

B-SC in Environmental Sciences at Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University


Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Environmental Sciences at Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University Pauri Garhwal?
This Environmental Sciences program at Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University focuses on understanding complex environmental issues and developing sustainable solutions. With India facing significant challenges in climate change, pollution, and resource depletion, this program provides a comprehensive framework to address these concerns. Its interdisciplinary approach, integrating science, technology, and policy, prepares students for a dynamic industry focused on ecological balance and sustainable development.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a science background (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) who possess a keen interest in environmental conservation, sustainability, and tackling ecological challenges. It suits fresh graduates seeking entry into environmental consulting, research, or government roles. Career changers transitioning into green jobs or professionals looking to upskill in areas like climate action or waste management will also find significant value here.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as Environmental Consultants, Pollution Control Officers, Wildlife Conservationists, Sustainability Managers, or Researchers. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience (INR 8-15+ LPA) in Indian companies, NGOs, or governmental agencies like the Pollution Control Boards. The program also aligns with certifications in EIA, ISO 14001, and other environmental management standards.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Develop Strong Scientific Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on mastering core scientific principles in biology, chemistry, physics, and ecology, as they underpin all environmental concepts. Actively participate in laboratory sessions to gain practical skills in environmental sampling and analysis.
Tools & Resources
NCERT textbooks, online science tutorials (Khan Academy), university lab manuals, peer study groups
Career Connection
A robust scientific understanding is crucial for any environmental role, enabling accurate problem identification and solution development, highly valued in research and compliance jobs.
Cultivate Environmental Awareness & Critical Thinking- (Semester 1-2)
Stay updated on current environmental news, policies, and local issues, especially those relevant to the Himalayan region and India. Engage in discussions, attend university seminars, and critically analyze solutions proposed for environmental problems.
Tools & Resources
Reputable news sources (e.g., Down To Earth, The Hindu), documentaries, UN Environment Programme reports, local NGO websites
Career Connection
Developing critical thinking about environmental challenges is vital for policy analysis, advocacy, and problem-solving roles in environmental management and governance.
Build Basic Data Collection & Reporting Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention to practical methodologies in your lab courses, focusing on accurate data recording, simple statistical interpretation, and clear report writing. Volunteer for local environmental clean-up drives or surveys to gain hands-on experience.
Tools & Resources
Basic MS Excel for data entry, scientific report templates, university library resources on research methodology
Career Connection
Foundational skills in data collection and clear communication are essential for entry-level field research, monitoring, and compliance roles.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Field-Based Learning & Internships- (Semester 3-5)
Actively seek opportunities for field visits, environmental camps, or short-term internships (1-3 months) with NGOs, local government bodies (e.g., forest department, pollution control boards), or research institutions during breaks. Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Tools & Resources
University career services, networking with professors, online internship platforms (Internshala), local environmental groups
Career Connection
Practical field experience is highly valued by employers in India, demonstrating hands-on skills and exposure to industry practices, significantly boosting employability for roles like field officer or environmental technician.
Specialize through Electives & Projects- (Semester 5-6)
Carefully choose Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs) that align with your career interests (e.g., Waste Management, Wildlife Management, Environmental Law). Pursue mini-projects or term papers that allow deeper exploration of these specialized areas, perhaps focusing on local case studies.
Tools & Resources
Faculty mentors, departmental research labs, specialized journals, online courses in specific areas (Coursera, NPTEL)
Career Connection
Specialization allows you to develop expertise in a niche, making you a more attractive candidate for specific roles in industries like sustainable energy, conservation, or waste management.
Develop GIS & Remote Sensing Skills- (Semester 4-6)
Beyond classroom learning, undertake additional online courses or workshops in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing. Practice using software like QGIS or ArcGIS for mapping, data analysis, and environmental monitoring, focusing on Indian geographical contexts.
