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%
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
- Cunningham, W.
P and Cunningham, M. A, 2004, Principles of Environmental Science:
Inquiry and Application. Tata McGrawHill
- Planning
Commission, 1999, Bhutan 2020: A Vision for Peace, Prosperity and
Happiness. Royal Government of Bhutan
- Miller, G. T.
Jr., 2004, Environmental Science: Working with the Earth. Thomson/Brooks-Cole.
United States.
- National
Environment Commission, 1998, The Middle Path, National Environment
Strategy for Bhutan. Royal Government of Bhutan
- Odum, E.P
& Barrett, G. W., 2005, Fundamentals of Ecology. Thomson
Brook/Cole
- Wright, R. T
& Nebel, B. J., 2002, Environmental Science: towards a sustainable
future. Prentice Hall
- Stitling, P.,
2001, Ecology: theory and applications. Prentice Hall.
References
- Beeby, A.
& Brennam, A. M., 2003, First Ecology: Ecological Principles and
Environmental Issue. Oxford University Press. USA
- Begon, M.,
Townsend, C. R & Harper, J. L., 2006, Ecology from Individuals to
Ecosystems. Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
- Barton, G. A.,
2002, Empire forestry and the origins of environmentalism.
Cambridge University Press
- Mepham, B.,
2005, Bioethics: An Introduction for the Bioscience. Oxford
University Press
- Rajagopalan,
R., 2005, Environmental Studies: from Crisis to Cure. Oxford
University Press. India
- Nagendran K.
J. R., 2004, Essentials of Environmental Studies. Pearson Education
India
- National
Environment Commission, 2004, State of Environment Report. Royal Government
of Bhutan.
- Lomborg, B.,
2004, Global Crises, Global Solution. Cambridge University Press
- Articles on
GNH form Journal of Bhutan Studies. Published by Centre for Bhutan
Studies
- Acts &
Regulations on Environment in Bhutan. Available online from www.nec.gov.bt & http://www.bhutan.gov.bt/government/index.php
- RNR
Journals. Ministry of Agriculture
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