EVS (BBA 6th)

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)