Tools & Resources
QGIS (free), ArcGIS (student licenses), NPTEL courses on GIS/RS, YouTube tutorials, university computer labs
Career Connection
These spatial analysis skills are in high demand across environmental consulting, urban planning, disaster management, and conservation sectors in India.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Research Project/Dissertation- (Semester 7-8)
Engage deeply with your 7th and 8th-semester research project. Select a relevant environmental problem, conduct rigorous methodology, analyze data effectively, and produce a high-quality dissertation. Aim for impactful findings relevant to local or national environmental challenges.
Tools & Resources
University research grants, statistical software (R, SPSS), academic databases, faculty supervisors, peer review groups
Career Connection
A strong research project demonstrates independent problem-solving, analytical prowess, and a deep understanding of a specific environmental domain, essential for R&D, higher studies, and policy analysis roles.
Network and Prepare for Placements/Higher Studies- (Semester 6-8)
Attend industry seminars, workshops, and career fairs. Connect with alumni and professionals in environmental fields via LinkedIn. Develop a professional resume/CV highlighting specialized skills and project experience. Practice mock interviews for jobs or entrance exams for M.Sc./Ph.D.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, university placement cell, career guidance workshops, online job portals (Naukri.com, Indeed), GRE/NET study materials
Career Connection
Effective networking and placement preparation are crucial for securing desired entry-level positions or gaining admission to reputable postgraduate programs in environmental science.
Focus on Policy & Sustainable Development Integration- (Semester 6-8)
Explore the interplay between environmental science, policy, and sustainable development goals, particularly in the Indian context. Participate in policy debates or contribute to local sustainability initiatives, understanding governance mechanisms and their impact.
Tools & Resources
Reports from NITI Aayog, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), UNFCCC documents, sustainable development forums
Career Connection
A holistic understanding of policy and sustainability is critical for roles in environmental governance, corporate sustainability, and international development organizations operating in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- No eligibility criteria specified
Duration: 4 years (8 semesters)
Credits: 160 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSCEVS101 | Environmental Science - I (Theory) | Core (Major) | 4 | Basics of Environment, Natural Resources, Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution, Solid Waste Management |
| BSCEVSP101 | Environmental Science - I (Practical) | Core (Major Practical) | 2 | Water Quality Analysis, Soil Analysis, Air Pollution Monitoring, Ecological Studies, Solid Waste Analysis |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSCEVS201 | Environmental Science - II (Theory) | Core (Major) | 4 | Environmental Impact Assessment, Disaster Management, Environmental Laws, Climate Change, Green Technology, Environmental Ethics |
| BSCEVSP201 | Environmental Science - II (Practical) | Core (Major Practical) | 2 | EIA Case Studies, Disaster Risk Assessment, Remote Sensing & GIS in Environment, Waste Management Techniques, Water Conservation |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSCEVS301 | Environmental Biogeochemistry (Theory) | Core (Major) | 4 | Biogeochemical Cycles, Soil Environment, Aquatic Environment, Atmospheric Environment, Environmental Chemistry, Pollution Fate |
| BSCEVSP301 | Environmental Biogeochemistry (Practical) | Core (Major Practical) | 2 | Nutrient Cycling Analysis, Soil Microbial Analysis, Water Ecotoxicity Testing, Air Pollution Sampling, Spectrophotometry |
| BSCEVSSEC301 | Environmental Health & Hygiene (Skill Enhancement Course) | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 3 | Public Health, Waterborne Diseases, Sanitation, Occupational Health, Food Safety, Waste Management & Health |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSCEVS401 | Environmental Biotechnology (Theory) | Core (Major) | 4 | Microbial Technology, Bioremediation, Waste Treatment, Environmental Genomics, Bioenergy, Biosensors |
