School of Life Sciences

HNB Garhwal University

(A Central University) Semester III Credits
Srinagar- Garhwal, Uttarakhand SOLS/EVS-C-013 Environmental Economics, Environmental
Sociology and Sustainable Development 03
Syllabus SOLS/EVS-C-014 Remote Sensing, GIS and Environmental Statistics
M.Sc. Environmental Sciences 03
(Effective from 2016-17) SOLS/EVS-C-015 Lab Course –I 03
SOLS/EVS-E-001 Climatology and Environmental Modeling 03
SOLS/EVS-E-002 Environmental Geosciences and Disaster
Semester I Credits Management 03
SOLS/EVS-C-001 Fundamentals of Environmental Sciences 03 SOLS/EVS-E-003 Biodiversity Conservation and Restoration Ecology
SOLS/EVS-C-002 Man and Environment 03 03
SOLS/EVS-C-003 Natural Resource Management 03 SOLS/EVS-E-004 Environmental Toxicology 03
SOLS/EVS-C-004 Environmental Chemistry and Instrumentation 03 SOLS/EVS-E-005 Lab Course –II 03
SOLS/EVS-C-005 Lab Course –I 03 SOLS/EVS-SS-002 Environment vs Development 03
SOLS/EVS-C-006 Lab Course –II 03
(09 Core credits + 09 Elective credits +03 Self study)
(18 Core credits)

Semester IV
Semester II SOLS/EVS-C-016 Environmental Management: EIA and
SOLS/EVS-C-007 Environmental Monitoring and Pollution Control 03 Environmental Auditing 03
SOLS/EVS-C-008 Energy Resources and Management 03 SOLS/EVS-C-017 Environmental Laws, Ethics and Policies 03
SOLS/EVS-C-009 Environmental Microbiology and Environmental SOLS/EVS-C-018 Lab Course –I 03
Biotechnology 03 SOLS/EVS-E-006 Dissertation 06
SOLS/EVS-C-010 Freshwater Ecology 03 SOLS/EVS-E-007 Mountain Ecology 03
SOLS/EVS-C-011 Lab Course –I 03 SOLS/EVS-E-008 Himalayan Wildlife 03
SOLS/EVS-C-012 Lab Course –II 03 SOLS/EVS-SS-003 Traditional Ecological Knowledge 03
SOLS/EVS-SS-001 History and Philosophy of Sciences 03
(09 Core credits + 09 Elective credits +03 Self study)
(18 Core credits + 03 self study)

Total Credits: 78 ( Core: 54; Elective: 18; Self study: 09)

SEMESTER I

SOLS/EVS-C 001 Fundamentals of Environmental Sciences

(03 credits)

Unit I. Environment Unit IV. Self Sustenance of Ecosystem

1.1. Definition, scope and importance of Environmental 4.1. Homeostasis in natural ecosystems
Sciences 4.2. Ecosystem stability and resilience
1.2. Components of environment: atmosphere, hydrosphere, 4.3. Biodiversity and ecosystem stability
lithosphere and biosphere 4.4 Drivers influencing ecosystem stability
1.3. Concept of Biosphere-2, Noosphere and Technosphere
Unit V. Meteorology
Unit II .Ecosystem 5.1. Meteorological parameters: temperature, pressure,
2.1. Structure of an ecosystem precipitation, humidity, radiation, wind and clouds
2.2 Major ecosystems: Himalaya, Marine ecosystems, 5.2. First and second laws of Thermodynamics
Deserts, Freshwater ecosystems, Forests and 5.3. Heat transferring process and stability
Antarctica ecosystem 5.4. Inversion and mixing heights, wind roses
2.2. Energy pathways and ecological processes 5.5. Concept of weather, seasons and climate
2.3. Ecosystem productivity (primary and secondary)
2.4. Biogeochemical cycles: Nitrogen, Carbon, Phosphorus,
Sulphur, Water and Oxygen
2.5. Food chain, food web and ecological pyramids
2.6. Ecosystem goods and services

Unit III. Population, Community, Ecological Succession

3.1. Characteristics of population
3.2. Population growth
3.3. Concept and characteristics of communities (concept
of habitat, niche, keystone species, dominant species,
flagship species and ecotones)
3.4..Ecological succession: primary and secondary
succession, climax communities and trends in
succession
3.5 Ecological adaptations (air, hillstream water, desert
and deep sea)
SOLS/EVS-C 002 Man and Environment (03 credits)

Unit I. Man and Environment Relationship Unit IV. Politics of Ecosystems

1.1. Pre-historic man and environment 4.1. International and National water disputes
1.2. Hunting and Gathering society and environment 4.2. International coastal zone conflicts
1.3. Pastoralism and environment 4.3. Conflicts on emission of green house gases
1.4. Agro-society and environment
1.5. Industrial society and environment
1.6. Future Society (Sustainable Society)

Unit II. Religion, Culture and Environment

2.1. Role of religion, culture and traditions in conserving
environment
2.2. Hinduism and environment
2.3. Buddhism and environment
2.4. Islam and environment
2.5. Christianity and environment
2.6. Sacred grooves and sacred landscapes

Unit III. Environmental Issues and Problems: Causes,

Concepts and Control
3.1. Green house effect, global warming and climate
change
3.2. Ozone layer depletion
3.3. Acid rains
3.4. Deforestation in the Himalaya
3.5. Desertification
3.6. El Nino, ENSO
3.7. Eutrophication in lakes
3.8. Mega dams and environment (Tehri dam, Narmada
dam, Almetti dam)
3.9. Various activities under National Environment
Awareness Campaigns (NEAC)
SOLS/EVS-C 003 Natural Resource Management 3.7. National Parks, Sanctuaries, Biosphere Reserves for in-
(03 credits) situ conservation of wildlife
3.8. Wildlife Projects: Tiger, Elephant, Rhino, Snow leopard
Unit I. Principles of Natural Resource Management
1.1. Natural resources- concepts, kinds and their values Unit IV. Water Resources and their Management
1.2. Factors influencing resource availability, distribution 4.1 Water resources: Historical background, world scenario
and uses and current challenges, status of surface and ground water
1.3. Process of resource depletion 4.2 Use and over exploitation of surface and ground waters
1.4. Resource management: preservation, conservation and 4.3 Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM): Key
restoration challenges and issues
1.5. Ecological principles of natural resource conservation 4.4 Legal aspects of water resources and management: Water
1.6. Ancient ethics for conservation and management of legislations in India, Water Governance, Policies and legal
natural resources frameworks
4.5 National/State Water Policy
Unit II. Forest Resources and their Management
2.1. Forest resources: Major forest types, their characteristics, Unit V. Geo Resources and their Management
forest vegetation, status, distribution and ecosystem 5.1. Mineral resources: Minerals, their classification, resources
services and reserves, uses and exploitation of mineral resources.
2.2. Forest use and over exploitation: Timber extraction, 5.2. Environmental impact of extracting, processing and
mining, dams and their effects on forest and tribal people smelting of minerals
2.3. Forest management practices including Joint Forest 5.3. Mineral Resources of India
Management (JFM) 5.4. Conservation and Management of geo-resources
2.4. National Forest Policy

