Unit-I
Introduction to Environmental Studies,Multidisciplinary nature of Environmental Studies: Scope & Importance,,Need for Public Awareness
Unit-II
Ecosystems
Concept of an Ecosystem: Structure & functions of an ecosystem (Producers, Consumers & Decomposers) Energy Flow in an ecosystem: Food Chain, Food web and Ecological Pyramids, Characteristic features, structure & functions of following Ecosystems:
- Forest Ecosystem
- Aquatic Ecosystem (Ponds, Lakes, River & Ocean)
Unit-III
Natural Resources
Renewable & Non-renewable resources
Forest Resources: Their uses, functions & values (Biodiversity conservation, role in climate change, medicines) & threats (Overexploitation, Deforestation, Timber extraction, Agriculture Pressure), Forest Conservation Act
Water Resources: Their uses (Agriculture, Domestic & Industrial), functions & values, Overexploitation and Pollution of Ground & Surface water resources (Case study of Punjab), Water Conservation, Rainwater Harvesting,
Land Resources: Land as a resource; Land degradation, soil erosion and desertification
Energy Resources: Renewable & non-renewable energy resources, use of alternate energy resources (Solar, Wind, Biomass, Thermal), Urban problems related to Energy.
Unit-IV
Biodiversity & its conservation
Types of Biodiversity: Species, Genetic & Ecosystem
India as a mega biodiversity nation, Biodiversity hot spots and biogeographic regions of India, Examples of Endangered & Endemic species of India, Red data book
Unit-V
Environmental Pollution & Social Issues
Types, Causes, Effects & Control of Air, Water, Soil & Noise Pollution
Nuclear hazards and accidents & Health risks
Global Climate Change: Global warming, Ozone depletion, Acid rain, Melting of Glaciers & Ice caps, Rising sea levels
Environmental disasters: Earthquakes, Floods, Cyclones, Landslides.
Unit-VI
Field Work
Visit to a National Park, Biosphere Reserve, Wildlife Sanctuary
Documentation & preparation of a Biodiversity (flora & fauna) register of campus/river/forest
Visit to a local polluted site: Urban/Rural/Industrial/Agricultural
Identification & Photography of resident or migratory birds, insects (butterflies)
Public hearing on environmental issues in a village
