NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
Second Year Syllabus
Department of Environment Science
Four Year B.Sc. Honours Course
Effective from the Session: 2013–2014
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National University
Subject: Environment Science
Syllabus for Four Year B.Sc. Honours Course
Effective from the Session: 2013-2014
Year wise Papers and marks distribution
SECOND YEAR
Paper Code Paper Title Marks Credits
224401 Environmental Chemistry 100 4
224403 Environmental Earth Sciences and Soil Sciences 100 4
224405 Environmental Biology 100 4
224407 Economics and Environmental Economics 100 4
224409 Meteorology and Climate Process 100 4
224411 Information Technology 100 4
224412 Laboratory and Field work on Environmental 100 4
Total = 700 28
221109 English (Compulsory) 100 Non-credit
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Detailed Syllabus
Paper Code 224401 Marks: 100 Credits: 4 Class Hours: 60
Paper Title: Environmental Chemistry
1. Environmental Chemistry: Definition, relationship with other chemical sciences, e.g.,
inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, geochemistry and
biogeochemistry
2. Redox Processes in Aquatic Environment: Significance, half-reaction, electron activity
and pE, Nernst equation and its application, chemical equilibrium, pE and free energy,
pE-pH diagram for iron and sulphur system, redox reaction and corrosion.
3. Water Pollution: Nature and types of water pollutants, elemental pollution and their
determination, heavy metals, Cd, Hg, Cr etc., metalloids e.g. Arsenic in groundwater of
Bangladesh, organic pollutants, pesticides in water, polychlorinated biphenyls.
4. Water Treatment: Treated water use, municipal water treatment, treatment of water for
industrial use, removal of organic, removal of heavy metals and metalloids (arsenic),
removal of phosphorus and nitrogen compounds.
5. Adsorption-filtration: Definition, types of adsorption, adsorption isotherm, adsorption
of solutes by solids, hysterisis curves, thermodynamic properties, modes of adsorption
by natural and synthetic adsorbents, application of adsorption-filtration process,
desorption of solute particles, Mesoporous materials: Porous solids, classification of
pore sizes, development of mesoporous supports, preparation of mesoporous materials.
6. Atmospheric Chemistry: Importance of the Atmosphere, Evolution of atmosphere,
Inversions and Air pollution, Global climate and Microclimate, Carbon Cycle and
Atmospheric Carbon dioxide, Reactions of Atmospheric oxygen and Nitrogen, Aerosols,
their direct and indirect effects: Aerosol properties, sources and production mechanisms
of atmospheric aerosols, direct and indirect forcing associated with aerosols.
7. Air Pollution: Atmospheric pollutants, Inorganic gasses, Organic and organic sulfites
and particulate oxides of sulfur and sulfur cycle, Nitrogen Oxides and Nitrogen cycle,
Urban air pollution, Mitigation of urban air pollution.
8. Environmental Soil Chemistry: Soil and agriculture, Nature and composition of soil,
Acid-base and Ion-exchange reactions in soils, Wastes and pollutants in soil, Soil loss
and degradation.
9. Ocean pollution: Sewage - source and effects of some marine pollution, toxic pollutants
- antifouling paints, DDT, dioxins, PCBs; oil on water, marine debris - fishing gears,
plastics.
Recommended References:
1. Environmental Chemistry, S.E. Manahan, 7th Edn, Lewis Publishers, 2000.
2. Environmental Chemistry of Soil, M. McBride.
3. A Guide to the study of Environmental Pollution, William Andrews (Edn).
4. Advanced Inorganic Chemistry, S.Z Haider.
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Paper Code 224403 Marks: 100 Credits: 4 Class Hours: 60
Paper Title: Environmental Earth Sciences and Soil Sciences
Section A
1. Philosophy and Fundamental Principles of Environmental Earth Sciences: Cultural
basis for Environmental awareness; Fundamental Concepts of Environmental Geology;
Earth materials and processes;
2. Hazardous Earth Processes: An overview on Natural Hazards; Disaster Prediction and
Risk Assessment; Human Response to Hazards.