Unit III. Wildlife Resources and their Management

3.1. Wildlife resources: Current status, services and threats
3.2. Wildlife-Animal conflict and its resolution
3.3. WCS and IUCN categories of wildlife species
3.4. Principles and practices of wildlife management: Need
for wildlife planning
3.5. Management of special habitats; riparian zones,
grasslands, etc.
3.6. Human dimensions in wildlife management: Project
Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation.
SOLS/EVS-C 004 Environmental Chemistry and 4.1. Xenobiotic components- dyes and detergents,
Instrumentation (03 credits) pesticides
4.2. Biochemical aspects of Carbonmonoxide, Arsenic,
Unit I. Fundamentals of Environmental Chemistry Cadmium and Mercury
1.1. Stochiometry 4.3. Chemistry of food additives
1.2. Gibbs energy
1.3. Chemical potential Unit V. Soil Chemistry
1.4. Acid base equilibria 5.1. Inorganic and organic components of soil
1.5. Solubility product 5.2. Mechanism of chemical weathering
1.6. Concept of Normality, Molarity and Molality 5.3. Soil pH, Nitrogen pathways
1.7. The carbonate system 5.4. NPK in soil
1.8. Saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons
1.9. Radionuclides Unit VI Instrumentation Techniques
1.10. Filtration 6.1. Instruments for Limnological analysis (pH meter,.
1.11. Redox Potential Turbidity meter, Conductivity meter, DO Analyser )
6.2. Colorimetry
Unit II. Chemical Composition of Air 6.3. Spectrophotometry and Flamephotometry
2.1. Tropospheric chemistry- Smog and Fog 6.4. Atomic absorption and emission spectrophotometry
2.2. Stratospheric chemistry 6.5. Chromatography- Paper, TLC, GLC, HPLC
2.3. Carbon dioxide emission and Global temperature 6.6. Electrophoresis
2.4. Chemistry of gaseous and particulate pollutants 6.7. Handling of air pollution measuring devices (SOx,
2.5. Atmospheric aerosols NOx, CO2, PM 10, PM 2.5)

Unit III. Water Chemistry

3.1. Physico-chemical properties of water
3.2. Concepts of DO, BOD, COD, Sedimentation,
Coagulation
3.3. Chemistry of fresh water
3.4. Estuarine process and major ions
3.5. Chemistry of marine water

Unit IV. Toxic Chemicals in the Environment (Air and Water)

SOLS/EVS-C 005 Lab Course I (03 credits)  Exercise 13. Preparation of an inventory of traditions prevalent
…………...in Hinduism/Islam/ Buddhism/ Christianity for
 Exercise 1. Analysis of various components (producer, …………...protection of environment
consumer, decomposer) of ecosystems- lake, pond,
river, forest, and mountain  Exercise 14. Preparation of report on any Sacred groove/
 Exercise 2. Calculation of Importance Value Index (IVI) of ……………landscapes
different plant species in a grassland
ecosystem/forest patch
 Exercise 3. Calculation of frequency, density and abundance of
different macrozoobenthos dwelling in the riverine
/lacustrine ecosystem
 Exercise 4. Determination of soil texture in different terrestrial
habitats
 Exercise 5. Monitoring of biological diversity and calculation
of Shannon Wiener diversity index in aquatic/
terrestrial habitats
 Exercise 6. Ecological adaptations in extreme environments
 Morphological adaptations in fish in hill
streams developed under fast water current
 Desert adaptations in animals and plants
 High altitude adaptations in organisms
 Deep sea water adaptations in marine organisms
 Arboreal adaptations in animals
 Flight adaptation in birds
 Exercise 07. Recording diurnal variations in temperature
 Exercise 08. Measurement of light intensity by the Lux meter
 Exercise 9. Production of artifacts for expansion by hunting
…………...and gathering society
 Exercise 10. Term paper on impact of mega dams on
…………... environment
 Exercise 11. Term paper on the manifestation of global
………… warming/ climate change in your area
 Exercise 12. Development of food web with the help of various
… .food .chains available in your nearby ecosystem
…………... (grassland/river/ pond ecosystem)
SOLS/EVS-C006 Lab Course II (03 credits)  Exercise 16 Determination of free CO2 in a given sample of
………………..water
 Exercise 1: Preparation of inventory of natural  Exercise17: Estimation of Potassium and Sodium in a given
………………..resources of your campus ………………..sample of water and soil
 Exercise 2: Inventorization of natural resources of a nearby  Exercise 18: Determination of alkalinity in water and soil
………………..water body ………………..samples
 Exercise 3: Inventorization of natural resources of any  Exercise 19: Estimation of Calcium in a water sample
………………..National Park/Wildlife Sanctuary  Exercise 20: Estimation of phosphates and nitrates in a
 Exercise 4: To study modern methods of conservation (in-
………………..water. sample
………………..situ.and ex-situ) of natural resources by visiting
………………..the. establishment
 Exercise 5: Inventorization of drivers of depletions of
………………..natural resources of nearby ecosystem
………………..(grassland/river/ pond /spring)
 Exercise 6: Principle, working and handling of Flame
………… photometer.
 Exercise 7: Principle, working and handling of
…………..Spectrophotometer.
 Exercise 8: Principle, working and handling of Atomic
………… Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS).
 Exercise 9: Principle, working and handling of Turbidity
………… meter.
 Exercise 10: Principle, working and handling of
……………Conductivity meter.
 Exercise 11: Principle, working and handling of pH meter
 Exercise 12: Principle, working and handling of
……………Electrophoresis unit
 Exercise 13: Determination of dissolved oxygen (Modified
……………Winkler’s method) in a given sample of water
 Exercise 14: Determination of Chloride contents in a given
…………… sample of water
 Exercise 15: Determination of total dissolved solids (TDS)
……………in a water sample
SEMESTER II

