To acquaint students with the subject and to make them learn the fundamentals of ecology and environmental science
8.00
Unit I:
Introduction to Environmental Science
Definition, Scope and Importance of Environmental Science
Multidisciplinary nature of Environmental Science
Origin and Evolution of Biosphere: Atmosphere of the Primitive Earth. Early Life forms, Origin of Life- Chemical basis, Evolution of Life forms through ages
Environmentally significant dates and abbreviations
10.00
Unit II:
Physical and Chemical Environment
Ecosphere and its components: Atmosphere, Hydrosphere,
Lithosphere and Biosphere
Interaction of all the components(Atmosphere, Hydrosphere,
Lithosphere and Biosphere
10.00
Unit III:
Ecological Concepts
Concept of Ecosystems
Types of Ecosystems
Ecosystem structure and functioning
Energy flow
Food chains and food webs
Ecological pyramids
10.00
Unit IV:
Ecological Principles
Liebig’s Law of Minimum
Shelford’s Law of Tolerance
Combined Concept of Limiting Factors
7.00
Unit V:
Biogeochemical cycles
Definition and importance
Hydrological
Carbon
Oxygen
Nitrogen
Phosphorus
Sulphur
Essential Readings:
Agrawal,K. C. (2001).Fundamentals of Environmental Biology. Bikaner (India): Nidhi Publishers.
Chapman,J. L. and Reiss, M. J. (1995).Ecology: Principles and Applications. Cambridge: University Press
Cunningham, W.P. Cooper, T.H. Gorhani, E. and Hepworth, M.T. (2001). Environmental Encyclopedia. Mumbai: Jaico Publ. House.
Kemp: The Environment Dictionary
Odum E.P. (1996). Fundamentals of Ecology. Dehradun: Natraj Publisher
Odum, E.P. (1971). Fundamentals of Ecology. USA: W.B. Saunders Co.
Santra, S. C. (2001). Environmental Science. New Central Book Agency (P) Ltd.
Sharma, P. D. (1996).Ecology and Environment. Meerut: Rastogi Publications.