| BSCEVSP401 | Environmental Biotechnology (Practical) | Core (Major Practical) | 2 | Microbial Culture Techniques, Bioremediation Experiments, Enzyme Assays, DNA Extraction, Fermentation Processes |
| BSCEVSSEC401 | Environmental Data Analysis (Skill Enhancement Course) | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 3 | Statistical Methods, Data Visualization, GIS Applications, Remote Sensing, Environmental Modelling, Regression Analysis |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSCEVS501 | Environmental Toxicology (Theory) | Core (Major) | 4 | Principles of Toxicology, Ecotoxicology, Pollutant Effects, Risk Assessment, Biomarkers, Regulatory Toxicology |
| BSCEVSP501 | Environmental Toxicology (Practical) | Core (Major Practical) | 2 | Toxicity Testing, Dose-Response Studies, Bioaccumulation Assays, Chemical Analysis, Ecological Risk Assessment |
| BSCEVSDSE501A/B/C | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) - I (Theory) (Choose One: Wildlife Management / Waste Management / Environmental Microbiology) | Elective (DSE) | 4 | Wildlife Ecology, Conservation Strategies, Protected Areas, Solid Waste, Hazardous Waste, E-Waste Management, Microbial Ecology, Biogeochemical Cycling, Environmental Pathogens |
| BSCEVSDSEP501A/B/C | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) - I (Practical) (Choose One: Wildlife Management / Waste Management / Environmental Microbiology) | Elective (DSE Practical) | 2 | Field Survey Techniques, Habitat Assessment, Conservation Planning, Waste Characterization, Composting, Landfill Design, Microbial Isolation, Staining, Microbiological Analysis |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSCEVS601 | Natural Resource Management (Theory) | Core (Major) | 4 | Resource Conservation, Land Use Planning, Water Resource Management, Forest Management, Mineral Resources, Sustainable Development |
| BSCEVSP601 | Natural Resource Management (Practical) | Core (Major Practical) | 2 | Resource Mapping, GIS for Resources, Conservation Techniques, Watershed Management, Remote Sensing Applications, EIA for Resources |
| BSCEVSDSE601A/B/C | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) - II (Theory) (Choose One: Environmental Law & Policy / Renewable Energy & Climate Change / Environmental Entrepreneurship) | Elective (DSE) | 4 | Indian Environmental Laws, International Conventions, Policy Formulation, Climate Science, Renewable Energy Sources, Carbon Sequestration, Green Business Models, Sustainability Marketing, Eco-Innovation |
| BSCEVSDSEP601A/B/C | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) - II (Practical) (Choose One: Environmental Law & Policy / Renewable Energy & Climate Change / Environmental Entrepreneurship) | Elective (DSE Practical) | 2 | Case Studies, Legal Research, Policy Analysis, Environmental Auditing, Energy Audits, Solar/Wind System Design, GHG Inventory, Business Plan Development, Market Research, Financial Planning |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSCEVS701 | Advanced Environmental Management (Theory) | Core (Major) | 4 | Integrated Environmental Management, Environmental Audits, Life Cycle Assessment, Environmental Management Systems, Corporate Social Responsibility, Green Supply Chain |
| BSCEVSP701 | Advanced Environmental Management (Practical) | Core (Major Practical) | 2 | EMS Implementation, LCA Software, Auditing Techniques, Risk Management, Sustainability Reporting, EIA for Mega Projects |
| BSCEVS702 | Research Methodology (Theory) | Core (Research Focus) | 4 | Research Design, Data Collection, Statistical Analysis, Hypothesis Testing, Scientific Writing, Ethical Considerations |
| BSCEVSRP701 | Research Project - I | Research Project | 6 | Literature Review, Problem Identification, Research Proposal, Methodology Development, Preliminary Data Collection, Experimental Design |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSCEVS801 | Environmental Modelling & Decision Making (Theory) | Core (Major) | 4 | Ecosystem Modelling, Pollution Dispersion Models, Climate Models, Decision Support Systems, Multi-Criteria Analysis, Policy Integration |
| BSCEVSP801 | Environmental Modelling & Decision Making (Practical) | Core (Major Practical) | 2 | Model Simulation, Software Applications, Scenario Analysis, Sensitivity Analysis, GIS for Decision Making, Policy Evaluation |
| BSCEVSRP801 | Research Project - II | Research Project | 10 | Data Analysis, Interpretation of Results, Thesis Writing, Scientific Presentation, Peer Review, Publication Ethics |




