Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

1. Understand Environmental Concepts and Ecosystems.
2. Analyze Natural Resources and Conservation Strategies.
3. Evaluate Environmental Pollution and Emerging Issues.
4. Assess Human-Environment Interactions and Sustainable Development.

Course Outline

Unit I: Environment and Ecosystem

Introduction, importance and scope of Environmental Studies. Components of Environment: atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere. Ecosystems: concept, structure and function; energy flow, food chains, food webs, ecological pyramids, ecological niche and keystone species.

Unit II: Resources and Conservation

Introduction and classification of resources, problems associated with resources and conservation: forest resources, water resources, energy resources, land resources. Biodiversity: introduction, issues and conservation.

Unit III: Environmental Pollution and Issues

Introduction to environmental pollution; causes, effects and control measures of air, water, soil, noise, nuclear pollution. Environmental issues: climate change, global warming, acid rain, ozone layer depletion, firecracker and associated issues.

Unit IV: Human and Environment

Human-environment relationship, sustainable development: concept and issues. Role of information technology in environmental management. Solid waste management. Environmental refugees. Environmental ethics: issues and possible solutions.

Suggested Readings

1. Bharucha, E. (2005). Environmental studies. University Grants Commission.
2. Cunningham, W. P., & Cunningham, M. A. (2017). Environmental science: A global concern. McGraw-Hill.
3. Bharucha, E. (2004). Textbook of environmental studies for undergraduate courses. University Grants Commission.
4. Sharma, P. D. (2009). Ecology and environment. Rastogi Publications.