5 lecture
hours)