SOLS/EVS-C 007 Environmental Monitoring and Pollution Unit IV. Noise Pollution
4.1. Sources of noise pollution
Control (03 credits)
4.2. Measurement of noise, exposure levels and standards
4.3. Impact of noise on human health
Unit I. Environmental Monitoring 4.4. Noise control and abatement measures
1.1. Concept and objectives of environmental monitoring
1.2. Global environmental monitoring system (GEMS) Unit V. Radioactive and Thermal Pollution
1.3. National environmental monitoring programmes 5.1 Radioactive pollution: causes and consequences
5.2. Radioactive fallout, Chernobyl Accident: Three Mile
1.4. Bioindicators and biological monitoring Island accident, Fukushima radio-active leakage
5.3. Radioactive waste management
Unit II. Air Pollution 5.4. Thermal pollution: causes and consequences
2.1 Sources of air pollution
2.2 Methods of monitoring of SOx, NOx, CO, PM2.5, Unit VI. Solid Waste Management
PM10 6.1 Types and major sources of solid waste
2.3 Effects of pollutants on human beings, plants and 6.2. Solid waste and environmental problems
animals 6.3.Integrated solid waste management of municipal
2.4 Ambient air quality standards waste
2.5 Indoor air pollution (smoke, hydrocarbons, 6.4. Management of industrial waste
particulate matter, radon) 6.5. E-waste and its management
2.6 Control of air pollution

Unit III. Water Pollution

3.1 Major sources of water pollution
3.2 Water quality indices
3.3 Water quality standards (National and International)
3.4 Water pollution and human health
3.5 Heavy metals and their impact on aquatic life
3.6 Sewage and wastewater treatment and recycling
3.7 Industrial effluent treatment
3.8 Marine water pollution
SOLS/EVS-C008 Energy Resources and Management
(03 credits) Unit III. Renewable Energy Resources
3.1. Solar Energy: Sun as source of energy, availability
Unit I. An Introduction to Energy Resources of solar energy, photothermal, photovoltaic cell,
1.1. Definition, concept and classification of energy various methods of using solar energy (solar cooker,
resources solar still, solar street light, solar lantern, solar
1.2. History of energy resource and their development domestic light, solar grain dryer, solar water pump,
1.3. Global energy and its availability solar heating system, solar T.V.)
1.4. Global energy use in various sectors 3.2. Wind Energy: History, basic principle, structure of
1.5. Energy use and its implications (atmospheric wind mill, advantages and limitations; wind potential
pollution and climate change) at global and national level.
1.6. Energy crisis and its solution: development of 3.3. Hydropower: Basic principle, status and prospects
renewable resources of hydro power, small hydropower system and their
1.7. Renewable Energy Application Park (REAP) for benefits and limitations
public awareness 3.4. Bio-energy: Concept, status and future prospects,
generation and utilization, biogas and biofuels
Unit II. Non-Renewable Sources 3.5. Magneto Hydro Dynamic Power (MHD):
2.1 Fossil fuels: current status and future scenario, Principle, status, performance and limitations
limitations, classification, composition, physico- 3.6. Geo-thermal Energy: Potential sites, origin, types,
chemical characteristics and energy contents of estimation of geothermal power, application of
fossil fuels geothermal energy, environmental issues
2.2 Nuclear energy: Status, power generation, energy 3.7. Tidal Energy and Ocean Energy: principle,
conversion through fission and fusion, international performance and limitations
nuclear energy policies and regulations, nuclear 3.8. Introduction of Hybrid System: Wind-PV system,
waste disposal Wind- Hydel system, etc.
2.3 Hydrogen fuel cell: sources of hydrogen, fuel for Unit IV. Energy Management
vehicles, working of hydrogen fuel cell; future of 4.1. Definition and objectives of energy management
hydrogen as a energy 4.2. Energy Audit: needs, types and methodology
4.3. Energy costs: fuel costs, power cost
2.4 Earth minerals and ores as an energy source
4.4. Fuel and energy substitution of limited energy
2.5 Future of non-renewable energy resources resources
4.5. Sustainable use of energy resources
4.6 Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)
SOLS/EVS-C 009 Environmental Microbiology and
Environmental Biotechnology (03 credits)

Unit I. Environmental Microbiology 4.5. Fermentation technology

1.1. Introduction, history and scope of Environmental 4.6. Bio-fertilizer technology
Microbiology 4.7. Aquaculture improvement through biotechnology
1.2. Microbial diversity: major groups of microbes
1.2. Microbial diversity of soil
1.3. Microbial diversity of water
1.4. Microbial diversity of air
1.5. Microbes of extreme environments
1.6. Microbial pathogens and their control

Unit II. Microbial Nutrition

2.1. Mode of microbial nutrition
2.2. Determination of growth
2.3. Microbial interactions
2.4. Chemolithotrophy and humus

Unit III. Microbial Ecology

3.1.Effects of environmental factors (Light, temperature,
moisture, pH) on microorganisms
3.2. Mechanism of chemotaxis
3.3. Biochemical and molecular methods for microbial
isolation and identification

