Environment & Ecology

SYLLABUS- ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY,
Unit-I
Nature of Environment Introduction to Environmental Science – Definition and scope and
need for public awareness Ecosystems Concept, structure and functions, restoration of
damaged ecosystems Biodiversity – Definition, description at national and global level,
threats and conservation Natural Resources – Renewable and non-renewable and their
equitable use for sustainability, Material cycles – carbon, nitrogen and sulphur cycle.
Conventional and Non-conventional Energy Sources – fossil fuel-based, hydroelectric,
wind, -nuclear and solar energy, biomass, biodiesel, hydrogen as an alternative fuel.
Unit-II
Impact of Human Activity on Environment Human Population and Environment–
Population growth, population explosion and migration; Impact of farming, housing,
mining, transportation and industrial growth Social Issues Related to Environment–
Sustainable development, urban problems (related to water and energy conservation and
waste management), resettlement and rehabilitation Environmental ethics.
Unit-III
Environmental Changes and Human Health Environmental Pollution – Definition, causes
and effects, control measures for water, air, soil, marine, land, noise, thermal pollution,
Climate change – Greenhouse effect and global warming, acid rain, ozone layer formation
and depletion Impact on human health – water and air borne diseases, diseases induced by
residual impurities in drinking water (fluoride and arsenic); Toxic wastes and carcinogens;
Nuclear hazards.
Unit-IV
Environmental Protection through Assessment and Education Indicators and Impact
Assessment – Bio-indicators, Natural disasters and disaster management, Impact
assessment through inventorying and monitoring Environmental Protection – Role of
individuals, organizations and government in pollution control Laws, Conventions and
Treaties – National legislation, issues in the enforcement of environmental legislation,
initiatives by non- governmental organizations, global efforts in environmental protection
Environmental education-women and value education Recommended.