Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology B.Tech - Chemical Engineering SBTA1101 Environmental Science and Engineering Syllabus


SATHYABAMA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SCHOOL OF BIO AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

SBTA1101
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND
ENGINEERING
L T P Credits Total Marks
2 0 0 0 -

UNIT 1 INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES AND NATURAL RESOURCES 9 Hrs.
Definition, scope and importance, need for public awareness, forest resources: use and over-exploitation, deforestation,
case studies. Timber extraction, mining, dams, floods, drought, conflicts over water, dams-benefits and problems, mineral
resources: use effects on forests and tribal people. water resources: use and over-utilization of surface and ground water,
exploitation, environmental effects of extracting and using mineral resources, case studies – food resources: world food
problems, changes caused by agriculture and overgrazing, effects of modern agriculture, fertilizer-pesticide problems, water
logging, salinity, case studies. Energy resources: growing energy needs, renewable and non-renewable energy sources, use
of alternate energy sources: Case studies. Land resources: land as a resource, land degradation, man induced landslides,
soil erosion and desertification, role of an individual in conservation of natural resources, equitable use of resources for
sustainable lifestyles.

UNIT 2 ECOSYSTEMS AND BIODIVERSITY 9 Hrs.
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 (a) forest ecosystem (b) grassland ecosystem (c) desert ecosystem (d) aquatic
ecosystems (ponds, streams, lakes, rivers, oceans, estuaries). Introduction to biodiversity, definition: genetic, species and
ecosystem diversity - biogeographical 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, hotspots
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.

UNIT 3 ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION 9 Hrs.
Definition - causes, effects and control measures of: (a) air pollution (b) water pollution (c) soil pollution (d) marine pollution
(e) noise pollution (f) thermal pollution (g) 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.

UNIT 4 SOCIAL ISSUES AND THE ENVIRONMENT 9 Hrs.
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, Key initiatives of Rio declaration,
Vienna convention, Kyoto protocol, Johannesburg summit and public awareness.

UNIT 5 HUMAN POPULATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT 9 Hrs.
Population growth, variation among nations, population explosion, family welfare programme, environment and human
health, human rights, value education, HIV / AIDS, women and child welfare, role of information technology in environment
and human health, case studies. Visit to a local area to document environmental assets-river/forest/grassland/hill/mountain.
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.
Max.45 Hrs.

COURSE OUTCOMES
On completion of the course, student will be able to
CO1 - Identify, formulate and solve environmental engineering problems using the techniques, skills and modern
engineering tools necessary for environmental engineering practice.
CO2 - Design systems, processes and equipment for control and remediation of water, air, and soil quality
environment within realistic constraints of economic affordability and social acceptability.
CO3 - Assess the potential environmental impacts of development projects and design mitigation measures.
CO4 - Basic knowledge about environment protection and operation of pollution control devices.
CO5 - Design and conduct experiments, as well as interpret data and communicate effectively.
CO6 - Function in multi-disciplinary teams and understand the ethical and professional responsibility.

TEXT / REFERENCE BOOKS
5. Meenakshi P., Elements of Environmental Science and Engineering, 1st Edition, Prentice Hall of India, New Delhi,
2009.
6. Ravikrishnan A., Environmental Science & Engineering, 3rd Edition, Sri Krishna Publications, Chennai, 2008.
7. Wrigh. R.T. & Nebel B.J., Environmental science-towards a sustainable future by Richard 9th Edition, Prentice Hall of
India, New Delhi, 2011.
8. Erach Bharucha, Text Book of Environmental Studies, 3rd Edition, University Press, Chennai, 2010.
9. Gilbert M.Masters, “Introduction to Environmental Engineering and Science“, 4th Edition, Pearson Education, 2012.

END SEMESTER EXAMINATION QUESTION PAPER PATTERN
Max. Marks: 100 Exam Duration: 3 Hrs.
Part A: 10 Question of 2 marks each – No choice 20 Marks
Part B: 2 Questions from each unit of internal choice, each carrying 16 marks 80 Marks