Unit IV. Environmental Biotechnology

4.1. Concept, history and scope of Environmental.
Biotechnology
4.2. Bioremediation and bio-augmentation
4.3. Microbial degradation of environmental pollutants
(detergents, pesticides, plastics)
4.4. Vermiculture technology
SOLS/EVS-C 010 Freshwater Ecology (03 credits) 3.7 Stratification of lakes : Temperature and chemical; and their
influence on mixing regimes
Unit I Fundamentals of Freshwater Ecology 3.8 Energy sources and nutrient cycles in wetland
1.1 Definition, concept and scope of Freshwater Ecology 3.9 Primary producers (phytoplankton, macrophytes)
1.2 History of Freshwater Ecology measurement indices and factor influencing
1.3 Freshwater: distribution and depletion 3.10 Secondary producers (zooplankton, zoobenthos and
1.4 Goods and services of freshwater ecosystem nekton)
1.5 Paleolimnology and climate change 3.11 Ecology of reservoirs
3.12 Wetland and migratory birds
Unit II Stream Ecology
2.1 Definition, concept and scope of Stream Ecology Unit IV Drivers for Degradation of Streams and Wetlands
2.2 Origin and evolution of streams/ rivers 4.1 Natural drivers (flash floods, landslides, soil erosion,
2.3 Stream structure and zonation sedimentation, cloud burst, earthquake)
2.4 Stream hydrology and channel structure 4.2 Anthropogenic drivers( Eutrophication, deforestation,
2.5 Physical environment, water movement and chemistry agriculture and horticulture practices in catchment area,
2.6 Energy sources and nutrient cycle road constructions and other developmental projects)
2.7 Stream biota (Periphyton, plankton, macrophytes, 4.3 Controversies of Hydropower development and Rivers
zoobenthos fish, fish otter, dolphin and other aquatic
chordates) and evolution Unit V Conservation and Management of Streams and
2.8 Stream food webs Wetlands
2.9 Basic concepts of Hyporheic biodiversity and 5.1 Natural and international initiatives
crenobiodiversity 5.2 Riparian Area Developmental Plan
2.10 Stream Productivity (primary productivity and secondary 5.3 Ancient man and stewardship of streams and wetlands
productivity) 5.4 Sacred water bodies
2.11 Recent advance in stream ecology(River Continuum 5.5 National efforts for conservation of wetlands and streams
Concept; Nutrient Spiraling Concept; Flood Pulse Concept; 5.6 Wetland (Conservation & Mangement) Rules 2010
Hyporheic dynamics; Serial Discontinuity Concept) 5.7 National initiatives (GAP, YAP, Namami Gange)
5.8 International initiatives ( Ramsar convection, etc)
Unit III Wetland Ecology
3.1 Definition, concept, history and scope of Wetland Ecology
3.2 Classification of wetland
3.3 The origin and evolution of wetlands
3.4 Morphometry, bathymetry and physiography of wetlands
3.5 Wetland: Structure and function
3.6 Hydrology, chemistry and the physical environment
SOLS/EVS-C011 Lab course –I (03 credits)

 Exercise 1: Principle and working of solar cooker

 Exercise 2: Principle and working of solar lantern
 Exercise 3: Principle and working of solar street light
 Exercise 4: Principle and working of water heating system
 Exercise 5: Principle and working of water mill (Gharat)
 Exercise 6: To demonstrate the I-V and P-V characteristics of
PV module with varying radiations and
temperature levels
 Exercise 7: To demonstrate the effect of variations in tilt angle
……… on PV module power
 Exercise 8: To demonstrate the effect of shading on module
output power
 Exercise 9: To calculate carbon reduction by using solar
module
 Exercise 10 Monitoring of PM10 and PM2.5
 Exercise 11: Determination of noise levels at different places
 Exercise 12: Determination of CO2 emission at different places
 Exercise 13: Determination of SOx and NOx in ambient air
 Exercise14: Identification of biological indicators of pollution
in terrestrial and aquatic habitats
SOLS/EVS-C012 Lab course -II (03 credits)  Exercise 20. Isolation of fungi from the given sample of
water
 Exercise 01. To study the three dimensional structure of a  Exercise 21. Isolation of the Lactobacillus bacteria from
stream/river the given sample of curd.
 Exercise 02. To study the biotopes of riffles, rapids and  Exercise 22. Working principle molecular technique–PCR
pools in a hill stream
 Exercise 03. To study the structure and function of
hyporheic biotope (self purification zone) of
any stream or river
 Exercise 04. To study the structure and function of
freshwater springs
 Exercise 05. To study morphometry of any lake
 Exercise 06. Collection and identification of periphyton,
phytoplankton and macrophytes
 Exercise 07. Determination of primary productivity in
freshwater habitats
 Exercise 08 Collection of zooplankton and macro-
zoobenthos
 Exercise 09. To study the characteristics of a nearby
watershed
 Exercise 10. Assessment of the health of the freshwater
ecosystem by P/R ratio estimation
 Exercise 11. Assessment of of nutrient enrichment of a
lake (oligotrophic, mesotrophic, eutrophic,
dystrophic)
 Exercise 12. Sampling and enumeration techniques for
microbes
 Exercise 13. Determination of total microbial count in a
water sample
 Exercise 14. Determination of total count (MPN) of
coliform in a water sample
 Exercise 15. To prepare the Nutrient Agar medium for
culturing bacteria present in our surroundings
 Exercise 16. Isolation of bacteria by the Pour- plate method
 Exercise 17. Isolation of bacteria by the Spread - plate method
 Exercise 18. Isolation of bacteria by the Streak- plate method
 Exercise 19. To prepare the differential medium
(MacConky) so as to grow the enteric bacteria
SOLS/EVS-SS-001: History and Philosophy of Science
(03 credits) Unit 4: Modern Science
4.1. Renaissance and Age of Enlightenment (Kepler,
Unit 1: Introduction to History of Science
Copernicus, Galileo, etc.)
1.1. What is Science?
4.2. Biology, abiogenesis and evolution (Lamarck, Darwin,
1.2. A brief history of Science
Mendel, Crick/Watson)
1.3. Origin of Science in ancient times (Mesopotamia, Indus
4.3. Classical Physics, including theory of relativity (Newton,
Valley Civilization)
Leibniz, Maxwell, Einstein)
1.4. Science in the middle ages
4.4. New Physics (Thermodynamics, Quantum Physics &
1.5. Science and technology in ancient India (Mathematics,
String theory: Boltzman, Planck, Schrödinger)
Astronomy, Medicine, Metallurgy)
4.5. Emerging areas of Modern Science
1.6. Origin and evolution of Environmental Sciences

