Department of Environmental Science and Management

Course outline

Part A

1. Course code: ENV 107

2. Course section: Sec-44
3. Course title: Introduction to Environmental Science
4. Course type (GED/Core course/ Elective): GED
5. Pre-requisite (if any): Not applicable
6. Credit Value: 3
7. Year/ Level/ Semester/Term: Spring 2024
8. Academic session:
9. Course teacher/Instructor: Professor Dr. M. Nazrul Islam (MZS)
10. Office Room: SAC 723E
11. Office hours: Thursday and Saturday (RA) 4:30 pm - 5:45 pm
12. Office Time: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm (RA)
13. Email Address: mnazrul.islam@northsouth.edu
14. Contact hours: 30
15. Total marks: 100
16. Rationale of the course: This course focuses on training students with a broad understanding on
environmental issues of Bangladesh and its probable solution. The course will include basic
concepts of environment at various details limiting to the requirement at the undergraduate level.
17. Course objectives and learning outcomes:
● Students will be able to define the environment and its components.
● Students will be able to describe available natural resources in Bangladesh as well as
their prospects and environmental problems.
18. Course learning outcomes (CLOs) and mapping of CLOs with Program Learning Outcome
(PLOs):

Mapping of Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) with Program Learning Outcomes

(PLOs)

PLO1 PLO2 PLO3 PLO4 PLO5 PLO6 PLO7 PLO8 PLO9 PLO10

CLO1 X X X X X

CLO2 X X X X X
PART B. COURSE CONTENTS AND
SCHEDULE

Week Class Topic Teaching- Assessment Corresponding

No. Learning Strategy strategy CLOs

1 1 Introductory lecture Lecture CLO-1

(discussion about the
course outline)
2 Basic Concept Lecture CLO-1

2 3 Basic Concept Lecture CLO-1

4 Basic Concept Lecture CLO-1

3 5 Fundamental Lecture CLO-1

Concepts of Ecology
6 Fundamental Lecture CLO-1
Concepts of Ecology CLO-2
4 7 Fundamental Lecture Quiz-1 CLO-1
Concepts of [Class 2-6] CLO-2
Biodiversity
8 Fundamental Lecture CLO-1
Concepts of CLO-2
Biodiversity
5 9 Environmental Cycles Lecture CLO-1
CLO-2

10 Environmental Cycles Lecture CLO-1

CLO-2
6 11 Midterm-1 Midterm-1 CLO-1
[Class 2-10] CLO-2
12 Human Population Lecture CLO-1
and Environment
7 13 Human Population Lecture CLO-1
and Environment CLO-2
14 Water and Soil Lecture CLO-1
Environment CLO-2
8 Water and Soil Lecture Quiz-2 CLO-1
15 Environment [Class 12-14] CLO-2
16 Air and Climate Lecture CLO-1
CLO-2
9 17 Air and Climate Lecture CLO-1
CLO-2
18 Midterm-2 Midterm-2 CLO-1
[Class 12-17] CLO-2
10 19 Sustainable Lecture CLO-1
Agriculture CLO-2
20 Sustainable Lecture CLO-1
Agriculture CLO-2
 11 21 Solid Waste Lecture CLO-1
Management CLO-2
22 Solid Waste Lecture CLO-1
Management CLO-2
12 23 Alternative Energy Lecture CLO-1
Resources CLO-2
24 Alternative Energy Lecture CLO-1
Resources CLO-2
13 25 Environmental Lecture Quiz-3 CLO-1
Research and [Class 19-22] CLO-2
Organizations
26 Environmental Issues Lecture CLO-1
of Bangladesh CLO-2
14 27 Presentation Demonstration Presentation CLO-1
CLO-2
28 Presentation Demonstration Presentation CLO-1
CLO-2
15 29 Review and Discussions Final CLO-1
discussions [Class 19-26] CLO-2
N.B. *Course instructor may readjust the course plan based on student requirements.

Program Learning Outcome (PLOs)

Upon successful competition of Undergraduate program, the students will acquire the following graduate
attributes:
Program Graduate Attributes
Outcomes
(PLOs)
PLO-1 Students will able to understand how science and the scientific method work to address
environmental problems.
PLO-1 Students will know about major ecosystems of earth, how they interact and function.
PLO-2 Students will learn about the interaction of human society with the earth’s systems.
PLO-2 Able to write, analyse and think about current environmental issues.
PLO-3 Analyze the relationship between the individual, society, economy, culture and environmental issues
and identify ways to minimize impact on the environment.
PLO-3 Understand the basic principles of matter/energy flows and how human activities alter or degrade
natural flows.
PLO-4 Describe fundamental ecosystem and ecological principles. List the major sources of pollution and
describe the effects on ecosystems and humans.
PLO-4 Describe the goals of biodiversity conservation and nature preservation programs.
PLO-5 Describe renewable vs. non-renewable energies including effects on environment.
PLO-6 Describe the principles of sustainable development and apply them to solve environmental problem
PLO-6 Evaluate a wide range of socio-ecological and socio-cultural approaches to solve environmental
issues.
PLO-7 Delineate geographic distributions of environmental impacts.
PLO-7 Explain concepts of environmental justice.
PLO-8 Summarize major environmental policies and regulations
PLO-9 Assess the effect and importance of individual behavior in environmental issues.
PLO-10 Identify technologies that prevent, control and reverse environmental harm.
 PLO-10 They will know how to practice education for sustainable development in daily life for overall
environmental management.

