Environmental Science

Environmental science and its importance; Ecosystem: concept, structure and functions; Types of the ecosystem: terrestrial, aquatic and marine; Energy flow in the ecosystem; Concept and importance of food chains, food webs and ecological pyramids, Case Studies.

Land resources: Land degradation, landslides, soil erosion and desertification; Forest resources: Causes of deforestation; impacts of mining and dam building on environment and forests; Water resource: Use and over-exploitation of surface and groundwater, floods, drought conflicts over water; Energy resources: Renewable and non-renewable energy sources, use of alternate energy sources; Global Warming; Green House Effect; Acid rain, Case Studies.

Basic concepts of biodiversity; Importance of biodiversity in ecosystems; Values of biodiversity: consumptive use, productive use, social, ethical, aesthetic and option values; India as a mega-biodiversity nation; Endangered and endemic species of India; Threats to biodiversity: habitat loss, poaching of wildlife, man-wildlife conflicts. Conservation of biodiversity: In-situ and Ex-situ conservation of biodiversity, Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

Pollution and its types: Air pollution, Water pollution, Soil pollution, Noise pollution; Sources of pollution; Effect of pollution on human health and economy; Preventive measures from pollution; Climate change: causes, impacts and prevention; Environmental Legislation: Introduction to Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974, Introduction to Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981 and Environmental Protection Act 1986, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

Principles and dimensions (economic, social, environmental), Green business practices: reducing waste, energy efficiency, and sustainable sourcing, Environmental management systems (EMS) and certifications (ISO 14001), The triple bottom line: people, planet, profit, Business opportunities in the circular economy, Green marketing and consumer engagement