Name of the course: Environmental Studies

Course Title: Environmental Studies

Type of Course: OEC Level of Course: Delivery Sub
4.5 (UG) Type of the
course:
Course code: No. of credits: 4 L-T-P: 4-0-0 Learning hours: 60
Pre-requisite and Co-requisite of Course: Attained Level 4.0
Department: Department of Sustainability Sciences
Syllabus:
Unit 1: Ecosystems
Unit 2: Environmental Pollution
Unit 3: Sustainable Development
Unit 4: Renewable Energy
Course objectives:
1. To allow students to appreciate the complexity of natural systems, recognize the impacts of
human activities on these systems, and develop informed strategies for conservation and
sustainable management of natural resources.
2. To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of various forms of pollution, to help
them attain knowledge crucial for developing mitigation strategies & protect public health.
3. To equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand, and apply the
principles of sustainability in various contexts, and prepare them to contribute to sustainable
practices and policies that address global challenges.
4. To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of various renewable energy
technologies, their applications, and challenges, for promoting the transition to sustainable
energy systems.
Course content
Module/ Topic L T P
Unit
1 Ecosystems: 8 2 0
Concept of an Ecosystem
Types of Ecosystems [(Terrestrial- Forest, Grassland, Desert),
(Aquatic- Freshwater, Ocean)]
Ecosystem Structure: Producers, Consumers, Decomposers
Ecosystem Functions and Services- Energy Flow in
Ecosystems, Nutrient Cycles (Water, Carbon, Nitrogen) and
human impacts on these cycles, Food Chain and Food Webs,
Ecological Pyramids (Pyramid of Numbers, Biomass, and
Energy), Decomposition
Case Studies: Examples of Different Ecosystems (Rainforests,
Deserts, Coral Reefs), Human Impact on Ecosystems
2 Environmental Pollution: 11 4 0
Definition, Causes, effects and control measures of:
Air Pollution
Water Pollution
Soil Pollution
Marine Pollution
Noise Pollution
Thermal Pollution
Nuclear Pollution
Solid Waste Management- Impacts of waste mismanagement,

Recycle, Repurpose, Refuse)

Case Studies: Examples of Urban smog, oil spills, nuclear
disasters, landfills, new startups/ researches/ influencers
focusing on innovative ways of waste management and zero-
waste lifestyle, etc.
3 Sustainable Development: 11 4 0
 Definition and Principles
The Triple Bottom Line: Economic, Environmental, and Social

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Relevance and Application of SDGs
Sustainable Practices (Green Technologies, Linear vs. Circular
Economy, Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Fashion,
Sustainable Finance, Urban Planning, Sustainable Architecture
etc.)
Case Studies of Successful Sustainable Projects; Mission LiFE
(Lifestyle for Environment)
4 Renewable Energy: 16 4 0
Definition and Importance
Basics of the technologies and applications:
Solar Energy
Wind Energy
Hydropower
Biomass
Geothermal Energy
Energy-efficient Technologies
Emerging Technologies- National Green Hydrogen Mission
Challenges and Opportunities
Case studies of Renewable Energy Projects/ companies

Scheme of End Semester Examination Total: 100 marks

Recommended Books and References:
1. Asthana, D.K., & Asthana, M. (2010). A Textbook of Environmental Studies. S. Chand &
Company.
2. Barucha, E. (2004). Environmental Studies for Undergraduate Courses. UGC.
3. Kaushik, A., & Kaushik, C.P. (2018). Perspectives In Environmental Studies. New Age
International.
4. Skinner, B.J., & Porter, S.C. ( 1995). The Blue Planet, An Introduction to Earth System
Science. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Learning outcomes
Students will be able to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Ecosystem dynamics, and
the impact of human activities on the ecosystems (Module 1).
Students will be able to acquire knowledge about the different types of environmental
pollution, and understand measures to control them (Module 2).
Students will be able to understand the principles, importance of sustainable development, and
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Students will be able to practically apply this
knowledge in their chosen fields of career (Module 3).
Students will gain an understanding of the various renewable sources of energy, their
technologies, applications, and the significance of energy efficiency (Module 4).
Hyperlinks of suggested e-Resources:
Coursera: Introduction to Sustainability: https://www.coursera.org/learn/sustainability
MIT OpenCourseWare: Teaching with Sustainability: https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/res-env-
006-teaching-with-sustainability-january-iap-2022/
Swayam: Environmental Science: https://onlinecourses.nptel.ac.in/noc23_hs155/preview
Hyperlinks of suggested e-resources on the web
Pedagogical approach:
Interactive Lectures: Employ visual aids such as PowerPoint presentations, diagrams, and videos for
explanation.
Guest Lectures: Invite experts from environmental organizations, research institutions, or industries
to provide real-world insights.
Case Studies and Real-world Examples:
Group Discussions and Collaborative Learning through class Debates, etc.
Group Projects: Assign group projects to encourage collaborative learning.
Field Visits and Practical Experiences: Arrange field visits to local ecosystems, waste management
facilities, water treatment plants, or air quality monitoring stations, sustainable farms, etc.
Assessment and Feedback: Use quizzes, short assignments, and in-class activities to assess
understanding regularly.
News Analysis: Regularly discuss current environmental news, recent research findings, and policy
changes.
Innovation Focus: Highlight new technologies, startups, and influencers promoting sustainability and
environmental protection.
Additional information (if any)