B.Sc. Environmental Science

Introduction to the course

This is an undergraduate course in Environmental Science, offered by the School of Basic and Applied Sciences jointly with the School of Engineering and Technology. Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary domain in the truest sense possible, incorporating almost all known conventional subjects. Primarily it bridges a gap between the subjects of physics, chemistry, biology and engineering and environmental and ecological problems faced by us today.  The three-year undergraduate course is divided into six semesters. Candidates should have completed 10+2 or its equivalent exam in Science stream. It is tailor made course for those students who

• have an intense desire to know about anything and everything around us, who is inquisitive, have an analytical mind, infused with creativity and scientific thought process.
• want to get trained in a fashion so as to see the world with a different lens, where the air, water, soil is cleaner, a proper balance between economy and ecology is struck, where the humans form an integral part of the biosphere.
• love the nature around us, the trees, the flowers, the orchids, the butterflies, the birds, wildlife, i.e. every other living being in the environment, and having an inherent urge for its conservation.
• are willing to specialise in subjects such as pollution management, disaster management, wildlife conservation, ecological restoration, green city management, eco-tourism, environmental journalism, at higher levels (for example, in their PG level courses)
• have the ability to think and make decisions in an integrated and holistic way.

How is B.Sc. (Hons.) Environmental Science Course Beneficial?

• The UG course lays the foundation stones of how to deal with a multidisciplinary subject. How to have a grasp on each of the core subjects while not losing focus on the interdisciplinary theme.
• The students will be eligible for admission to PG level courses with specialisation in domains suitable to their capacities and interests.
• After successful completion of the course the candidates can find employment in organisations dealing with environmental problems.
• The students can appear for various grad-level competitive become a private teacher in schools and after having passed the Master’s degree plus NET exam they can become a permanent lecturer in colleges/universities.
• They can create awareness among the public about various environmental issues and their responsibility to keep the natural system in a condition that it sustains life.
• The students will be able to apply quantitative reasoning and/or mathematical skills/statistical models to field and laboratory data to address environmental problems.
• Use geospatial technologies (including global positioning systems, geographic information systems, and remote sensing) to address environmental problems.
• Demonstrate and awareness of ecosystems in the context of coupled human-environmental interactions.
• Competently implement an individual or group scientific project, which may include literature review, experimental design, data collection, data analysis, and reporting.

What are the learning outcomes?

• Master core concepts of ecological and physical sciences and their applications vis a vis local and global environmental issues.
• Master core concepts of economic, political, and social analysis as they pertain to the laying out of environmental policies and governance.
• Appreciate the ethical, cultural, anthropological, and historical context of environmental issues and connection between human and nature.
• Understand the holistic and trans-boundary character of environmental problems including plausible interactions across local to global scales.
• Understand interactions between social and environmental processes.
• Understand the network between citizens, consumers and environmental factors in an interconnected fashion.
• Demonstrate proficiency in quantitative methods, qualitative analysis, critical thinking, and written and oral communication.
• Master core concepts and methods from ecological and physical sciences and their application in environmental problem solving.
• Experience of collection of field samples, visit and assess the status of terrestrial and aquatic sites, and industry visits.

Specializations: 

The discipline specific electives or specializations offered in this program are: 

• Remote Sensing and GIS/Environmental Biochemistry and Biotechnology
• Solid Waste Management/Waste Water Engineering
• Environmental Health and Toxicology/Hazards and Disaster Management
• Estimating and Costing/Sewerage System and Management

Lab Infrastructure (if applicable): 

• Chemistry Wet Laboratory
• Chemistry Instrumentation Laboratory
• Surveying Laboratory
• Environmental Engineering Laboratory
• Civil Engineering Laboratory

Internships/Project work 

Students will be encouraged and facilitated to take up compulsory summer internship either in relevant industry or reputed research organizations. Through internship, students can harness their skill, knowledge and theoretical practice that they learn in the classroom to get a first-hand experience of working in the real world. Internship and project work give student an extra edge in their career which subsequently enhance their job scope.

Placement & Career Opportunities / Research Opportunities

• After obtaining graduation degree in Environmental Science students can apply for post-graduation studies offered by various universities in India and abroad.
• Interdisciplinary nature of this subject offers a plethora of job opportunities to environmental science degree holders. They may find job in government and private organizations, such as, pollution monitoring organizations, water authority and urban planning, waste management, public health sectors, resources conservation, environmental consultancies, and in industries, such as, mining, power plant, textile and dying industry, food processing, fertilizer plants as manager with the help of career development cell (CDC) of our university.
• The other career options include working as environmental journalist, content writer of environmental journal or working with NGOs.

Eligibility:

Duration (in Year): 4 (with exit option after 3 years as per NEP guidelines).