The University Grants Commission has formulated draft guidelines and curriculum framework for environmental education at the undergraduate level as it works on the implementation of the National Education Policy, 2020, ABP Live has learnt.
The commission will release the Draft Guidelines and Curriculum Framework for Environment Education soon, UGC Chairman Prof M Jagadesh Kumar told ABP Live.
He said areas such as climate change, pollution, waste management, sanitation, conservation of biological diversity, management of biological resources and biodiversity, forest and wildlife conservation, and sustainable development will be included in environmental education.
“The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 underlines the importance of making environmental education an integral part of curricula and encouraging environmental awareness and sensitivity towards its conservation and sustainable development. NEP also advocates the attainment of holistic and multidisciplinary education, through flexible and innovative curricula for all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) which shall include credit-based courses and projects in the areas of community engagement and service, environmental education, and value-based education,” Prof Kumar told ABP Live.
He added: "Earlier in 2003, UGC had come out with a core module syllabus for compulsory implementation of Environmental Studies at the undergraduate level as per directives of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India. Further, in 2017, UGC framed an 8-unit module syllabus for the Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC-Environmental Studies) under the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS)."
Talking about the Draft Guidelines and Curriculum Framework, the UGC chairman said this is an outcome of the commission’s initiative to implement the NEP 2020, which has emphasised the need to formulate guidelines and curriculum framework for environmental education. “The draft is expected to cater to students from diverse disciplinary backgrounds, and also includes topics to sensitise students about the commitment of the nation towards achieving sustainable development goals," he said.
Curriculum Framework Outline:
| Unit | Title | Teaching Hours |
| I | Humans and the Environment 4 | 4 |
| II | Natural Resources and Sustainable Development | 6 |
| III | Environmental Issues: Local, Regional and Global 6 | 6 |
| IV | Conservation of Biodiversity and Ecosystems | 6 |
| V | Environmental Pollution and Health | 6 |
| VI | Climate Change: Impacts, Adaptation and Mitigation | 6 |
| VII | Environmental Management | 6 |
| VIII | Environmental Treaties and Legislation | 6 |
| IX | Case studies and fieldwork | 30 |
Total credits of the Course = 4
As per UGC Curriculum and Credit Framework for Undergraduate Programmes (https://www.ugc.ac.in/e-book/FYUGP/mobile/index.html), one credit of tutorial work means one-hour engagement per week. In a semester of 15 weeks duration, a one-credit tutorial in a course is equivalent to 15 hours of engagement.
A one-credit course in practicum or lab work, community engagement and services, and fieldwork in a semester mean two-hour engagement per week.In a semester of 15 weeks duration, a one-credit practicum in a course is equivalent to 30 hours of engagement.
The proposed number of credits per course and the credit distribution is suggestive and the HEIs may decide on course credits and distribution over 6/8 semesters in a manner that will facilitate the students to meet the minimum credit requirements.
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