3. River Flooding, Earthquakes, Mass Wasting, Coastal Hazards and Wind Hazards:
Origin, Causes, Types and Method of study.
4. Volcanic Activities: Effects and prediction of volcanic activities; Adjustment to and
perception of volcanic hazards.
5. The Geologic Aspects of Environmental Health: Health factors; Some Geologic factors
of Environmental Health; Trace Elements and Health; Chronic Disease and Geologic
Environment; Other Geological Hazards- Asbestos, Radon.
6. The Environmental Effects of Mining: Definition: Mining, Ore, protore, Metals and
Metalloids and their effect; The Source of Acid Mine Drainage; Pit Lakes, Approaches to
Treating Pit Lake Pollution; Mining Effects (Primary Effects, Secondary Effects Tertiary
Effects); Environmental Effects of Mining; Pre-Mining vs. Post-Mining Contamination.
Section B
1. Definition of soil, volume composition of soil: Soil as a component of ecosystem;
Minerals of soils, Importance of soil.
2. Soil formation, Soil profile and texture: Weathering of rocks and minerals, different
types of weathering, factors influencing weathering, Processes of soil formation; master
horizons, Soil particles-classification; textural classes and their significance.
3. Soil structure and Morphology: Mechanism of aggregate formation and dispersion;
classification on the basis of shape; importance of soil structure in relation of air-water
content; Soil densities and pore space.
4. Soil water: physical classification; forces of retention; soil water constants. Factors
contributing the availability water to plants; Effect of excess water on soil processes;
Infiltration, runoff and permeability-their consequences on soil and environment.
5. Soil as a source and sink of pollutants, Soil as a medium for plant growth-essential
elements, their available forms; sources.
6. Soil biota: Plant roots: microflora; meso and macro-fauna; earthworm, nematodes,
arthropods, protoza, bacteria and viruses; Functions of Biota in soil.
Recommended References:
1. Keller, E.A., 1992, Environmental Geoljogy 6th ed..
2. Skinner, B.J. & Porter, S.C., 1995, The Dynamic Earth, 3rd edition; John Wiley & Sons,
Inc.New York.
3. Wild. A., 1996, Soils and the Environment, Cambridge Univ. Press.
4. Miller, R.W. & Donahue,, 1997, R.L., Soils in our Environment, Prentice Hall Private
Limited.
5. The Nature and Properties of Soils. Brady and Weil, 13th edition.
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6. Fundamentals of Soil Science, H.D. Foth, 6th edition, John Wiley and Sons.
7. Microbial Ecology, Ken Killham, 1st edn, Cambridge University Press.
8. Fundamentals of Soil Physics, D. Hillel, 1st edition Academic Press, USA.
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Paper Code 224405 Marks: 100 Credits: 4 Class Hours: 60
Paper Title: Environmental Biology
1. Structures and functions of life: mitochondria and the process of cell respiration;
Chlorophlast and the process of photosynthesis, Significance of photosynthesis;
structures of DNA and RNA, protein synthesis; chromosomes and cell division;
heredity.
2. Genetic engineering and recombinant DNA technology: tools and methods of
recombinantDNAtechnology; enzymes involved in recombinant DNA
technology; Improvement of useful microorganisms – mutations and selection of
strains, protoplast fusion technology; uses of recombinant DNA technology.
3. Biological communities and ecosystems; characteristics of biological populations;
Interactions between diverse populations-neutralism, commensalism,
synergism, mutualism, competition, amensalism (anatagonism), parasitism and
predation; human population dynamics, study of populations; presentation of
demographic deta; community concept; structure of communities; global
distribution of terrestrial communities; patterns of diversity and global diversity;
concept of ecosystem, trophic levels and productivity; ; ecosystem stability .
4. Succession and biomes; vegetation changes; patterns of succession; human
influence on succession; world's terrestrial biomes; wetland and freshwater
biomes; coastal and marine biomes.
