Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.

)
Batch 2016 – 2020

Name of the
Course Name: Course Code: ESEA 301 L
Course
Department: Environment
Biotechnology/ & Type:
Chemistry Basic
Sustainability
L-T-P
3-0-0 Credits 3 Pre-requisite: NIL
Structure
Destruction of the natural resources, loss of biodiversity, population
explosion, non-sustainable development, climate change and environmental
pollution are interlinked. The present course will help the student to
understand all these phenomena and possible ways to prevent these
Brief
situations. As per the direction of the Supreme Court of India, the
description of
the Course university grant commission (UGC) has designed a compulsory basic
course for all undergraduate degree programs. All the topics selected for
the present course are as per the syllabus prepared by the UGC. Present
course will fulfil the UGC’s requirement of a course on environmental
studies in the syllabi of all undergraduate programs.
Course Main Objectives of the course are:
Objectives
1. To know the importance of natural resources, biodiversity,
environment & ecosystems, renewable energy and sustainable
development.
2. To learn about the role of each citizen in preventing climate change,
environmental pollution, deforestation, scarcity of water and in energy
security.
1. The students will develop the basic concept of biodiversity,
ecosystems, renewable energy and sustainable development and their
importance.
Course
2. The students will have up-to-date information on causes and effects of
Outcome
environmental pollution, climate change and global warming and their
preventions.

Course Topics No. of

Contents: Hours
The multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies:
Unit 1 2
Definition, scope and importance. Need for public awareness.
Natural resources:
Renewable and non-renewable resources. Natural resources and
associated problems. Role of an individual in conservation of
Unit 2 8
natural resources. Equitable use of resources for sustainable
lifestyles.

Ecosystems:
Unit 3 8
 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. Features, structure and function of
different ecosystems. Biogeochemical Cycles. Nitrogen Cycle.
Water Cycle. Carbon Cycle.

Biodiversity and its conservation:

Introduction. Biogeographical classification of India. Value of
biodiversity. Biodiversity at global, national and local levels.
Unit 4 8
India as a mega-diversity nation. Hotspots of biodiversity.
Threats to biodiversity. Endangered and endemic species of
India. Conservation of biodiversity.
Environmental pollution:
Definition. Causes, effects and control measures of various types
of pollutions. Air pollution. Water pollution. Soil pollution.
Unit 5 Noise pollution. Thermal pollution. E-waste. Wastewater 10
treatment. Solid waste management. Role of an individual in
prevention of pollution. Sustainability and Lifecycle Assessment
(LCA). Pollution case studies. Disaster management.
Social issues and the environment:
From unsustainable to sustainable development. Urban problems
related to energy. Water conservation, rainwater harvesting,
watershed management. Resettlement and rehabilitation of
people. Environmental ethics. Climate change, acid rain, ozone
Unit 6 6
layer depletion, nuclear accidents, holocaust. Wasteland
reclamation. Consumerism and waste products. Environment
protection acts (air, water). Wildlife protection act. Forest
conservation act. Issues involved in enforcement of
environmental legislation. Public awareness.
Human population and the environment:
Population growth, variation among nations. Population
explosion-Family welfare program. Environment and human
Unit 7 6
health. Human rights. Value education. HIV/AIDS. Women and
child welfare. Role of information technology in environment
and human health. Case studies.
Special
Instructions
Erach Bharucha (for University Grant Commission), Textbook of
Text Book
Environmental Studies for Undergraduate Courses. Second Edition,
Universities Press, 2013.
References
 Evaluation Components:

Components of Course Evaluation Percentage Distribution

Mid Semester Examination 25%

End Semester Examination 50%

Quizzes 25%

Total 100%