Part C. Assessment and Evaluation

1) Assessment strategy and Marks distribution:

a) Continuous assessment:

b) Summative:

ASSESSMENT STRATEGY
Grading tool Points
Midterm Exam (Average of two midterms) 30
Final Exam 30
Class Quiz (three quizzes. Best two quizzes can be considered) 15
Assignment/Short essay on environmental problems and
probable solution (word limit-not more than 1000 words) and
15
group presentation of the report [Report+
Presentation=7.5+7.5]
Class Attendance and assessment 10
Total 100

2) Exam Policy: The format of the Exam (Quiz, Mid and Final), will be based on a combination of MCQ, True
/False, Fill in the blanks, Objective and Subjective questions. Students are thus advised to prepare for any type
of questions.

Total 3 (three) quizzes/class tests will be taken and best 2 (two) will be chosen. There will not be any
Makeup for quizes and final exam. In case Midterm exam, Makeup exam is highly discouraged,
20% marks will be deducted from the numbers obtained if you wish to give make up midterm
exams. There is no opportunity of makeup exam except for very serious causes (mainly severe
sickness) for which student has to provide solid proof. In additions special permission will be required
from the Program Department signed by the Chair of the Management program verifying the cause of
makeup exam. If anyone misses the Midterm exam for severe sickness, he/she should submit a written
application from his/her guardian along with the medical certificate. If found genuine, a makeup exam
may be arranged (formal application to take this exam is mandatory). If any of the quiz or midterm
exams cannot be held on the due date, the exam will be rescheduled for the next available class.

Please note:

 You must come prepared for all your exams.

 You must come on time.
 Being late does not necessarily guarantee that you are going to get extra time for writing your tests and exam.
 You must bring your own pencil, pen, eraser, calculator and any other permitted items that you may need and
you are allowed during the tests and exam.
 All cell phones must be switched off.
 Any deviation from the standard procedures will not be taken lightly.
 Any unfair means adopted in the tests and exam will be seriously dealt with.
 Academic misconduct or failure to comply with NSU Examination Code of Conduct may result in F.

3) Due Date Policy: Every individual assignment is due on the exact due date. Failure to meet deadline will cause
you to lose significant points.
4) Grading Scale: NSU standard grading scale will be followed. NSU’s grading and performance evaluation policies
will be followed in assigning your grade. Please note that all final grades are subject to departmental review and approval.
Class Room Conduct

1. The ground rule for our class is respectful, open communication. We have many things to learn from one
another. Every single question is appreciated!

2. When you come to the class, you become part of a learning community. Please be conscious of your
community role, and work toward creating a healthy learning atmosphere in the class.

3. Don’t chat during the class. If you have to, then feel free not to attend the class at the expense of your
attendance for the day. Inability to refrain from unnecessary, disruptive chatting may result in a request to
leave the classroom.

4. If you have to leave the class when it is in progress, sit near the door and leave silently.

5. While in class, please switch off your cell phone. Inability to do so may result in some penalty.

6. You must seek permission before using any sort of electronic gadget in the class such as a laptop. Use of such
gadgets for purposes other than note-taking during lectures is strictly prohibited.

7. Limit your eating while the class is in progress. Eat during the breaks.

8. Academic Integrity Policy: ESM (NSU) does not tolerate academic dishonesty by its students. At a
minimum, you must not be involved in cheating, copyright infringement, submitting the same work in multiple
courses, significant collaboration with other individuals outside of sanctioned group activities, and
fabrications. You are advised that violations of the Student Integrity Code will be treated seriously, with
special attention given to repeated offences. Please refer to NSU Code of Conduct at
http://www.northsouth.edu/student-code-of-conduct.html

Final Comments
Please understand that your instructor is here to help you, to be with you, and to walk you through the difficult
steps as long as you co-operate. Instructor of this course will be available for all of you. Feel free to stop by when
something bothers you and we will try our level best to help you out. You may contact me through email, SMS, or
by making an appointment in addition to the office hours mentioned in this outline.

Part D. Learning Materials

Books/Book Chapter

1. Daniel B. Botkin and Edward A. Keller. 2000. Environmental Science: Earth as a living planet.
John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
2. NRC 1999. Perspectives on biodiversity: valuing its role in an ever-changing world. Washington,
DC: National Academy Press. 129 p.

Reports

1. Global Footprint Network Educational Resources

2. Wackernagel M., Beyers B. 2019. Ecological footprint: Ecological Footprint: Managing Our
Biocapacity Budget. New Society Publishers, ISBN: 9780865719118, 288p]
3. https://www.footprintnetwork.org/resources/educational-resources/
4. Protected Areas of Bangladesh: http://www.bforest.gov.bd
5. Biodiversity (current status): http://www.bforest.gov.bd/
6. Ecologically Critical Area: http://doe.portal.gov.bd/sites
7. Environmental issues addressed by The Department of Environment of Bangladesh:
http://www.doe.gov.bd/site/page/fc7d90d4-2a9a-487a-897c-f7fd0e15b10f/-#
http://www.doe.gov.bd/site/view/publications/-
http://www.doe.gov.bd/site/page/976b9daa-b0eb-42bf-bc85-d17a8f13b424/-
Journals
 1. Burkhard B., Muller F. 2008. Driver–Pressure–State–Impact–Response. In: Ecological
Indicators. Vol. [2] of Encyclopedia of Ecology, 5 vols. Publisher: Oxford Elsevier Editors: Sven
Erik Jorgensen, Brian D. Fath

Additional Reading Materials

1. Sohel MSI. 2015. Ecohydrology: A New Approach to Old Problems for Sustainable Management
of Aquatic Ecosystem of Bangladesh for Ecosystem Service Provision. In: L. Chicharo et al.
(eds.), Ecosystem Services and River Basin Ecohydrology. DOI 10.1007/978-94-017-9846-4_1