Environmental Studies (UG) PDF

Name of the course: Environmental Studies Course Title: Environmental Studies Type of Course: OEC Level of Course: Delivery Sub 4.5 (UG) Type of the course: Course code...

Name of the course: Environmental Studies Course Title: Environmental Studies Type of Course: OEC Level of Course: Delivery Sub 4.5 (UG) Type of the course: Course code: No. of credits: 4 L-T-P: 4-0-0 Learning hours: 60 Pre-requisite and Co-requisite of Course: Attained Level 4.0 Department: Department of Sustainability Sciences Syllabus: Unit 1: Ecosystems Unit 2: Environmental Pollution Unit 3: Sustainable Development Unit 4: Renewable Energy Course objectives: 1. To allow students to appreciate the complexity of natural systems, recognize the impacts of human activities on these systems, and develop informed strategies for conservation and sustainable management of natural resources. 2. To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of various forms of pollution, to help them attain knowledge crucial for developing mitigation strategies & protect public health. 3. To equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand, and apply the principles of sustainability in various contexts, and prepare them to contribute to sustainable practices and policies that address global challenges. 4. To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of various renewable energy technologies, their applications, and challenges, for promoting the transition to sustainable energy systems. Course content Module/ Topic L T P Unit 1 Ecosystems: 8 2 0 Concept of an Ecosystem Types of Ecosystems [(Terrestrial- Forest, Grassland, Desert), (Aquatic- Freshwater, Ocean)] Ecosystem Structure: Producers, Consumers, Decomposers Ecosystem Functions and Services- Energy Flow in Ecosystems, Nutrient Cycles (Water, Carbon, Nitrogen) and human impacts on these cycles, Food Chain and Food Webs, Ecological Pyramids (Pyramid of Numbers, Biomass, and Energy), Decomposition Case Studies: Examples of Different Ecosystems (Rainforests, Deserts, Coral Reefs), Human Impact on Ecosystems 2 Environmental Pollution: 11 4 0 Definition, Causes, effects and control measures of: Air Pollution Water Pollution Soil Pollution Marine Pollution Noise Pollution Thermal Pollution Nuclear Pollution Solid Waste Management- Impacts of waste mismanagement, Recycle, Repurpose, Refuse) Case Studies: Examples of Urban smog, oil spills, nuclear disasters, landfills, new startups/ researches/ influencers focusing on innovative ways of waste management and zero- waste lifestyle, etc. 3 Sustainable Development: 11 4 0  Definition and Principles The Triple Bottom Line: Economic, Environmental, and Social Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Relevance and Application of SDGs Sustainable Practices (Green Technologies, Linear vs. Circular Economy, Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Fashion, Sustainable Finance, Urban Planning, Sustainable Architecture etc.) Case Studies of Successful Sustainable Projects; Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) 4 Renewable Energy: 16 4 0 Definition and Importance Basics of the technologies and applications: Solar Energy Wind Energy Hydropower Biomass Geothermal Energy Energy-efficient Technologies Emerging Technologies- National Green Hydrogen Mission Challenges and Opportunities Case studies of Renewable Energy Projects/ companies Scheme of End Semester Examination Total: 100 marks Recommended Books and References: 1. Asthana, D.K., & Asthana, M. (2010). A Textbook of Environmental Studies. S. Chand & Company. 2. Barucha, E. (2004). Environmental Studies for Undergraduate Courses. UGC. 3. Kaushik, A., & Kaushik, C.P. (2018). Perspectives In Environmental Studies. New Age International. 4. Skinner, B.J., & Porter, S.C. ( 1995). The Blue Planet, An Introduction to Earth System Science. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Learning outcomes Students will be able to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Ecosystem dynamics, and the impact of human activities on the ecosystems (Module 1). Students will be able to acquire knowledge about the different types of environmental pollution, and understand measures to control them (Module 2). Students will be able to understand the principles, importance of sustainable development, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Students will be able to practically apply this knowledge in their chosen fields of career (Module 3). Students will gain an understanding of the various renewable sources of energy, their technologies, applications, and the significance of energy efficiency (Module 4). Hyperlinks of suggested e-Resources: Coursera: Introduction to Sustainability: https://www.coursera.org/learn/sustainability MIT OpenCourseWare: Teaching with Sustainability: https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/res-env- 006-teaching-with-sustainability-january-iap-2022/ Swayam: Environmental Science: https://onlinecourses.nptel.ac.in/noc23_hs155/preview Hyperlinks of suggested e-resources on the web Pedagogical approach: Interactive Lectures: Employ visual aids such as PowerPoint presentations, diagrams, and videos for explanation. Guest Lectures: Invite experts from environmental organizations, research institutions, or industries to provide real-world insights. Case Studies and Real-world Examples: Group Discussions and Collaborative Learning through class Debates, etc. Group Projects: Assign group projects to encourage collaborative learning. Field Visits and Practical Experiences: Arrange field visits to local ecosystems, waste management facilities, water treatment plants, or air quality monitoring stations, sustainable farms, etc. Assessment and Feedback: Use quizzes, short assignments, and in-class activities to assess understanding regularly. News Analysis: Regularly discuss current environmental news, recent research findings, and policy changes. Innovation Focus: Highlight new technologies, startups, and influencers promoting sustainability and environmental protection. Additional information (if any)