Unit 2: Indian Scientific Heritage

2.1. Invention of zero
2.2. Value of π
2.3. Pythagoras theorem of Bodhayan
2.4. Revolution of Earth and Sun
2.5. Law of Gravity of Bhashkaracharya
2.6. Indian scholars and their contributions to Science: Charak,
Susruta, Aryabhata, Varahmihira, Kanād, Parashar,
Nagarjun

Unit 3: Philosophy of Science

3.1. What is philosophy of science?
3.2. Ancient Indian, Greek, European and American
philosophers and their contribution to science
3.3. Scientific Revolutions
3.4. Religion versus Science
3.5. Myths and Pseudoscience
3.6. Laws of Nature
3.7. Discovery versus Confirmation
SEMESTER III

SOLS/EVS-C013 Environmental Economics and

Unit IV. Social Issues and the Environment
Environmental Sociology (03 credits)
4.1. From unsustainable to sustainable development
4.2. Resettlement and Rehabilitation: Problems and
Unit I. Fundamentals of Environmental Economics
concerns
1.1. Definition, concepts, issues and scope of
4.3. National Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and
Environmental Economics
Resettlement Act, 2013
1.2. Concept of the commons, tragedy of commons,
4.4. Genesis and evolution of environmental movements
externalities (indirect costs), economic goods/
4.5. Major environmental movements (Bishnoi movement,
services, supply, demand, intangibles, public goods
Chipko, Appiko, Narmada Bachao, Tehri dam
and bads
conflict, Silent Valley Movement, Nadi Bachao, Beej
1.3. Limitations of Environmental Economics
Bachao, Jungle Bachao, Gaon Bachao)
4.6. Rehabilitation of people of disaster affected areas
Unit II. Economic Tools
2.1.Valuing the environment and natural resources
2.2.Ecology and equity
2.3.Natural resource accounting, cost-benefit analysis
2.4.Life cycle assessment (LCA)
2.5.Intellectual property rights (IPR) and environment

Unit III. Fundamentals of Environmental Sociology

3.1. Definition, concepts, issues and scope of
Environmental Sociology
3.2. Concept of caste, tribe, clan, society and social
structure
3.3. Cultural resources
3.4. Indigenous/traditional wisdom for environmental
protection
SOLS/EVS-C-014 Remote Sensing, GIS and Environmental
Statistics (03 credits) Unit IV Environmental Statistics

4.1 Measurement of central tendency- mean, mode and median

Unit - I General Introduction to Remote Sensing 4.2 Dispersion- standard deviation, standard error, mean
deviation; and coefficient of variation
1.1 Definition, concepts and scope of remote sensing 4.3 Simple and multiple correlation and regression coefficient
1.2 History of remote sensing 4.4 Basic laws and concept of probability
1.3 Electromagnetic radiations (EMR) and electromagnetic 4.5 Test of hypothesis and significance.
spectrum and atmosphere window 4.6 t, F, chi square tests
1.4 Platforms, sensors and types of scanning systems 4.7 ANOVA
1.5 Basic characteristics of sensors; salient features of sensors
used in LANDSAT, SPOT and Indian remote sensing
satellites
1.6 Earth’s and atmospheric interaction with EMR
1.7 Spectral reflectance of vegetation, soil and water

Unit II. Application of Remote Sensing

2.1 Application of remote sensing in EIA

2.2 Application of remote sensing in groundwater
2.3 Applications of remote sensing in mining
2.4 Application of remote sensing in forest management
2.5 Application of remote sensing in characterization and
monitoring of biodiversity
2.6. Application of remote sensing in mapping of wetlands

Unit III Geographic Information System (GIS)

3.1 Introduction and basic principle and scope of GIS

3.3 Application of GIS
3.2 Brief outline of Digital Image Processing.
SOLS/EVS-C-015 Lab course I (03 credits) Exercise 17. Basic knowledge of GIS

Exercise 1. Study of various stages of human evolution Exercise 18. Basic knowledge and use of GPS

Exercise 2. Socio-economic status of an area- Preparing of

questionnaire and case studies

Exercise 3. Analysis and interpretation of questionnaire

Exercise 4. Preparation of inventory of natural resources and intangibles of a

forest area/lake/pond/river

Exercise 5. Economic valuation of a forest/lake/river/spring

ecosystem

Exercise 6. Cost-benefit analysis of a river valley project

Exercise 7. Documentation of TEK in any tribal area

Exercise 8. Calculation of mean, mode and median of the given

data

Exercise 9. Calculation of standard deviation and standard error

for given data

Exercise 10. Application of t-test

Exercise 11. Application of chi square test

Exercise 12. Calculation of Pearson’s correlation coefficient of

relationship between the given environmental data

Exercise 13. Plotting of a regression line between the given

environmental variables

Exercise 14. Familiarity with ANOVA

Exercise 15. Photo-interpretation of satellite imagery

Exercise 16. Ground truth estimation of aerial photographs

SOLS/EVS-E-001 Climatology and Environmental Modelling
(03 credits)
UNIT I: Introduction to Climatology UNIT IV: Applied Climatology
1.1 Definition, brief history and scope of Climatology 4.1. Human response to climate
1.2 Atmospheric variables 4.2. Climate, agriculture and industry
1.3 Standard atmosphere 4.3. Global changes and atmospheric chemistry: Acid
precipitation, Ozone depletion
1.4 Vertical structure of the Earth’s atmosphere
4.4. Natural causes of climate change
4.5. Warming of the planet Earth and its consequences
UNIT II: Physical and Dynamic Climatology
2.1. The energy balance: Nature of radiation, solar UNIT V: Environmental Modelling
source, solar radiation and planetary energy budget 5.1. Definition, concept and role of modelling in
2.2. Atmospheric temperature: Seasons, weather, daily Environmental Sciences
temperature changes, vertical distribution of 5.2. Components of a model
temperature, factor influencing horizontal 5.3. Models of population (growth and interaction) and
distribution of temperature pollution dispersal
2.3. Moisture in atmosphere: Hydrological cycle, relative a. Lotka Voltera model
humidity, evaporation, transpiration, condensation, b. Leslie Matrix model
fog, clouds and precipitation c. Gaussian Plume model
2.4. Motion in the atmosphere: Atmospheric pressure,
wind, Corrolis effect
2.5. Global circulation of the atmosphere
2.6. Oceans and international variations in climate (El
Nino, ENSO, La Nina)
2.7. Natural and atmospheric extreme events: Tropical
cyclone, thunder storms, tornadoes, flood, cloud
burst, drought

