Course Catalogue

Module: ES 111 Introduction to the Environment

 

Programme: B.A. Environmental Studies

Credit value: 12

Level: Year 1, Semester 1

 

General objectives

This module will provide students attending the programme with a first introduction to the environment and thus prepare students for the remaining modules in environmental studies. It will also introduce students to the basic concepts, principles, laws and ideas of ecology, many of which form the backbone of environmental issues and are thus necessary for their proper understanding.

 

Learning outcomes

 On completion of the module, students will be able to:

·      define the focus, scope and limitations of environmental science as a multi-disciplinary and problem-solving approach to the natural and man-built environment;

·      describe the historical development of environmental problems and environmentalism;

·      discuss the different socio-political, economical and communicative approaches for environmental issues and the role of technology in solving environmental problems;

·      describe, distinguish, emulate and select the philosophical, moral and ethical aspects of the environment;

·      define the main ecological principles, concepts and laws; and analyze, apply and interpret the importance these have for environmental    studies;

·      apply and assess their own group working skills and communication processes in groups.

Approach to learning and teaching

The course will consist of 15 teaching weeks, one self-study week and two examination weeks. Each week will consist of:

  • 3 theory hours during which the theoretical background will be explained and discussed;
  • 2 tutorial hours which will be used for reading and analysis of scientific articles, guest lectures, as well as for presentations and group discussions;
  • 3 hours of self-study this will be used for self-study of the theory available, collecting information, and preparing papers and presentations.

 

Assessment

      ●    End of semester examination                         60%

  • Individual assignments                                   20%
  • Group assignments                                          20%

 

Prerequisite: None

Course content

  • the scope, focus and limitations of environmental studies;
  • the four major societies in human history and the three revolutions that have lead to them and how each of these societies have affected the environment;
  • the different stages of conservation history and environmentalism;
  • the most important contributors to the development of environmentalism and what were their specific contributions;
  • the environmental problems throughout history;
  • the ethical streams and ethical considerations when considering the environment;
  • the divergent environmental worldviews that exist;
  • the way that various major religions including Buddhism look at the environment;
  • the various environmental perspectives;
  • the neo-Malthusian, Pessimist view and the technological optimists view;
  • environmental justice and environmental racism.

·                                 ecology and its aim and scope;

·                                 the biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem;

·                                 the survival of an individual organism and of an ecosystem as a whole;

·         the principle of conservation of matter and the first and second law of   

     thermodynamics;

·                                 transfer of energy through the ecosystem;

·         the biogeochemical cycles;

·         the law of tolerance and the limiting factor principle;

·                                 environmental indicators;

·                                 adaptation, natural selection and evolution;

·                                 the law of competitive exclusion and resource partitioning;

·                                 species interactions;

·                                 keystone species;

·                                 community properties;

·                                 ecological succession;

·                                 introduced species;

  • in relation to Bhutan: biomes and their distribution; current issues, trends and policies on environment, Gross National Happiness, Bhutan 2020, Middle Path, National Parks.

 

Reading list

Texts

  1. Cunningham, W. P and Cunningham, M. A, 2004, Principles of Environmental Science: Inquiry and Application. Tata McGrawHill
  2. Planning Commission, 1999, Bhutan 2020: A Vision for Peace, Prosperity and Happiness. Royal Government of Bhutan
  3. Miller, G. T. Jr., 2004, Environmental Science: Working with the Earth. Thomson/Brooks-Cole. United States.
  4. National Environment Commission, 1998, The Middle Path, National Environment Strategy for Bhutan. Royal Government of Bhutan
  5. Odum, E.P & Barrett, G. W., 2005, Fundamentals of Ecology. Thomson Brook/Cole
  6. Wright, R. T & Nebel, B. J., 2002, Environmental Science: towards a sustainable future. Prentice Hall
  7. Stitling, P., 2001, Ecology: theory and applications. Prentice Hall.

References

  1. Beeby, A. & Brennam, A. M., 2003, First Ecology: Ecological Principles and Environmental Issue. Oxford University Press. USA
  2. Begon, M., Townsend, C. R & Harper, J. L., 2006, Ecology from Individuals to Ecosystems. Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
  3. Barton, G. A., 2002, Empire forestry and the origins of environmentalism. Cambridge University Press
  4. Mepham, B., 2005, Bioethics: An Introduction for the Bioscience. Oxford University Press
  5. Rajagopalan, R., 2005, Environmental Studies: from Crisis to Cure. Oxford University Press. India
  6. Nagendran K. J. R., 2004, Essentials of Environmental Studies. Pearson Education India
  7. National Environment Commission, 2004, State of Environment Report. Royal Government of Bhutan.
  8. Lomborg, B., 2004, Global Crises, Global Solution. Cambridge University Press
  9. Articles on GNH form Journal of Bhutan Studies. Published by Centre for Bhutan Studies
  10. Acts & Regulations on Environment in Bhutan. Available online from www.nec.gov.bt & http://www.bhutan.gov.bt/government/index.php
  11.  RNR Journals. Ministry of Agriculture