5. Ecological genetics; sources of variation; patterns of variation, reproductive
system-obligate cross-fertilisation, facultative cross-fertilisation, self-fertilisation,
seed apomixis; vegetative reproduction; genetic consequences of different
reproductive systems.
6. Behavioural ecology and sociology; optimisation theory; growth versus
reproduction; parental care; r and k species; breeding systems in plants:
alternative strategies; games theory; living in groups, their advantages and
disadvantages; the unit of selection and social behaviour; human socio-biology.
7. Plant-animal interrelationships: pair wise co-evolution; diffuse co-evolution;
angiosperm- pollinator relationships; introduced/ exotic species.
8. Adaptation of Organism: Adaptation of plant – Introduction and classification of
plants on the basis of adaptation, Morphological, anatomical and physiological
adaptative characteristics of hydrophytes, xerophytes and halophytes;
Adaptation of animal- natural selection and behaviour, visual adaptation to
unfavourable environment.
Recommended References:
1. Atlas, R.M. & Bartha, R.2000. Microbial Ecology-Fundamentals and applications.
4th ed., The Benjamins, Cummings Publ. Co., U.S.A., Canada.
2. Chapmans, J.L. & Reiss, M.L.1999. Ecology; Principles and applications, 2nd ed.
Cambridge Univ. Press, Cambridge, U.K.
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3. David McFarland, 1985. Animal Behaviour, Sychobiology, Ethology and
Evolution, ELBS, Oxford.
4. A textbook of Biotechnology. R.C. Dubey. 2nd edition; 1995. S. Chand and
Company Ltd. New Delhi.
Paper Code 224407 Marks: 100 Credits: 4 Class Hours: 60
Paper Title: Economics and Environmental Economics
1. Environmental Economics: Definition, scope and goal of Environmental economics,
Economic Analysis, Incentives: A Simple Household Example, Incentives in Industry,
Incentives in Transportation, The Design of Environmental policy, Macroeconomic
Questions: Environment and Growth, Cost-effectiveness Analysis, Benefit-cost
Analysis, International issues, Economics and Politics.
2. The Economy and Environment: Natural Resource Economics, The Fundamental
Balance, The Environment as an Economic and Social Asset, GDP, Terminology,
Emissions-Ambient Quality and Damages, Types of pollutants, Short run and long- run
Choices.
3. Analytical tools: Benefits and Costs, Supply and Demand: Willingness to Pay,
Aggregate Demand/Willingness to Pay, Benefits-Costs-Technology, Economic
Efficiency and Market: Economic Efficiency, Efficiency and Equity, Markets and
Social Efficiency, External Costs, External Benefits, The Economics of
Environmental Quality: Pollution Control- A General Model, Pollution Damages,
Abetment Costs, The Efficient level of Emissions, Enforcement Costs, The
Equimarginal principle Applied to Emission Reductions, Long-run Sustainability.
4. Environmental Analysis: Framework Analysis: Impact Analysis, Cost-Effectiveness
Analysis, Damage Assessment, Benefit-Cost Analysis, Risk Analysis, Benefit-Cost
Analysis : Benefits, Benefit- Cost Analysis: Costs
5. Population Dynamics: Fertility: Measures and Determinants, an Economic Model of
Family Size, Fertility Trend in Bangladesh, Mortality Measures, Determinants and
consequences,
6. Theories of Population Growth: Malthus-Optimum Concept of Population, Theory of
Demographic Transition, Laws and Models of Migration: Harris-Todaro Model of
Migration, Population and Environment, population policy and programme in
Bangladesh.