UNIT III: Regional Climatology

3.1. Definition, microclimate and meso-climate scale
3.2. Climate and distribution of vegetation
3.3. Mid-latitude climate
3.4. Polar and high land climate
 SOLS/EVS-E-002 Environmental Geosciences and Disaster
Management (03 credits)

Unit I. Fundamentals of Environmental Geosciences and Earth Unit IV: Fundamentals of Disaster and Disaster Management
System 4.1 Definition, types of disaster and need for disaster
1.1. Definition, concept and scope of Environmental management
Geosciences 4.2 Natural disasters: Hydrological, wind related, geophysical
1.2. Origin and geological evolution of Earth and climate related
1.3. Formation and structure of the Earth; plate tectonics, 4.3 Man-made disasters: Nuclear disaster, industrial ,
rocks and their classification Environmental (forest fire), rail, road, air and sea accidents
1.4. Brief account of relationship among various geospheres- 4.4 Disaster preparedness (concept, nature, plan and mitigation)
lithosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere 4.5 Disaster response (Plan, communication, logistic
1.5. Energy budget of the Earth, Earth’s thermal environment management, stress and panic movement, integration of
and seasons multiple stakeholders)
4.6 Disaster medicine (Prevention, preparedness, response and
Unit II. Earth’s Processes and Geological Hazards recovery of health problems)
2.1. Earth’s processes: Concept of residence time and rates of 4.7 Post disaster management (Relief camps, role of voluntary
natural cycles organizations and armed forces)
2.2. Catastrophic geological hazards
2.3. Study of floods, landslides, earthquakes, volcanism and Unit V: Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Recovery
avalanche 5.1. Reconstruction and rehabilitation as a means of development
2.4. Tsunami, ice sheets and fluctuation s of sea levels, 5.2. Damage assessment
marine pollution by toxic wastes 5.3. Role of various agencies in disaster management
2.5. Prediction and perception of the hazards and adjustments 5.4. Development of physical and economic infrastructure
to hazardous activities 5.5. Information management structure
5.6. Education and awareness
Unit III. Environmental Geochemistry and Land use Planning 5.7. Constrain in monitoring and evaluation
3.1. Concept of major, trace and REE (Rare Earth Elements) 5.8. Long term recovery and counter disaster planning
3.2. Classification of trace elements, mobility of trace
elements
3.3. Human use, trace elements and health, possible effects of
some trace elements
3.4. Weathering and soil formation, soil profile, soil
classification, soils of India
3.5. Land use planning: Soil surveys in relation to land use
planning, methods of site selection and evaluation
SOLS/EVS-E-003 Environmental Toxicology Unit IV. Biotransformtion, Bioaccumulation and
(03 credits) Biomagnification
Unit I. Introduction to Environmental Toxicology 4.1 Biotransformtion: Principle, sites, biotransformation
1.1 Definition, concept and scope of Environmental enzymes, biotransformation for gaseous toxicants
Toxicology 4.2 Bioaccumulation: Principle, sublethal and indirect
1.2 Common environmental toxicants effects of bioaccumulation
1.3 Heavy metals: Sources and their effects on life and 4.3 Biomagnification, bioconcentration
environment 4.4 Bioremediation
1.4 Pesticides: Types, uses and harmful effect of pesticides;
brief note on biopesticides , persistant organic pesticides. Unit V. Environmental Health and Risk Assessment
1.5 Mutagenic and carcinogenic chemicals, polyaromatic 5.1 Risk assessment
hydrocarbons , nitrosamines, organic solvents, alcohol, 5.2 Risk assessment models
carbon tetrachloride, anaesthetic (chloroform, ether, 5.3 Risk assessment methods
xylocaine) tobacco chewing and smoking 5.4 Risk management

Unit II. Toxicity Assessment

2.1 In-vivo and in-vitro toxicity assessment
2.2 Accute , subacute , sub chronic and chronic toxicity test
2.3 Skin and eye test, behavioural, neurotoxic, reproductive,
mutagenic test, hypersensitivity and allergy.
2.4 LD50, LC50, EC50, and IC50
2.5 Factors affecting toxicity

Unit III. Systemic Toxicity

3.1 Absorption, translocation and excretion Xenobiotics:
Membrane permeability and mechanism of chemical
transfer, Absorption of xenobiotics, distribution of
toxicants, storage depots, translocation of xenobiotics,
membrane barriers, excretion of xenobiotics(major
detoxifying glands)
3.2 Neuro toxicity, hepatotoxicity, immunotoxicity, cardio-
vascular toxicity, respiratory disfunction and
hypersensitivity
SOLS/EVS-E-004 Biodiversity Conservation and Restoration 3.6. Restoration of mined areas with special reference to
Ecology (03 credits) Doon Valley
3.7. Ecological restoration of ecosystem damaged by
construction and widening of National Highways and
Unit I. Introduction to Biodiversity roads

1.1. Concept and values of biodiversity Unit IV. Management of Restoration Project
1.2. Magnitude and distribution of biodiversity
1.3. Biodiversity at different levels (genetic, species and 4.1. Setting goals
ecosystem) 4.2. Planning
1.4. Biodiversity and ecosystem services 4.3. Action plan
1.5. Threats to biodiversity and its loss 4.4. Mined Closure Plan ( Major/ minor minerals)
1.6. Hotspots of biodiversity 4.5. Adaptive management
4.6. Monitoring
Unit II. Biodiversity: Conservation and Management 4.7. Legal framework and international agreements
4.8. Indian guidelines for sustainable mining management
2.1. Need for biodiversity conservation and management 4.9. Case study: Integrated restoration management of
2.2. Biodiversity and livelihood severely degraded ecosystem
2.3. WCS and IUCN threatened species categories
2.4. In -situ and Ex-situ conservation
2.5. Biodiversity Act, Biodiversity Rules and
Regulations
2.6. International Biodiversity Law, CBD, Trade related
Intellectual Property Rights, CITES, Ramsar
Convention
2.7. International organizations involved in biodiversity
management: IUCN, UNEP, UNESCO, WWF

