CHY1003

Environmental Studies

Version No.

: 1.00

Course
Prerequisites
Objectives

: None

L
2

T
0

P
0

J
4

C
3

To make students understand and appreciate the unity of life in all its forms and the implications of life style
on the environment.
To broaden the understanding of global climate changes and the importance of renewable sources of
energy.
To give students a basic understanding of the major causes of environmental degradation on the planet,
with specific reference to Indian situation
To inspire students to find ways in which they can contribute personally and professionally to prevent and
rectify environmental problems.

Expected Outcomes
Students will be familiar with the Understanding of the need for eco-balance.
Acquire basic knowledge about global climate change with a particular reference to the Indian context.
Find ways to protect the environment and play pro-active roles.
Title
Hours
Environment and Natural Resources
6
Definition, scope, importance; need for public awareness on natural resources
Forest resources use, exploitation, causes and consequences of deforestation.
Water resources use of surface and subsurface water; dams - effect of
drought, water conflicts.
Land resources-Land degradation, soil erosion and desertification. Energy
resources renewable and non- renewable sources. Indian Case studies:

SLO
2, 4,
11, 15

Module-2

Ecosystem and Biodiversity: Concept of ecosystem, Structure and functions 6

of an ecosystem, Food chains, food webs. Energy flow in an ecosystem,
ecological pyramids and ecological succession. Case studies: Biomagnification
of DDT. Biodiversity-Bio-geographical classification of India, hotspots, values of
biodiversity. Threats to biodiversity - Case study. Conservation of bio-diversity.
GM Crops

1, 2,
4, 11

Module-3

Environmental changes and Remediation

6
Air, water, soil, Thermal Pollution: Causes, effects and control measures;
Nuclear hazard. Solid waste Management- Causes, Effects and control
measures. Floods, earthquakes, cyclones, tsunami and landslides, Case
studies: Global climate change and greenhouse effect Kyoto Protocol, carbon
sequestration, Acid rain, Ozone depletion problem Montreal Protocol.

2, 3,
9, 11

Module-4

Social Issues and the Environment: Urban problems related to energy and 6
sustainable development, Water conservation, Rain water harvesting,
Wasteland Reclamation, Environment Protection Act, 1986, Water (Prevention
and control of Pollution) Act, 1974
Discussion on current environmental issues / topics by an Industrial expert or
faculty

2,
9,10,
17

Module-1

Module-5

Human Population and the Environment

6
Population growth, variation among nations, population explosion, Human rights,
HIV/AIDS, Role of information technology on environment and human health.

2, 3,
9, 12

Textbooks:
1. Anubha Kaushik and C.P. Kaushik (2008), Environmental Science and Engineering, 3rd Edition, New Age
International.
G. Tyler Miller Jr. and Scott Spoolman (2011), Environmental Science, 13th Edition Brooks / Cole.
Reference books:
1. Keerthinarayana and Daniel Yesudian (2004), Environmental Science and Engineering, 1st Edition, Hi-Tech
Publications.
2. Erach Bharucha (2005), Text Book of Environmental Studies, Universities Press (India) Pvt. Ltd.
3. G.M. Masters (2004), Introduction to Environmental Engineering and Science, Pearson Education Pvt Ltd.
Mode of Evaluation: CAT/ Quiz/ Project/Term End examination
Recommended by the board of studies : Recommended on 11th June 2015

Date of approval by the Academic Council: 16.6.2015

List of Projects:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.

Studies on impact of the preservatives/ Taste enhancer on commonly used food stuff. (any 5)
Analysis of pollutants from industrial effluents (BOD, COD)
Measurement of toxic metals arising out from effluent water from a leather tannery factory in Vellore area.
Whether nuclear energy can fulfil Indias upcoming energy demand, Justify.
Detailed study on rainwater harvesting techniques- Give suggestions to make the technique for more
effective.
Identify the Endangered species of India. Suggest possible techniques to improve the conservation of such
species.
Effect of sand mining on hydrological cycle. Case study on palar river.
Detailed study on solid waste management at VIT University, Vellore, Chennai Campus
Recyle the waste paper.
Waste water treatment in VIT University and suggest the solution how it is effective in water conservation.
Studies on zero waste management at Golden temple, Vellore.
Do modern plastics decompose in soil and water.
Effect of Acid rain on aquatic life
How does Soil affect the pH of Water?
Water utilization and awareness on water savings among students in VIT University, Vellore
Measurement of dissolved oxygen content in effluent water from a leather tannery factory in Ambur
Study on solid waste and its management in Katpadi, Vellore region
Water table around Palar river basin
Study on sewage connecting points in Palar river basin
Dumping of bio-hazards waste in Palar river basin
Water utilization and management in VIT University, Vellore, Chennai campus
Tree Planting Programs
Present days need on renewable energy resources-Identify.