Course Catalogue

ES 121   Natural Resources

 

Programme: B.A. Environmental Studies

Credit value: 12

Level: Year 1, Semester 2

General objectives

This module aims at providing students with an insight and understanding of the importance of the physical environmental resources energy, water and mineral resources. It will also expose students to the various methods that exist for their utilisation and, especially in the case of the non-renewable resources, their conservation and substitute options that exist.

Learning outcomes

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

  • describe the various kinds of physical resources energy, water and minerals and their availability;
  • describe the methods of their extraction and use;
  • discuss the advantages and disadvantages of their extraction, processing and use;
  • assess the future scenario regarding the availability and possibility of continued use of these resources;
  • describe and select methods of their conservation in order to extend their supplies well into this century;
  • discuss the alternative options that exist in particular for the non-renewable resources.

 

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:

  • 2 hours of theory during which the theoretical background of conservation and use of physical resources will be discussed;
  • 3 other hours which will be used for reading and analysis of scientific articles, opinion articles, short field visits in the locality to conduct short research on water and energy use, and guest lectures; as well as for presentations and discussions;
  • 3 hours of self-study that will be used for self-study of the theory available, collecting information, and preparing papers and presentations.
  • there will also be a 3-day field visit in alternate years to either the Kurichhu Hydro Power Project in Mongar or the Khotakpa Gypsum Mines in Pemagatshel which will culminate in a group report and presentation.

Assessment

  • End of semester  examination                              60%
  • Individual assignments                                        20%
  • Field visits (Reports and Presentation)                20%

 

Prerequisite: ES111 Introduction to the Environment

 

Course content

Regarding energy resources, the topics are:

  • origin and global status of the non-renewable energy sources (petroleum/crude oil, natural gas, coal, nuclear);
  • various methods of extracting energy resources;
  • energy conservation and efficient utilisation;
  • the sources of renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro, biomass, tidal, geothermal, solar-hydrogen);
  • current status and future prospective of energy resources in Bhutan with special reference to hydropower, solar and fuel wood.

Regarding water the topics are:

·         introduction to hydrological concepts (the hydrological cycle, ground- and surface water and environmental influences);

·         water quality;

·         water stress and water scarcity;

·         increasing fresh water supplies;

·         watershed management;

·         conservation and management of water resources.

·         Case studies related to Bhutan

Regarding minerals the topics are

·         mineral resources (metal and non-metal);

·         mineral resource extraction (mining) and environmental impacts.

·         Case studies related to Bhutan

Reading list

 

 

Texts

  1. Boyle, G., Everett, B & Ramage, J., 2003, Energy Systems and Sustainability. Oxford University Press.
  2. Boyle, G., 2004, Renewable Energy. Oxford University Press.
  3. Hammer, M.J & Viesmann, W Jr., 2004, Water supply and pollution control. Pearson.

References

  1. Andrews, J & Jelley, N., 2007, Energy Science Principles, technologies, and impacts. Oxford University Press
  2.  Biswas, A. K., Varis, O & Tortajada, C., 2004, Integrated Water Resources Management in South and South-East Asia. Oxford University Press India.
  3. Brutsaert, W., 2005, Hydrology: An Introduction. Cambridge University Press
  4. Cassedy, E. S & Grossman, P. Z., 1998, Introduction to energy: resources, technology and society. Cambridge University Press.
  5. Cassey, E. S., 2006, Prospects for Sustainable Energy: A Critical Assessment. Cambridge University Press.
  6. Chow, V. T., Maidment, D. R & Mays, L. W., 1998, Applied hydrology. McGrawHill
  7. Cunningham, W. P and Cunningham, M. A, 2004, Principles of environmental science: inquiry and application. Tata McGrawHill
  8. Kaushikka, K & Kshity, K., 2004, Energy, Ecology and Environment: A Technological Approach. Capital Publishing Company. New York
  9. Mays, L. W., 2004, Water Resources Engineering. John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
  10. Rana, S. V. S., 2005, Ecology and Environmental Science. Prentice Hal of India. New Delhi
  11. Rao, C. H., 2005, Agriculture, Food Security, Poverty and Environment: Essay on Post-reform India. Oxford University Press. New Delhi
  12. Ravindranath, N. H & Hall, D. O., 1995, Biomass, Energy, and Environment
    A Developing Country Perspective from India.     Oxford University Press.
  13. Shiklomanov, I. A & Rodda, J. C., 2004, World Water Resources at the Beginning of the Twenty-First Century. Cambridge University Press.
  14. Wescoat, J. L Jr &  White, G. F., 2004, Water for Life Water Management and Environmental Policy. Oxford University Press.
  15.  Wurbs, R. A & James, W. P., 2001, Water resources engineering. Prentice Hall of India

 

Articles from journals and magazines as well as the internet will be collected and provided later on.

 

 
Royal Thimphu College