JAWAHARLAL NEHRU TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY HYDERABAD

Course Objectives:

• To learn about the Environment management and environmental ethics.
• To understand the structure and functions of eco system and the ecological interactions.
• To understand the importance of natural resources for survival.
• To know about the biodiversity and conservation and its role in protecting environment.
• To analyze the green environment issues and the role of IT in environment protection.

Course Outcomes

Students will be able to

• Gain knowledge on environmental aspects and sustainability.
• Understand the ecological interactions in ecosystem.
• Know how to protect various Natural resources.
• Apply and study various issues in Biodiversity and conservations.
• Know the use of various Green environment initiatives in Indian scenario.

UNIT - I: Introduction to Environmental studies

Definition, scope and importance-Sustainable development, Realm of Ecology, Environmental Management System (EMS), Biodiversity, Business and Environment, Environmental Ethics.

UNIT - II: Ecosystems

Concept of an ecosystem. – Structure and function of an ecosystem; Producers, consumers and decomposers. 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 (ponds, streams, lakes, rivers, oceans, estuaries).

UNIT - III: Natural Resources

Renewable and Non-Renewable, Forest Resources, Water Resources, Mineral Resources, Food Resources, Energy Resources, Land resources.

UNIT - IV: Biodiversity and Conservation

Levels of biological diversity: genetic, species and ecosystem diversity; Biogeographic zones of India; Biodiversity patterns and global biodiversity hot spots. Endangered and endemic species of India Threats to biodiversity, Nature reserves, tribal populations and rights (Niyamgiri-Vedanta, POSCO), and human wildlife conflicts in Indian context (Sundarban-Human-Tiger encounters). Ecosystem and biodiversity services: Ecological, economic, social, ethical, aesthetic and Informational value.

UNIT - V: Green Environmental Issues

Introduction – Clean development mechanism, carbon foot print, carbon credits, carbon sequestration and Polluter pay principle. Green building practices. Approaches to green computing and nanotechnology IS014000. Role of information technology in environment and human health. Case Studies.

Suggested Readings:

• Abhik Gupta, Susmita Gupta, Environmental Studies Principles and Practices, Sage Publications,2021
• Anji Reddy .M, Textbook of Environmental Sciences and Technology, Hyderabad, BS Publications, 2007.
• Benny Joseph, Environmental Studies, New Delhi, Tata McGraw Hill Publishing co. Ltd, 2005.
• Erach Bharucha, Textbook of Environmental Studies for Undergraduate Courses, Hyderabad, Universities Press, 2005.
• Y Anjaneyulu, Introduction to Environmental Sciences, BS Publications, 2004.
• Mahua Basu, S. Xavier, Xavier Savarimuthu, SJ, Fundamentals of Environmental Studies, Cambridge University Press,2017. BBA SEMESTER – I