Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology B.Sc - Physics SBT1101 Environmental Science Syllabus

[Arvind Kumar]

Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology B.Sc - Physics SBT1101 Environmental Science Syllabus

SATHYABAMA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SCHOOL OF SCIENCE & HUMANITIES

SBT1101 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE L T P CREDITS TOTAL MARKS
3 0 0 3 100


Unit 1 : Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies and Natural resources (10 Hrs)
Definition, scope and importance- Need for public awareness. Natural Resources: Renewable and non-renewable resources:
Natural resources and associated problems. Forest resources : Use and over-exploitation, deforestation, case studies. Timber
extraction, mining, dams and their effects on forest and tribal people. Water resources: Use and over-utilization of surface and
ground water, floods, drought, conflicts over water, dams-benefits and problems. Mineral resources: Use and exploitation,
environmental effects of extracting and using mineral resources, case studies. Food resources: World food problems, changes
caused by agriculture and overgrazing, effects of modern agriculture, fertilizer-pesticide problems, water logging, salinity, case
studies. Energy resources: Growing energy needs, renewable and non-renewable energy sources, use of alternate energy
sources. Case studies. Land resources: Land as a resource, land degradation, man induced landslides, soil erosion and
desertification. Role of an individual in conservation of natural resources. Equitable use of resources for sustainable lifestyles.

Unit 2 : Ecosystems, Biodiversity and its conservation (10Hrs)
Concept of an ecosystem. Structure and function of an ecosystem. Producers, consumers and decomposers. Energy flow in the
ecosystem. Ecological succession. Food chains, food webs and ecological pyramids. Introduction, types, characteristic features,
structure and function of the following ecosystem: - Forest ecosystem, Grassland ecosystem, Desert ecosystem, Aquatic
ecosystems (ponds, streams, lakes, rivers, oceans, estuaries). Biodiversity: Definition- genetic, species and ecosystem diversity.
Bio geographical classification of India. Value of biodiversity: consumptive use, productive use, social, ethical, aesthetic and
option values. Biodiversity at global, National and local levels. Inida as a mega- diversity nation. Hot-sports of biodiversity.
Threats to biodiversity: habitat loss, poaching of wildlife, man-wildlife conflicts. Endangered and endemic species of India.
Conservation of biodiversity: In-situ and Ex-situ conservation of biodiversity.

Unit 3 : Environmental Pollution (9Hrs)
Definition -Cause, effects and control measures of :- Air pollution, Water pollution, Soil pollution, Marine pollution, Noise pollution,
Thermal pollution, Nuclear hazards. Solid waste Management: Causes, effects and control measures of urban and industrial
wastes. Role of an individual in prevention of pollution. Pollution case studies. Diaster management : floods, earthquake, cyclone
and landslides.

Unit 4 : Social Issues and the Environment (8Hrs)
Idea of Sustainable development. Urban problems related to energy. Water conservation, rain water harvesting, watershed
management. Resettlement and rehabilitation of people; its problems and concerns. Case Studies. Environmental ethics: Issues
and possible solutions. Climate change, global warming, acid rain, ozone layer depletion, nuclear accidents and holocaust. Case
Studies. Wasteland reclamation. Consumerism and waste products. Environment Protection Act. Air (Prevention and Control of
Pollution) Act. Water (Prevention and control of Pollution) Act. Wildlife Protection Act. Forest Conservation Act. Issues involved
in enforcement of environmental legislation. Public awareness.

UNIT 5 Human population and the environment (8Hrs)
Population growth, variation among nations. Population explosion – Family Welfare Programme. Environment and human
health. Human Rights. Value Education.HIV/AIDS. Women and Child Welfare. Role of Information Technology in Environment
and human health. Case Studies.
Visit to a local area to document environmental assets-river/forest/grassland/hill/mountain

•Visit to a local polluted site-Urban/Rural/Industrial/Agricultural

•Study of common plants, insects, birds.

Study of simple ecosystems-pond, river, hill slopes, etc.
Max.45 Hours

TEXT / REFERENCE BOOKS
1. Erach Bharucha, Text Book of Environmental Studies, 2ndEdition ,University Press, Chennai, 2006
2. Meenakshi. P, Elements of Environmental Science and Engineering, 1st Edition, Prentice Hall of India, New Delhi,
2009.
3. Ravikrishnan. A, Environmental Science & Engineering, 3rd Edition, Sri Krishna Publications, Chennai, 2008.
4. Wrigh. R. T & Nebel B.J, Environmental science-towards a sustainable future by Richard 8th edition, Prentice Hall of
India, NewDelhi,2006

END SEMESTER EXAM QUESTION PAPER PATTERN
Max. Marks: 100 Exam Duration: 3 Hrs.
PART A: 10 Questions of 2 mark each - No choice. 20 Marks
PART B: 2 Questions from each unit of internal choice, each carrying 16 marks. 80 Marks