Energy & Environmental Engineering
Units
Module 1: Introduction to Energy Science
Introduction to energy systems and resources
Sustainability and environmental trade-offs of different energy systems
possibilities for energy storage or regeneration
Fossil fuels
Sustainability and environmental trade-offs
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
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
Energy flow in the ecosystem
Ecological succession
Types of ecosystem
Forest ecosystem
Grassland ecosystem
Desert ecosystem
Producers
consumers and decomposers
Food chains
food webs and ecological pyramids
Introduction
types
characteristic features
structure and function of the following ecosystem: Forest ecosystem
Aquatic ecosystems
structure and function of the following ecosystem
Aquatic ecosystems (ponds
streams
lakes
rivers
oceans
estuaries)
Module 3: Biodiversity and its conservation
Biogeographical classification of India
India as a mega-diversity nation
Hot-sports of biodiversity
Endangered and endemic species of India
Conservation of biodiversity: In-situ and Ex-situ conservation of biodiversity
Bio-geographical classification of India
Value of biodiversity
Threats to biodiversity
Conservation of biodiversity
Conservation of biodiversity: In-situ and Ex-situ conservation of biodiversity.
Introduction – Definition: genetic
species and ecosystem diversity
Value of biodiversity: consumptive use
productive use
social
ethical
aesthetic and option values
Biodiversity at global
National and local levels
Threats to biodiversity: habitat loss
poaching of wildlife
man-wildlife conflicts
Genetic
Module 4: Environmental Pollution
Role of an individual in prevention of pollution
Pollution case studies
Air pollution
Water pollution
Soil pollution
Marine pollution
Noise pollution
Solid waste Management
Disaster management
Definition
Cause
effects and control measures of Air pollution
Thermal pollution
Nuclear hazards
Solid waste Management: Causes
effects and control measures of urban and industrial wastes
Disaster management: floods
earthquake
cyclone and landslides
cyclone and landslides.
Module 5: Social Issues and the Environment
From Unsustainable to Sustainable development
Urban problems related to energy
Resettlement and rehabilitation of people; its problems and concerns
Case Studies
Environmental ethics: Issues and possible solutions
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
Water conservation
Environmental ethics
Resettlement and rehabilitation of people; its problems and concerns.
Case Studies Environmental ethics: Issues and possible solutions.
Case Studies Wasteland reclamation
Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act
Public awareness.
rain water harvesting
watershed management
Climate change
global warming
acid rain
ozone layer depletion
nuclear accidents and holocaust
nuclear accidents and holocaust.
Module 6: Field work
Visit to a local area to document environmental assets river/forest/grassland/hill/mountain
Visit to a local polluted site-Urban/Rural/Industrial/Agricultural
Visit to a local area
Visit to a local polluted site
Study of common plants
Study of simple ecosystems
Visit to a local area to document environmental assets- river/forest/grassland/hill/mountain
insects
birds
Study of simple ecosystems-pond
river
hill slopes
etc.
birds.