Unit III. Restoration Ecology

3.1. Introduction concept and scope of Restoration

Ecology
3.2. History of Restoration Ecology
3.3. Elements of ecological restoration
3.4. Restoration of degraded aquatic ecosystems: springs,
rivers and wetlands.
3.5. Restoration of terrestrial ecosystem (forest, landscape,
soil)
SOLS/EVS-E-005 Lab course II (03 credits) Exercise 6. Quantitative analysis of heavy metals in environmental
samples. Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, Chromium and
Section A: Climatology and Environmental Modelling Arsenic in air, water and soil samples
Exercise 1. Measurement of dry and wet bulb temperature
Exercise 2. Recording of wind speed and direction Section D: Biodiversity Conservation and Restoration Ecology
Exercise 3. Preparation of wind roses with the given data Exercise 1. To study the restoration of limestone mined area, Doon
Exercise 4. Recording of diurnal variations in temperature valley
Exercise 5. Modelling of impact of global warming on glaciers Exercise 2. To study restoration and management plan for river
sand mined area of any river
Section.B:..Environmental Geosciences and Disaster Exercise 3. Preparation of an inventory of WCS/IUCN categories
Management of animal and plant species of any National Park/
Exercise 1. Study of sediments and soil Sanctuary
Exercise 2. Soil surveys in relation to land use planning Exercise 4. Preparation of inventory of endangered and extinct
Exercise 3. Understanding the Earth’s interior with the help of a species of plants/animals of India
diagram Exercise 5. Assessment of threats to biodiversity of a given region
Exercise 4. Role of various agencies in Himalayas for disaster
management in the Himalaya
Exercise 5. Inventory of landslide prone areas of Uttarakhand.
Exercise 6. Assessment of genesis, impact and management of any
eco-disaster.
Exercise 7. Preparation of report on environmental risk assessment
of any developmental project

Section C: Environmental Toxicology

Exercise 1. Assessment of toxicity on an organism (fish or tadpole)
through dose response relation (LC50/LC50)
Exercise 2. Bioremediation experiment with the help of water
hyacinth
Exercise 3. Assessment of impact of high temperature on
organisms (control experiment)
Exercise 4. Study of risk assessment model through flow chart
Exercise 5. Case study of biomagnification in any food chain
SOLS/EVS-SS-002 Traditional Ecological Knowledge
(03 credits)

Unit I. Introduction
Unit IV. Knowledge Transfer: Old Concepts and Barriers
1.1. Definition, concept, and scope of TEK
1.2. Traditional ecological knowledge as a science
4.1. Old concepts and barriers in transferring
1.3. TEK in different forms (stories, legends, folklore,
indigenous traditional knowledge
rituals, folk songs, and dictums)
4.2. Old myths in transferring traditional knowledge
1.4. Traditional technology of subsistence (artifacts, crafts etc.)
4.3. God and man
4.4. Ways of prayers, rituals in different
Unit II. Cultural, Sacred, Myth, Rituals and Beliefs
communities
2.1. Basic concept of society, culture and religion
2.2. Nature, aims and objectives of comparative religion
Unit V. Documentation and Preservation of TEK
(caste, community and their culture).
2.3. Basic feature of religion and principal sets of religion 5.1. Need for Documentation and Preservation
2.4. Myths, rituals and beliefs associated with TEK in 5.2. International laws and policy of TEK
Hinduism. 5.3. Laws and policy in India for TEK
2.5. Myths, rituals and beliefs associated with TEK in 5.4. Reposition of TEK by CSIR, Govt. of India
Buddhism
2.6. Myths, rituals and beliefs associated with TEK in
Islam
2.7. Myths, rituals and beliefs associated with TEK in
Christianity
2.8. TEK in Indian Himalayan states

Unit III. TEK and Natural Resources Management

3.1. TEK for forest conservation,
3.2. TEK for water harvesting,
3.3. TEK for wildlife case study
3.4. TEK for conservation of biodiversity
3.5. TEK related with medicinal plants
3.6. TEK related with agriculture and cattle rearing
3.7. TEK related with horticulture
SEMESTER IV 3.4. State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) and State EIA
Authority (SEIAA)
SOLS/EVS-C-016 Environmental Management: EIA and 3.5. Concept and objectives of Public Consultation
Environmental Auditing (03 credits) 3.6. Techniques and consultation approach for public
Consultation
Unit I. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
1.1. Concept, scope and objectives of EIA Unit IV. Post-Project Monitoring and Environmental Auditing
1.2. Evolution of EIA and its development 4.1. Principles and guidelines of environmental auditing
1.3. Developmental projects under EIA 4.2. General Audit: Methodology and basic structure of
1.4. Protocol for environmental impact statement (EIS) environmental auditing
1.5. EIA Laws and Policy: An overview 4.3. Preparation and submission of audit report to the regulatory
1.6. EIA guidelines 1994: Notifications of Government of India bodies
1.7. EIA Notification 2006 and subsequent modifications 4.4. ISO 14000 series: ISO 9001, 9002

Unit II: Methods of Impact Analysis Unit V. Environmental Management and Management Plan
2.1. Procedure of EIA 5.1. Concept, objectives and scope of environmental
2.2. Screening, scoping and baseline data collection for EIA management.
2.3. Impact prediction on air, water, land, biota, socio-economic 5.2. Environmental management in terms of developmental
environment projects
2.4. Impact assessment methodologies (Ad-hoc, Simple 5.3. Guidelines for EMP
Checklist, Overlays, Matrices, Network, Combination 5.4. Development of EMP- air, water, groundwater, noise, land
Computer aided) and biodiversity
2.5. Concept of Cumulative Environmental Impact Assessment 5.5. Rehabilitation and resettlement
(CEIA) 5.6. Compensatory afforestation
2.6. Case studies of EIA: River valley projects, mining, road 5.7. Green belt development
construction, industries 5.8. EMP of any development project (case study)

