Definition, scope and importance of Risk and hazards; Chemical hazards, Physical hazards, Biological hazards in the environment – concept of an ecosystem – structure and function of an ecosystem – producers, consumers and decomposers-Oxygen cycle and Nitrogen cycle – energy flow in the ecosystem – ecological succession processes – Introduction, types, characteristic features, structure and function of the (a) forest ecosystem (b) grassland ecosystem (c) desert ecosystem (d) aquatic ecosystems (ponds, streams, lakes, rivers, oceans, estuaries) – Introduction to 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 – India as a mega-diversity nation – hot-spots 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. Field study of common plants, insects, birds. Field study of simple ecosystems – pond, river and hill slopes, etc.

Definition – causes, effects and control measures of: (a) Air pollution (Atmospheric chemistry- Chemical composition of the atmosphere; Chemical and photochemical reactions in the atmosphere - formation of smog, PAN, acid rain, oxygen and ozone chemistry;- Mitigation procedures- Control of particulate and gaseous emission, Control of SO2, NOX, CO and HC) (b) Water pollution : Physical and chemical properties of terrestrial and marine water and their environmental significance; Water quality parameters – physical, chemical and biological; absorption of heavy metals - Water treatment processes. (c) Soil pollution - soil waste management: causes, effects and control measures of municipal solid wastes – (d) Marine pollution (e) Noise pollution (f) Thermal pollution (g) Nuclear hazards–role of an individual in prevention of pollution – pollution case studies Field study of local polluted site – Urban / Rural / Industrial / Agricultural.

Forest resources: Use and over-exploitation, deforestation, case studies- timber extraction, mining, dams and their effects on forests and tribal people – Water resources: Use and overutilization of surface and ground 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. Energy Conversion processes – Biogas – production and uses, anaerobic digestion; 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. Introduction to Environmental Biochemistry: Proteins – Biochemical degradation of pollutants, Bioconversion of pollutants. Field study of local area to document environmental assets – river / forest / grassland / hill / mountain.

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 solutions – 12 Principles of green chemistry- nuclear accidents and holocaust, case studies. – wasteland reclamation – consumerism and waste products – Environment protection act – Air act – Water act – Wildlife protection act – Forest conservation act –The Biomedical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules; 1998 and amendments- scheme of labeling of environmentally friendly products (Eco-mark). Enforcement machinery involved in environmental legislation- central and state pollution control boards- disaster management: floods, earthquake, cyclone and landslides. Public awareness.

Population growth, variation among nations – population explosion – family welfare program – environment and human health – human rights – value education – HIV / AIDS – women and child welfare –Environmental impact analysis (EIA) -GIS-remote sensing-role of information technology in environment and human health – Case studies.