Department of Studies & Research in Environmental Science

The PG Department of Environmental Studies was incepted in 1992 and is dedicated to producing environmental problem solvers. The department addresses the many dimensions of environmental concerns that have far reaching implications for human society, natural systems, and the fate of diverse plant and animal species. The program's goal is to prepare students for careers in the environmental and civic professions and for positive action in their own lives.

The Dept of Environmental Science has a commitment to contribute useful knowledge to decision makers who grapple with environmental challenges. Meeting environmental challenges of the 21st century requires research, education and training that spans traditional disciplinary boundaries and emphasizes the interconnections of science and decision-making. The department has designed a truly interdisciplinary Post Graduate Program in Environmental Studies that awards three degrees Master of Science, Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy.

The department has a full-fledged faculty and a well-equipped laboratory to cater to the demands of the student fraternity. Since its inception, the department has been organizing seminars and workshops every year in collaboration with various departments and organizations like Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, Ministry of Forest and Environment and Karnataka State Council for Science and Technology, Bangalore. Five refresher courses have been conducted by the department for upgrading the knowledge of college and university teachers. The Masters degree programme is of four semesters and offered under choice based credit system. Our students find placements in Research institutes, Pharmaceutical industries, Pollution Control Boards, Environmental consultancies, College and University lecturers etc., Till date, 44 students have been awarded Ph.D degrees and 6 M.Phil degrees. Currently, 22 full time research scholars are pursuing Ph.D and 5 M.Phil degrees. The department has completed 3 major research projects and another 3 are ongoing.

The department has offered expertise and training programmes to Zilla Panchayat engineers on drinking water quality assessment. It offers expertise and adequate infrastructure facilities for consultancy services in pollution monitoring, water quality management, EIA, water and wastewater treatment, biodiversity studies and wetland ecosystem management. A new department, Water Management and Water Harvesting has been started as a sister department which is the first of its kind in the country.