Unit 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 : Gro
PTU/BOS/BB/110/28-06-2004
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 :-
a. Forest ecosystem
b. Grassland ecosystem
c. Desert ecosystem
d. Aquatic ecosystems (ponds, streams, lakes, rivers, oceans,
estuaries)
(6 lectures)
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.
PTU/BOS/BB/110/28-06-2004
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.
PTU/BOS/BB/110/28-06-2004
x Environment Protection Act.
x Air (Preventation and Control of Pollution) Act.
x Water (Prevention and control of Pollution) Act
x Wildlife Protection Act
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)