Core Module syllabus for Environmental Studies

Under graduate studies

Unit I: Environment and its multidimensional nature: Definition scope and importance, Renewable and
non renewable resources, Forest resources, water resources, Energy resources, Mineral resources, food
resources, land resources.

UNIT II: Concept of Ecosystem and its components, types of ecosystem (forest, grassland, aquatic,
desert etc). Food chain, food web and ecological pyramids, biogeochemical cycle. Concept of genus
species and habitat.

UNIT III: Biodiversity and its types; genetic, species and ecosystem diversity. Hot spots of Biodiversity.
India as a Mega diversity Nation, Threats to Biodiversity. Introduction to PA network in India and
concept of in- situ, and ex -situ conservation.

UNIT IV: Social issues and the environment; sustainable development. Environmental pollution; water,
air and land pollution. Causes of environmental degradation including ill effects of fireworks and its
impact on human population and health. Climate change and global warming. Various conservation
laws.

Field work: visit to local areas to document environmental assets, river/forest/grassland/mountain