ABOUT THE COURSE:On the direction of Honorable supreme court of India, the University Grand Commission (UGC) has introduced “Environmental Studies” as essential subject to be taught at UG level a CBCS system. However, under New Education Policy the course has been splitted into two papers of 2 credits each. (1). Fundamentals of Environment, (2). Environmental Education and Conservation, since July 2024.The present proposal is for the Fundamental of Environment course (2 credits) which is being taught in Vth semester of undergraduate students. The prime objective of this proposed online course is to provide participants complete understanding of Environment. The course aims to enable students acquire practical and technical skills required for identifying and solving societal problems related to environment.INTENDED AUDIENCE: Under graduate students of all the discipline. (B.A/B.Sc./B.Com/B.Tech)PREREQUISITES: This course is being taught to Undergraduate students, hence 12th is compulsory to pass/clearINDUSTRY SUPPORT:The present course may help professionals in development of an industry environmental management and education protocol for the purpose of training.This course will also develop strong aptitudes among industry managers to understand economic development and challenges posed to environment due to establishment of industries.

Syllabus

Week 1:Definition,Scope and importance of Environment1. Environment and its multidimensional Nature: Definition Scope and importance, Part I2. Environment and its multidimensional Nature: Definition Scope and importance, Part II3. Environment and its multidimensional Nature: Definition Scope and importance, Part III
Week 2:Concept of Ecosystem, Types of Ecosystem such as forest, grassland, wetland; functions of ecosystem4. Concept of Ecosystem and its characteristics5. Component of ecosystem- Abiotic6. Component of ecosystem- Bbiotic7. Types of Ecosystem8. Grassland Ecosystem9. Mountain and Desert Ecosystem10. Aquatic Ecosystem11. Function of Ecosystem
Week 3:Concept of Producers, consumers, decomposers, concept of food chain, food web, trophic level and ecological pyramids12. Concept of Producers, consumers, decomposers13. Concept of food chain, food web, trophic level and ecological pyramids, Part I14. Concept of food chain, food web, trophic level and ecological pyramids, Part II15. Biogeochemical Cycle; Carbon Cycle, Oxygen Cycle, Water Cycle
Week 4:Definition of Renewable and non-Renewable resources, types of different natural resources such as Forest resources, Water resources, Energy resources Food resources, Land resources and Mineral resources.16. Renewable and nonrenewable resources: Food and food resources Part I17. Renewable and nonrenewable resources: Food and food resources Part II18. Renewable and non-Renewable Energy resources, Part I19. Renewable and non-Renewable Energy resources, Part II20. Forest resources , Part I21. Forest resources , Part II22. Forest resources , Part III
Week 5:Renewable and non-Renewable natural resources (Land resources, Mineral resources and Water resources)23. Land resources24. Mineral resources Part I25. Mineral resources Part II26. Water resources
Week 6:Concept of genus species and habitat , Part I27. Concept of genus species and habitat, Biodiversity and its types;28. Genetic and Species Diversity29. Ecosystem diversity30. India as Mega Biodiversity Nation
Week 7:Concept of genus species and habitat Part II31. Biodiversity Hot spots, Part I32. Biodiversity Hot spots, Part II33. Biodiversity Hot spots, Part III34. Biodiversity Hot spots, Part IV35. Threats to biodiversity.
Week 8:Protected Area network in India and concept of in-situ, and ex -situ conservation.36. Introduction to Protected Area network in India (in-situ conservation).37. Protected Area network- Centrally sponsored schemes38. Ex -situ conservation: Strategies, success: An integrated approach to biodiversity conservation.39. Man-animal conflict around protected areas40. Endangered species management