Hey student,
Semister 1 : Introduction to environmental studies
Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies; Scope and importance; the need for
environmental education. Concept of sustainability and sustainable development.
Unit 2 : Ecosystems
What is an ecosystem? Structure: food chains, food webs and function of ecosystem: Energy
flow in an ecosystem, nutrient cycle and ecological succession. Ecological Interactions.
Case studies of the following ecosystems:
a) Forest ecosystem b) Grassland ecosystem c) Desert ecosystem d) Aquatic ecosystems
Unit 3 : Biodiversity and Conservation
zones of India; Biodiversity patterns and global biodiversity hot spots
b. India as a mega-biodiversity nation; Endangered and endemic species of India
c. Threats to biodiversity: Habitat loss, poaching of wildlife, man-wildlife conflicts,
biological invasions; Conservation of biodiversity : In-situ and Ex-situ conservation of
biodiversity.
d. Nature reserves, tribal populations and rights (Niyamgiri-Vedanta, POSCO), and human
wildlife conflicts in Indian context (Sundarban-Human-Tiger encounters).
e. Ecosystem and biodiversity services: Ecological, economic, social, ethical, aesthetic and
Informational value.
Unit 4 : Environmental Pollution and Global Environmental Issues
a. Environmental pollution: types, causes, effects and controls; Air, water, soil and noise
pollution.
b. Climate change, global warming, ozone layer depletion, acid rain and impacts on human
communities and agriculture
c. Nuclear hazards and human health risks
d. Solid waste management: Control measures of urban and industrial waste, special
reference e-waste, Biomedical waste.
e. Pollution Tragedies:, Bhopal Gas, Endosulfan, Minamata and Flint water.
This is the Semister 1 syllabus for b com department.
All the best student,
Hope this helps you.