ENVIRONMENTAL GEOSCIENCES AND RESTORATION ECOLOGY

Paper Code: 
ENV 124
Credits: 
5
Contact Hours: 
75.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

This course will enable the students to-

  1. Become aware of the degradation of the earth and methods of Ecological restoration
  2. Understand geological systems in a better way

Course Outcomes (COs):

Course

Learning outcomes

(at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment

Strategies

Paper Code

Paper Title

ENV 124

Environmental Geosciences and Restoration Ecology

Upon completion of the course, students will:

CO19:  Develop geologic knowledge to maximize the utilization of all natural resources and minimize their degradation

CO20: Develop geological methods to minimize the destructive potential of natural processes

CO21: Evaluate the ability to integrate and apply knowledge for interpreting the plate tectonics and hazard zonation maps

CO22: Critically evaluate current events and public information related to natural hazards

CO23: Evaluate the principles underlying restoration ecology and ecological restoration in local, national and global contexts

CO24: Design various scientific methods that can be applied in geological sciences

 

Approach in teaching:

Guest lectures, Multimedia presentations, Video presentations, Group discussions

Learning activities for the students:

Model/Poster Making, Debates, Simulation, Case studies, Field activities

Interactive Lectures, Google Quiz, Power Point Presentation, Map preparation, Assignment, Class test, Semester End Examination

 

10.00
Unit I: 
Basic Concepts of Geosciences
  • Environmental Geosciences- fundamental concept
  • Origin of Universe: Big Bang Theory, Steady State theory, Pulsating Universe theory
  • Major division of geological time
  • Plate Tectonics and Continental Drift

 

20.00
Unit II: 
Geosciences and Earth Systems
  • Earth system and biosphere
  • Interrelationship of various earth systems-geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere
  • Climate of India, Indian monsoon
  • Climate of Rajasthan
  • El-nino and La-nina
  • Drought
  • Tropical cyclones and western disturbances
20.00
Unit III: 
Earth Process and Geological Hazards
  • Earth Processes: Cycle in the earth system
  • Catastrophic Geological Hazards
    • Floods
    • Landslides
    • Earthquakes
    • Volcanoes
    • Avalanche

 

10.00
Unit IV: 
Ecological Restoration
  • Concept and Need for Restoration
  • Principles and guidelines of Restoration

 

15.00
Unit V: 
Planning and Implementation of Ecological Restoration
  • National and International restoration projects
  • Steps for restoration: Developing the Plan; Implementation, Monitoring and Reporting
Essential Readings: 
  • Bennett, M. R. and Doyle, P. (1997). Environmental geology: - Geology and the Human Environment. John Wiley and Sons.
  •  Cunningham, W.P., Cooper, T.H., Gorhani, E. and Hepworth, M.T. (2001).     Environmental Encyclopedia,Jaico Publication. House, Mumbai,India
  • Cunningham, W.P.andSaigo, B.W.(1999). Environmental Science, Mc- Graw Hill Book Company,NewDelhi,India         
  • De, A.K.(1999). Environmental Chemistry, Wiley Eastern Ltd.
  • Keller, E.A. (1999). Environmental Geology. 8th ed. Prentice Hall of India
  • Rao, P.K. (2000). Sustainable Development, Massachusetts: Blackwell Publishers.
  • Sharma, B.K. (2001). Environmental Chemistry. Geol Publication House, Meerut,India

 

Academic Year: