SPECIAL COURSE SYLLABUS FOR FYBSc. FIRST SEMESTER

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

No.	Topics	Lectures
01 Chapters 1,2,5,6	Environment : Definition and Composition – Lithosphere, Hydrosphere, Atmosphere, Biosphere, Hydrological Cycle * Historical Development and Approaches Man and Nature relation and interaction with respect to Food, Clothing, Shelter and Occupation : Concept of Ecology and Ecosystem.	12
02 Chapters 7,8,9,10	Resources and Wealth : Meaning, Types of Resources, Exploitation of Resources, use of Technology and its Impact on Natural Environment : Wealth – meaning, Distinction between wealth and resources, Optimum Conversion of Resources into wealth : Anthropogenic Waste – its effects, Man made Industrial waste.	12
03 Chapters 11,12,13,14	Environmental Degradation : Meaning, causes : Degradation of Urban Land, Forest and Agricultural Land due to natural causes and human interference: Global Warming : Problems of non-degradable Waste – Electronic Devices, Plastic and Man- made fibres: Environmental Assessment – Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Environmental Auditing, Environmental Legislation in India, Carbon Bank.	13
04 Chapters 18,19,20	Environmental Management : Meaning, development and environmental linkages. Environmental concerns in India. The need for sustainable development. Actions for environmental Protection: national and international initiatives, emerging environment management strategies, Indian initiatives – Environmental Protection Movements and NGOs in India.	13

Reference : Environmental Studies – From Crisis to Cure. R. Rajagopalan (OUP)

Suggested topics for presentations :

1)        Mithi River (RP – Hrishi)

2)        Mangroves – Airport

3)        e Waste

4)        Environmental Audit

5)        Environmental Ethics in a corporate  scenario (RP – Agnelo)

6)        Agricultural Crisis (RP – Madhuri)

7)        Renewable Clean Energy Sources

8)        Effluents – Domestic & Industrial

9)        Vehicular Pollution

10)     Recycling especially plastic in Dharavi

11)     Unsafe Potable Water (RP – Seema)

12)     Effect of Global Warming on Coasts