The University of Burdwan, West Bengal, General Semester 1, Environmental Studies Syllabus

Unit - 1 Basic of Environmental Studies

1.1 Definition Nature Scope and Importance

1.2 Components of Environment Environmental Education

Unit - 2 Natural Resources

2.1 Natural resources and associated problems

2.2 Use of Resources for Sustainable Development

Unit - 3 Ecology and Ecosystems

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

3.2 Energy flow in the ecosystem

3.3 Ecological succession

3.4 Food chains food webs and ecological pyramids.

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

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

Unit - 5 Environmental Pollution and Management

5.1 Definition Causes Effects and control measures of Air Water Soil Noise Thermal and Nuclear Hazard

5.2 Types of pollutants and their fate in environment Biodegradable and nondegradable pollutants

5.3 Climate change Acid rain Global Warming Ozone layer depletion and Greenhouse Effect.

5.4 Disaster ManagementFlood Earthquake Cyclone Hurricane Landslides Waste Water

5.5 Management and Solid Waste management.

Unit - 6 Environmental Policies & Practices

6.1 Constitutional provisions for protecting environment Articles 48A 51Ag

6.2 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 and Control 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

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