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.