ASSIGNMENTS
The print material is written in self-instructional style. It is in the form of blocks (booklets) specially prepared for theory courses and project work of the programme. Each course has a specific code number assigned to it. They are supplied to each learner along with a set of assignment questions. The learner has to complete the required assignments related to each course. Each course may have 3-4 blocks and each block may have 3-4 units. The printed material for project work is available in the form of booklet with all guidelines.
MSD-011: Sustainability Science
The major objective of this course is to understand the growth and genesis of Sustainability Science as a new emerging discipline. The genesis of integrated holistic sustainable development indices are discussed giving Indian examples. Ethical value behind sustainability, the concept of Human Development Index and Gross Happiness Index are discussed for bringing an eco-friendly lifestyle. A brief introduction on age old Indian ethics on natural environment is also brought behind the concept of environmental ethics in this course. Click here to access the course.
MSD-012: Ecosystem and Natural Resources
This course focuses on the basic concepts of ecology, ecosystem and its types; ecosystem services, importance of biodiversity, factors responsible for biodiversity loss and conservation and management of biodiversity. The concept of land, soil and water as a resource. Click here to access the course.
MSD-013: Socio-Cultural System
The main objective of this course is to understand meaning and functions of culture and society and marks the inter-linkages between each other. The course of evolution of our present day beliefs and values that we believe in Ideas like Eco-philosophy of the West and Eco-cosmology has been explained well to make the learner understand that it is important to examine the rationality of the beliefs and their real impact on sustainability. Click here to access the course.
This course will take you to understand the interaction between ecology and economy; describe the energy balance principle; underline the ecological limits to economic growth and emphasize the relation between development and environment. Explain the concepts of ecosystem services and its valuation; describe the policy instruments for pollution control, conservation and clean energy; define Kyoto protocol and carbon trading; and explain Green National Income Accounting. Click here to access the course.
MSD-015: Institutions, Governance and Policies
The major focuses of this course are concept of Institutions, governance and its role in achieving sustainable development; environmental governance and the role of grassroot institutions in self governance; the emerging challenges, various attributes of good governance and an exhaustive analysis of Corruption and Right to Information Act.; the need and evolution National Environmental Policy, major environmental Laws and Acts in India. Click here to access the course.
MSD-016: Strategies and Models for Sustainability
This course discusses the basic strategies to sustainable development and livelihood improvement. It is discussed as infrastructure, health and sanitation, value addition and waste utilisation. The basics to Natural Resource Management at micro level like the need for People Biodiversity Register, the Community Gene-Seed-Grain banks and linking cultural diversity with biodiversity for creating a sustainable natural resource management platform. Principles of models and its applications in sustainable development paradigm. Click here to access the course.
MSD-017: Challenges to Sustainable Development
This course will take you to the major global challenges in achieving sustainable development like climate change, overpopulation, resource depletion, energy crisis, pollutions etc. Click here to access the course.
This handbook will be your guide and show you how to formulate a project proposal, conduct the study, write the project report and submit it for evaluation. Click here to access the hanbook.