Unit-III:..Statuary Clearance Procedure and Public

Consultation
3.1. Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC)
3.2. Environmental Clearance, Wildlife Clearance and Forest
Clearance
3.3. Permission for carrying out survey and investigation
SOLS/EVS-C-017 Environmental Laws, Ethics and Policies
(03 credits)
Unit –IV. National Policies and Ethics
Unit I. National and International Efforts for Environmental 4.1. Forest Policy
Protection 4.2. Environmental Policy
1.1. Provision of environmental issues and problems in 4.3. Water Policy
National and International Agenda 4.4 Definition and concept of environmental ethics
1.2. Environmental protection in the Indian Constitution 4.5 Resource consumption patterns and need for
(Article 48A, Article 51A (g) equitable utilization
1.3. International efforts (Stockholm Conference, Montreal 4.6 Anthropocentrism, stewardship, biocentrism,
Protocol, Kyoto Protocol and other climate related ecocentrism, cosmocentrism,
agreements, Ramsar Convention, CITES) 4.7 Conservation ethics, traditional value system in India

Unit II. National Environmental Laws-1

2.1 Indian Forest Act 1927; The Forest Conservation Act 1980
and Rules 1981and successive amendments
2.2 Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and subsequent amendments
2.3 Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974and
Rules 1975 and subsequent amendments
2.4 Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1978 and
Rules 1982and successive amendments
2.5 The Environmental (Protection) Act 1986 and Rules 1986
and successive amendments

Unit III. National Laws –II

3.1 National Environmental Tribunal Act 1995; National
Green Tribunal (NGT)
3.2 Public Liability Insurance Act 1991
3.3 Biomedical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules
1998 and successive amendments
3.4 Hazardous Waste (Management and Handling) Rules
1989
3.5 Biological Diversity Act 2002 and Rules 2004, and
successive amendments
SOLS/EVS-C-018 Lab course I (03 credits)
SOLS/EVS-E-007 Mountain Ecology (03 credits)
Exercise 1. Presentation of EIA through flowchart

Exercise 2. Presentation of case study of EIA of any developmental Unit I. Introduction

1.1 Definition, importance and scope of Mountain Ecology
project
1.2 Specificity of mountain ecosystems
Exercise 3. Presentation of procedure of environmental auditing 1.3 Environmental importance of mountains
through flow chart
Unit II. Mountain Ecosystem
Exercise 4. To prepare an audit report for submission to the 2.1 Structure and its components
regulatory body 2.2 Geological formations of mountains
Exercise 5.Presentation of environmental clearance (EC) through 2.3 Vulnerability of mountain ecosystems
flow chart 2.4 Environmental degradation in mountains

Exercise 6. Presentation of forest clearance (FC) through flow chart Unit III. Environmental Hazards in the Mountains
3.1 Landslides, soil erosion and sedimentation
Exercise 7. Presentation of wildlife clearance (WC) through flow
3.2 Cloud bursts
chart
3.3 Flash floods and river blockades
Exercise 8. Presentation of salient features of Wildlife Protection 3.4 Avalanches and Glaciers Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF)
Act 1972 3.5 Earthquakes
3.6 Forest fires
Exercise 9. Presentation of salient features of Water (Prevention
and Control of Pollution) Act 1974 Unit IV. Conservation and Management of Natural Resources
of Mountains
Exercise 10. Presentation of salient features of the Air (Prevention 4.1 Natural resources of mountains ( Forest, Water, Wildlife
and Control of Pollution) Act 1981 and Minerals)
4.2 Sustainable exploitation of natural resources
Exercise 11. Presentation of salient features of The Environmental 4.3 Traditional wisdom for management of natural resources
(Protection) Act and Rules 1986 4.4 National and international efforts for management of
mountains
Exercise 12. Presentation of salient features of The Indian Forest
Act 1927 Unit: V. Mountains and People
5.1 Indigenous people of mountains
5.2 Livelihood of mountain people
5.3 Migration of mountain people
5.4 Livelihood security of mountain people
SOLS/EVS-E 008 Himalayan Wildlife (03 credits) SOLS/EVS-SS-003 Environment versus Development
(03 credits)
Unit I. An Introduction to the Himalaya
1.1 Physiography- location, expansion and importance Unit I. Growth and Development
1.2 Origin and evolution of the Himalaya 1.1 Definition, concept and scope of economic growth and
development
1.3 Himalayan Environment
1.2 Classical theories of development
1.4 Natural resources of the Himalaya 1.3 Contemporary models of development and
1.5 Fragility of the mountain ecosystem underdevelopment
1.4 Poverty, inequality and development
Unit II. Wildlife of the Himalaya 1.5 Evolution of worldwide awareness about environment and
2.1 Unique characteristics and importance of the wildlife activity of Nations, environment and awareness programs
2.2 Himalayan biodiversity
Unit II. Resource and Development
2.3 Endemism
2.1 Environment and human resources
2.4 Depletion of Himalayan wildlife 2.2 Urbanization and informal sector
2.3 Agriculture transformation and rural development
Unit III. Manifestation of Himalayan Wildlife 2.4 International aspect of development
3.1 Himalayan wild Mammals
3.2 Himalayan wild Birds Unit III. Environment versus Development
3.3 Himalayan Reptiles and Amphibians 3.1 Development dominant phases at global and National levels
3.2 Conflict between environment development
3.4 Himalayan Fish 3.3 Environmental Activism
3.5 Himalayan Butterflies 3.4 Resolution of conflict between environment and
3.6 Rare and Endangered Himalayan wild flora development
3.5 Sustainable Development: Various dimensions
Unit IV. Conservation and Management
4.1 Administrative and legislative measures for protection of Unit IV. Controversies Related with Environment and
Development
wildlife
4.1 Industrial revolution and environment
4.2 Protected areas (National parks, sanctuaries, biosphere 4.2 Hydropower development and environment in the
reserves) in the Himalaya Himalayas
4.3 Tiger Project, Project Elephant, Project Rhino, Project 4.3 Impact of road construction and widening on environment
Snow Leopard and wildlife
4.4 Man-Wildlife Conflict: agriculture-wildlife conflict 4.4 Ganga Bachao / Nadi Bachoa Andolan
4.5 Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and successive amendments 4.5 Sand mining and environment
4.6 Problems in implementation of the Wildlife Protection
Act