Fundamentals of Environmental Science

Paper Code: 
ENV 101
Credits: 
3
Contact Hours: 
45.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

Course Objectives:

This course will enable the students to -

  1. Acquaint students with the subject and to make them learn the fundamentals of Ecology and Environment
  2. Lay emphasis on the basic understanding of ecosystem and its structural and functional aspects
  3. Make students understand the basic principles behind various environmental processes

Course Outcomes (COs):

Course

Course outcome

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Paper Code

Paper Title

ENV 101

Fundamentals of Environmental Science

Upon completion of this course, the students will:

CO1: Appraise various components of the environment and interfaces

CO2: Analyse the role of Ecological principles to manage ecosystems

CO3: Develop a plan to spread awareness about the environment around us and conduct outreach activities

CO4: Evaluate the correlation between ecological dynamics and regulation of vital processes on earth as biogeochemical cycles

Approach in teaching:

Power point presentations

Instructional charts

Interactive lectures, Group discussions

Learning activities for the students:

Learning through memory game

Environmental issues related news reading and green file preparation

Case studies

Power point presentations, Assignments, Open book test, Peer and self-assessment, Poster making, Group activity, Class Test, Semester End Examinations

 

 

8.00
Unit I: 
Introduction to Environmental Science
  • 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 (Geological time scale) 
10.00
Unit II: 
Physical and Chemical Environment
  • Earth’s spheres 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 Encyclopaedia. 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.

 

Academic Year: 
2021-2022
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