Syllabus - Energy & Engineering Environmental (ES301)

Module 1: Introduction to Energy Science

Introduction to energy systems and resources; Introduction to Energy, sustainability & the environment; Overview of energy systems, sources, transformations, efficiency, and storage; Fossil fuels (coal, oil, oil-bearing shale and sands, coal gasification) - past, present & future, Remedies & alternatives for fossil fuels - biomass, wind, solar, nuclear, wave, tidal and hydrogen; Sustainability and environmental trade-offs of different energy systems; possibilities for energy storage or regeneration (Ex. Pumped storage hydro power projects, superconductor-based energy storages, high efficiency batteries)

Module 2: Ecosystems

Concept of an ecosystem; Structure and function of an ecosystem; Producers, consumers and decomposers; Energy flow in the ecosystem; Ecological succession; Food chains, food webs and ecological pyramids; Introduction, types, characteristic features, structure and function of the following ecosystem (a.)Forest ecosystem (b) Grassland ecosystem (c) Desert ecosystem (d) Aquatic ecosystems (ponds, streams, lakes, rivers, oceans, estuaries)

Module 3: Biodiversity and its conservation

Introduction – Definition: genetic, species and ecosystem diversity; Bio-geographical classification of India; Value of biodiversity: consumptive use, productive use, social, ethical, aesthetic and option values; Biodiversity at global, National and local levels; India as a mega-diversity nation; Hot-sports of biodiversity; Threats to biodiversity: habitat loss, poaching of wildlife, man-wildlife conflicts; Endangered and endemic species of India; Conservation of biodiversity: In-situ and Ex-situ conservation of biodiversity.

Module 4: Environmental Pollution

Definition, Cause, effects and control measures of Air pollution, Water pollution, Soil pollution, Marine pollution, Noise pollution, Thermal pollution, Nuclear hazards; Solid waste Management: Causes, effects and control measures of urban and industrial wastes; Role of an individual in prevention of pollution; Pollution case studies; Disaster management: floods, earthquake, cyclone and landslides.

Module 5: Social Issues and the Environment

From Unsustainable to Sustainable development; Urban problems related to energy; Water conservation, rain water harvesting, watershed management; Resettlement and rehabilitation of people; its problems and concerns. Case Studies Environmental ethics: Issues and possible solutions. Climate change, global warming, acid rain, ozone layer depletion, nuclear accidents and holocaust. Case Studies Wasteland reclamation; Consumerism and waste products; Environment Protection Act; Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act; Water (Prevention and control of Pollution) Act; Wildlife Protection Act; Forest Conservation Act; Issues involved in enforcement of environmental legislation; Public awareness.

Module 6: Field work

Visit to local river/forest/grassland/hill/mountain area to document environmental assets- Visit to a local polluted site-Urban/Rural/Industrial/Agricultural Study of common plants, insects, birds. Study of simple ecosystems-pond, river, hill slopes, etc.