Recommended References:
1. Field, Barry C: Environmental Economics: An Introduction Second Edition MeGraw-Hill
International editions, 1997
2. Wonnacott Paul; Wannacott, Ronald: Economics, third edition, McGraw-Hill
International edition, 1986
3. Hauser, P.M., M. Duncan and D. Dudley: The Study of Population.
Paper Code 224409 Marks: 100 Credits: 4 Class Hours: 60
Paper Title: Meteorology and Climatic Processes
1. Meteorology: Definition, Scope and Sub-classifications, History of meteorology, Nature,
origin and composition of the atmosphere, Vertical divisions of the atmosphere;
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Meteorological equipment and Weather forecasting: Surface measurements, Application
of remote sensing, Satellite observation.
2. Heating Earth's Surface and Atmosphere: Solar Insolation of the earth and heat budget,
3. Water balance of the atmosphere: Humidity, Physical changes of state of water
Processes of cooling to produce condensation and sublimation, Clouds formation and
classification, Fog formation and type, Precipitation, causes, forms and types.
4. Air Pressure and Winds: Pressure, vertical distribution of pressure, Pressure gradient
and wind, Factors affecting wind speed and direction; General atmospheric circulation,
Seasonal changes in the general circulation, Oceanic circulation, Monsoon, local winds,
mountain and valley breeze; Stability and instability, air masses sources region and
classification, Extra tropical cyclone, anti cyclone, Thunderstorms.
5. Climate controls and Climate: Definition, production of climates, Climatic classification
of the world and Worlds climatic regions, the role of oceans, El Nino-Southern
Oscillation (ENSO) events, La Nina events, preliminary concepts of climate change.
Recommended References:
1. Franklyn W. Cole, Introduction to Meteorology, 3rd Edition, John Wiley and Sons.
2. Atmosphere, weather and climate, 7th Edition, Roger G. Barry and R. J. Chorley.
3. Edward Bryant, Climate Process and Change, Cambridge University Press, 1997.
4. Trewartha and Horn, An Introduction to Climate, 5th Edition.
5. IPCC report (recent edition )
Paper Code 224411 Marks: 100 Credits: 4 Class Hours: 60
Paper Title: Information Technology
1. Introduction to Computers: Basic Organization; Types of Computers; Importance,
Scope and Limitations of Computer uses; History and Generations;
2. Number Systems, Codes: Number Systems; Conversion of Numbers; Binary Arithmetic;
Data Representation and Codes;
3. Digital Circuits and Microcomputers System Unit: Logic Functions and logic gates;
Logic simplifications; Combinational circuits; Basic Organization; Motherboard and
Adapters; Bus organized Architectures; Working Principle of a Microcomputer;
4. Microprocessors and Input and Output Devices: Basics of Microprocessors; Inside the
Microprocessors; Microprocessors: Past, Present & Future; Parallel Processing;
Input/Output Operations Media; Input Devices; Output Devices; Other Peripheral
Devices;
5. Memory Organizations and Database: Mimory Basics; Main Memory; Secondary
Mimory; Special Memory; Database concepts; Database structures and access;
6. Computer Software, Software development process and Computer Networking:
Introduction and Classification; System Software; Operating System; Package
Programs; High Level Languages; Program development life cycle; Software
development life cycle; Network Basics; Internet & Internet services;
7. Emerging Information Technology: IT Concepts and Applications; Multimedia
Systems; Electronic Commerce; Other emerging technologies;
8. Computers and Society: Social Impact; Computer Security; general Maintenance;
troubleshooting; Selection of Microcomputers.
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Recommended References:
1. Hutchinson and Sawyer, Computers and Information Systems.
2. James O'Brien: Management Information Systems
3. Laudon and Laudon: Management Information Systems.
4. Mustafa Jabber, Computer and Information Technology
Paper Code 224412 Marks: 100 Credits: 4 Class Hours: 60
Paper Title: Laboratory and Field work on Environmental Sciences
Chemistry
1. Preparation and standardization of acid and base solution.
2. Determination of major physical and chemical properties of water and wastewater (pH,
EC, turbidity, TDS, TSS, total solids, total hardness, total alkalinity, total acidity, DO,
BOD, COD).
3. Determination of the concentration of major metal ions in water and wastewater (Fe, Cu,
Pb, Cr, Ni, Ca, Al).
