evs by ugc

Textbook Overview

  • Title: Textbook for Environmental Studies for Undergraduate Courses of All Branches of Higher Education

  • Author: Erach Bharucha

  • Publication: University Grants Commission, New Delhi

  • Associated Institution: Bharati Vidyapeeth Institute of Environment Education and Research, Pune

Core Module Syllabus

Vision

  • Emphasizes the importance of environmental science and studies for sustainable development.

  • Highlights global environmental issues such as pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change.

  • Mentions significant global conferences: UN Conference (1992) and World Summit (2002) that raised awareness of environmental concerns.

Historical Context

  • Ancient civilizations valued ecological practices.

  • The need for a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues is urgent due to ongoing degradation.

  • India, rich in biodiversity, faces challenges such as habitat destruction and resource over-extraction.

Syllabus Breakdown

Unit 1: Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies

  • Key Topics: Definition, scope, importance, and public awareness.

    • Focus on the need for a holistic understanding of environmental issues.

Unit 2: Natural Resources

  • Topics Covered: Renewable and non-renewable resources, problems associated with them.

    • Forest resources, water, minerals, food, energy, land resources.

    • Conservation roles and equitable resource use.

Unit 3: Ecosystems

  • Concepts: Ecosystem structure, functions, producers, consumers, energy flow, food chains, ecological successions, types of ecosystems (e.g., forests, grasslands, deserts).

Unit 4: Biodiversity and Conservation

  • Focus Areas: Definitions (genetic, species, ecosystem diversity), conservation significance, threats to biodiversity, and conservation strategies (in-situ and ex-situ).

Unit 5: Environmental Pollution

  • Key Aspects: Types of pollution (air, water, soil, marine, noise, thermal), causes, effects, control measures, and individual roles in pollution control.

Unit 6: Social Issues and the Environment

  • Discussion Points: Sustainable development challenges, urban energy issues, climate change, environmental legislation, public awareness.

Unit 7: Human Population and Environment

  • Topics: Population growth, variations, environmental health, human rights, and socio-economic factors.

Unit 8: Field Work

  • Experiential Learning: Visits to local environmental assets, polluted sites; study of ecosystems and documentation.

Teaching Methodologies

  • Combined approach: classroom instruction and fieldwork (50 lectures total).

  • Emphasizes hands-on learning for understanding environmental issues better.

Examination Structure

  • Systems: Annual, Semester, and Credit-based.

  • Marks Allocation: 100 marks total with parts for short answers, essays, and fieldwork.

Recommended Readings

  • Includes works from various authors that address environmental biology, ecology, law, and sustainable practices.

Additional Information

  • Developed to create awareness and responsibility in students towards environment conservation.

  • Adapts teaching material to ensure comprehensive understanding and active learning engagement.