Ranchi University, Jharkhand, General Semester 2, Environmental Studies Syllabus

Unit - 1 Introduction to environmental studies

UNIT 1

Introduction to environmental studies

1.1 Multidisciplinary nature of Environmental Studies

1.2 Definition Scope and Importance

1.3 Concept of sustainability and sustainable development

Unit - 2 Ecosystems

UNIT 2

Ecosystems

2.1 Concept of an ecosystem. Structure and function of an ecosystem

2.2 Energy flow in the ecosystem

2.3 Ecological succession

2.4 Food chains food webs and ecological pyramids.

2.5 Types characteristic features structure and function of Forest ecosystem Grassland ecosystem Desert ecosystem Aquatic ecosystems

Unit - 3 Natural Resources : Renewable and Non-‐renewable Resources

UNIT 3

Natural Resources Renewable and Non‐renewable Resources

3.1 Land as a resource land degradation Wasteland reclamation man induced landslides soil erosion and desertification

3.2 Use and over – exploitation deforestation

3.3 Timber extraction

3.4 Mining dams and other effects on forest and tribal people

3.5 Use and over utilization of surface and ground water

3.6 Floods drought conflicts over water

3.7 Growing energy needs renewable and nonrenewable energy sources use of alternate energy sources

Unit - 4 Biodiversity and Conservation

UNIT 4

Biodiversity and Conservation

4.1 Definition classification genetic species ecosystem diversity classification

4.2 Value of biodiversity consumptive use productive use

4.3 Biodiversity at national and local levels

4.4 India as a megadiversity nation

4.5 Hotsports of biodiversity

4.6 Threats to biodiversity habitat loss manwildlife conflicts

4.7 Endangered and endemic species of India

4.8 Conservation of biodiversity conservation of biodiversity

4.9 Ecosystem And Biodiversity Systems

Unit - 5 Environmental Pollution

UNIT 5

Environmental Pollution

5.1 Environmental Pollution Definition. Cause effects and control measures of

5.2 Nuclear Hazards and Human Health Risks

5.3 Solid waste Management Causes effects and control measures of urban and industrial wastes

Unit - 6 Environmental Policies & Practices

UNIT 6

Environmental Policies Practices

6.1 Sustainable development Climate change global warming acid rain ozone layer depletion

6.2 Environment Protection Act 1986 Air Prevention and Control of Pollution Act 1981 Water Prevention andControl of Pollution Act 1974 Wildlife Protection Act 1972 Forest Conservation Act 1980 Environmental management system standardsISO 14000 series.

6.3 Natural Reserves Tribal population and rights and human wildlife conflicts

Unit - 7 Human Communities and the Environment

UNIT 7

Human Communities and the Environment

7.1 Population growth

7.2 Resettlement and rehabilitation of project effected persons case studies.

7.3 Disaster management floods earthquake cyclones and landslides. Environmental movements Chipko silent valley Bishnois of Rajasthan .

7.4 Environmental ethics role of Indian religions and cultures in environmental conservation.

7.5 Environmental communication and public awareness case studies