4. Complexometric titration with EDTA as primary standard substance (using Murexide and
Solochrome Black/Eriochrome Black T indicator).
5. Gravimetric analysis of some major anions (chloride, carbonate, sulphate, phosphate).
Earth and Soil Sciences
1. Several field tour in the environmentally important areas.
a. Description of minerals and rocks in outcrop.
b. Investigate soil condition of the area.
c. Collect soil and rock samples.
d. Analysis of the samples in the laboratory and
e. Submission of field tour report.
2. Determination of Soil texture by Particle-size analysis-hydrometer method
3. Determination of Soil density by Bulk and Particle density measurement.
4. Study and Identification of common Igneous, Sedimentary and Metamorphic rocks in thin
section.
Biology
1. Field survey on Environmental Biology.
2. Collection Technique of phytoplankton and zooplankton.
3. Identification and characterization of 15 Phytoplankton and 10 Zooplankton.
4. Study of the adaptive characteristics (anatomical modifications) of hydrophytes,
xerophytes, mesophytes and halophytes.
5. Study of the reproductive behavior of suitable plant and animal species.
6. Study of plant population by Quadrate method.
7. Study of ecosystem composition in J.U. Campus and surrounding areas.
8. Determination of Dissolved oxygen (DO).
9. Preparation of Permanent slides.
10. Preparation of Field and laboratory note book.
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Paper Code 221109 Marks: 100 Non-Credit Class Hours: 60
Paper Title: English (Compulsory) Exam Duration: 4 Hours
Aims and objectives of this Paper:
To develop students’ English language skills, to enable them to benefit personally and
professionally. The four skills listening, speaking, reading and writing will be integrated to
encourage better language use.
1. Reading and understanding 54=20
Students will be expected to read passages they might come across in their everyday life,
such as newspapers, magazines, general books etc. Simple stories will also be included to
give students a familiarity with different uses of the language.
[N.B. : 5 Questions are to be answered. Each question will carry 4 marks. There may be
division in each question]
a) Understanding different purposes and types of readings
b) Guessing word-meaning in context.
c) Understanding long sentences
d) Recognizing main ideas and supporting ideas.
e) Answering comprehension questions.
f) Writing summaries.
2. Writing 40
a) Writing correct sentences, completing sentences and combining sentences.
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b) Situational writing : Posters, notices, slogans, memos, advertisements etc.
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c) Paragraph writing : Structure of a paragraph; topic sentences; developing ideas;
writing a conclusion; types of paragraphs (narrative, descriptive, expository,
persuasive); techniques of paragraph development (such as listing, cause and
effect, comparison and contrast). 8
Or,
d) Newspaper writing : Reports, press releases dialogues etc.
e) Writing resume©s. Or, 8
f) Writing letters : Formal and informal letters, letters to the editor, request letters,
job applications, complaint letters etc.
g) Essay: Generating ideas; outlining; writing a thesis sentence; writing the essay:
writing introductions, developing ideas, writing conclusions; revising and editing.
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3. Grammar 25
a) Word order of sentences.
b) Framing questions.
c) Tenses, articles, subject-verb agreement, noun-pronoun agreement, verbs, phrasal
verbs, conditionals, prepositions and prepositional phrases, infinitives, participles,
gerunds. (Knowledge of grammar will be tested through contextualised passages).
d) Punctuation.
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4. Developing vocabulary : Using the dictionary, suffixes, prefixes, synonyms,
antonyms, changing word forms (from verb to noun etc.) and using them in sentences.
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5. Translation from Bengali to English. 15=5
6. Speaking skills : Speaking skills should be integrated with writing and reading in
classroom activities.
The English sound system; pronunciation skills; the IPA system; problem sounds, vowels,
consonants and dipthongs; lexical and syntactic stress.
(Writing dialogue and practising it orally students can develop their speaking skill.
Dialogue writing can be an item in writing test.)
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