Undergrad BU students must study environmental science

From the next academic year, 2019-20, the undergraduate students at the Bangalore University (BU) and its affiliated colleges will compulsorily read environmental science, irrespective of their streams.

The move from the varsity comes as climate change and other allied environmental challenges loom.

Environmental studies will carry 70 marks for theory and 30 marks in internal assessment.

“It has been decided to introduce the subject compulsorily across all streams. Graduates should be aware of their role in protecting the environment. A few autonomous colleges have already made environmental studies mandatory. Curriculum for the same has already been designed. We are yet to finalise in which semester the various streams can introduce the subject,” a senior BU official told DH.

In order to spur further interest among students, the BU has decided to keep multiple choice questions in English and Kannada for environmental studies. Curriculum would include theory classes and practicals to give students a first-hand experience of the field activities. BU has also decided to lend their campus to other affiliated colleges, deprived of lung spaces.

However, the managements of a few degree colleges are crying foul over the move. Requesting anonymity, the principal of a BU affiliated college said having a separate faculty for the subject is not required.

“As part of social responsibility, we are conducting various eco-friendly events through NCC and NSS. Also, our students took part in eco-friendly events to mark the Environment Day and Earth Day. So, I don’t think compulsory environmental studies at the college level is justified,” she told DH.