UNIT 1:
Definition, scope and importance of environment & need for public awareness
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
Forest ecosystem and Grassland ecosystem Introduction, types, characteristic features, structure and function
Desert & Aquatic ecosystems (ponds, streams, lakes, rivers, oceans, estuaries)
Introduction to biodiversity definition: genetic, species and ecosystem diversity
Biogeographical classification of India
value of biodiversity: consumptive use, productive use, social, ethical, aesthetic and option values
Endangered and Endemic species of India and conservation of biodiversity: In-situ and ex-situ conservation of biodiversity
Field study of common plants, insects, birds; Field study of simple ecosystems – pond, river, hill slopes, etc.,
India as a mega-diversity nation and hot-spots of biodiversity
Biodiversity at global, national and local levels
Threats to biodiversity: habitat loss, poaching of wildlife, man-wildlife conflicts
UNIT 2:
Definition – causes, effects and control measures of Air pollution
Definition – causes, effects and control measures of Water pollution and Soil pollution
Definition – causes, effects and control measures of Water pollution and Soil pollution
Definition – causes, effects and control measures of Marine pollution
Definition ,causes, effects and control measures of Thermal pollution and Nuclear hazards
Definition – causes, effects and control measures of Noise pollution
Definition ,causes, effects and control measures of Thermal pollution and Nuclear hazards
Solid waste management: causes, effects and control measures of municipal solid wastes
Definition ,causes, effects and control measures of Thermal pollution and Nuclear hazards
UNIT 3:
Case studies- timber extraction, mining, dams and their effects on forests and tribal people
Water resources: Use and over- utilization of surface and ground water, floods, drought, conflicts over water, dams-benefits and problems
Food resources: World food problems, changes caused by agriculture and overgrazing, effects of modern agriculture, fertilizer-pesticide problems, water logging, salinity &Case studies
Mineral resources: Use and exploitation, environmental effects of extracting and using mineral resources and Case studies
Energy resources: Growing energy needs, renewable and non renewable energy sources, use of alternate energy sources and Case studies
Land resources: Land as a resource, land degradation, man induced landslides, soil erosion and desertification
Role of an individual in 57 conservation of natural resources
Equitable use of resources for sustainable lifestyles
Field study of local area to document environmental assets – river / forest / grassland / hill / Mountain
UNIT 4:
From unsustainable to 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
Role of non-governmental organization- environmental ethics: Issues and possible solution
Climate change, global warming, acid rain, ozone layer depletion, nuclear accidents and holocaust, case studies
wasteland reclamation – consumerism and waste products – environment production act
Enforcement machinery involved in environmental legislation- central and state pollution control boards- Public awareness
UNIT 5:
Population growth, variation among nations
Population explosion – family welfare programme
Environment and human health
Human rights and value education.
HIV / AIDS – women and child welfare
Role of information technology in environment and human health – Case studies
