Module I
Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies. Definition, scope and importance, need for
public awareness.
Natural Resources: Renewable and non-renewable resources: Natural resources and
associated problems. Forest resources: Use and over-exploitation, deforestation, case studies.
Timber extraction, mining, dams and their effects on forest and tribal people.
Water resources: Use and over-utilization of surface and ground water, floods, drought,
conflicts over water, dams-benefits and problems.
Mineral resources: Use and exploitation, environmental effects of extracting and using
mineral resources, case studies.
Food resources: World food problems, changes caused by agriculture and overgrazing, effects
of modern agriculture, fertilizer-pesticide problems, water logging, salinity, case studies.
Energy resources: Growing energy needs, renewable and non-renewable energy sources, use
of alternate energy sources. Case studies.
Land resources: Land as a resource, land degradation, man induced landslides, soil erosion
and desertification. Role of an individual in conservation of natural resources. Equitable use
of resources for sustainable lifestyles.

Module II
Ecosystems: Concept of an ecosystem. Structure and function of an ecosystem. Producers,
consumers and decomposers. Energy flow in the ecosystem. Ecological succession. Food
chains, food webs and ecological pyramids. Introduction, types, characteristic features,
structure and function of the following ecosystems: - Forest ecosystem, Grassland ecosystem,
Desert ecosystem, Aquatic ecosystems (ponds, streams, lakes, rivers, oceans, estuaries)
Biodiversity and its conservation: Introduction – Definition: genetic, species and ecosystem
diversity. Biogeographical classification of India. Value of biodiversity: consumptive use,
productive use, social, ethical, aesthetic and option values. Biodiversity at global, National
and local levels. Inida as a mega-diversity nation. Hot-sports of biodiversity. Threats to
biodiversity: habitat loss, poaching of wildlife, man-wildlife conflicts. Endangered and
endemic species of India. Conservation of biodiversity: In-situ and Ex-situ conservation of
biodiversity.

Module III
Environmental Pollution: Definition. Cause, 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. Solid waste Management: Causes, effects and control measures
of urban and industrial wastes. Role of an individual in prevention of pollution. Pollution case
studies. Diaster management: floods, earthquake, cyclone and landslides.
Environmental legislation: Environment Protection Act. Air (Prevention and Control of
Pollution) Act. Water (Prevention and control of Pollution) Act. Wildlife Protection Act.
Forest Conservation Act. Issues involved in enforcement of environmental legislation.

Module IV
Environmental ethics: Issues and possible solutions. Climate change, global warming, acid
rain, ozone layer depletion, nuclear accidents and holocaust. Case Studies. Wasteland
reclamation. Consumerism and waste products.
Social Issues and the Environment: From Unsustainable to Sustainable development.
Urban problems related to energy. Water conservation, rain water harvesting, watershed
management. Resettlement and rehabilitation of people; its problems and concerns. Case
Studies. Public awareness.
Human Population and the Environment: Population growth, variation among nations.
Population explosion – Family Welfare Programme. Environment and human health. Human
Rights. Value Education. HIV/AIDS. Women and Child Welfare. Role of Information
Technology in Environment and human health. Case Studies.
Field work: Visit to a local area to document environmental assets river/ forest/grassland/hill/
mountains. Visit to a local polluted site-Urban/Rural/Industrial/Agricultural. Study of
common plants, insects, birds. Study of simple ecosystems-pond, river, hill slopes, etc.

References:
1. Rajagopalan, R. Environmental studies: From crisis to cure. Oxford University Press,
New Delhi. (2005).
2. Erach Bharucha. Textbook of environmental studies and ethics. Universities Press
(India), Hyderabad. (2005).
3. Jayashree A. Parikh. Balsaraf, V.M. and Dwivedi, P.B. Environmental studies. Ane
Books Pvt. Ltd, New Delhi. (2010)
4. Anindita Basak. Environmental studies, Pearson, New Delhi. (2009).
5. Misra, S.P. (2011). Essential environmental studies. (Third edition). Ane Books Pvt.
Ltd., New Delhi. (2011).
6. Benny Joseph. Environmental science & engineering, Tata McGraw Hill Education
Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi. (2010).