Environmental Chemistry & Microbiology Course | IIT Kharagpur | Prof. Anjali Pal
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 163 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Biological Sciences & Bioengineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy and Material science & Mining Engineering, Energy, Climate and Sustainability |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 26 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Master the Science Behind Environmental Solutions
In an era defined by climate change and pollution, understanding the fundamental science of our environment is more critical than ever. The interdisciplinary field that combines Environmental Chemistry and Microbiology provides the essential toolkit for diagnosing environmental problems and engineering sustainable solutions. A new, in-depth course offered by the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, brings this vital knowledge directly to students and professionals.
Course Overview: Bridging Chemistry and Biology for a Cleaner Planet
This 12-week course is meticulously designed to equip postgraduate students and professionals with the core principles needed to tackle real-world environmental challenges. The curriculum seamlessly integrates two pillars of environmental science:
- Environmental Chemistry: Delves into the behavior of pollutants, chemical equilibria in natural systems, reaction kinetics, and the chemistry of critical processes like chlorination and nitrogen cycling.
- Environmental Microbiology: Explores the unseen world of microorganisms—bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa, and viruses—and harnesses their metabolic power for bioremediation, waste treatment, and understanding public health pathogens.
The primary objective is to build a strong conceptual foundation, enabling participants to analyze contamination, design treatment systems, and contribute to remediation projects effectively.
Learn from Distinguished IIT Kharagpur Faculty
The course is led by two renowned experts from IIT Kharagpur, bringing decades of research and teaching excellence to the virtual classroom.
Prof. Anjali Pal
A full professor in the Department of Civil Engineering, Prof. Anjali Pal is a stalwart in environmental science. With an M.Sc. and Ph.D. from Calcutta University, she has published over 215 research papers. Her groundbreaking work in pollution monitoring has earned her international accolades like the R&D 100 Award (USA) and the International Hall of Fame award (USA). Her research interests span adsorption, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), catalysis, and developing novel methods for trace pollutant detection.
Dr. Sudha Goel
Dr. Sudha Goel, Associate Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering and the School of Environmental Science and Engineering, brings a strong focus on applied environmental engineering. After completing her Ph.D. from The Johns Hopkins University (USA), she has been teaching Environmental Microbiology and Chemistry since 2004. Her expertise lies in water quality, wastewater treatment, and solid waste management. She is also the author of the textbook "Water and Wastewater Engineering."
Detailed Course Curriculum (12-Week Layout)
| Week | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Week 1-2 | Acid-Base Chemistry, Buffers, Chemical Equilibrium, Solubility |
| Week 3-4 | Reaction Kinetics, Order of Reactions, Catalysts, Reaction Mechanisms |
| Week 5 | Radioactivity and Nuclear Chemistry |
| Week 6 | Nitrogen Chemistry and Chlorination |
| Week 7-8 | Introduction to Environmental Microbiology; Major Microbial Groups; Cell Biology |
| Week 9 | Microbial Metabolism |
| Week 10 | Microbial Growth and Control |
| Week 11-12 | Pathogens & Disease, Metabolic Diversity, Biogeochemical Cycles |
Who Should Enroll?
This course is perfectly suited for:
- Master’s degree students in Civil, Chemical, Environmental, or Mining Engineering.
- Students of Geology, Geophysics, and Bioengineering/Biotechnology.
- Professionals and researchers in environmental consulting, public health, and pollution control.
- Anyone with a basic understanding of chemistry (Class XII level) looking to specialize in environmental sciences.
Industry Relevance & Career Prospects
The knowledge gained from this course has direct applications in numerous sectors. Industries that will value this expertise include:
- Environmental Consulting Firms
- Public Health Engineering Departments
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants
- Organizations like Coal India and Thermal Power Plants for pollution control and compliance
- Bioremediation and Waste Management Companies
- Research & Development in environmental technology
Essential Reading Materials
To complement the lectures, the course recommends foundational texts:
- Dutt PK - General & Inorganic Chemistry
- Sawyer, McCarty & Parkin - Chemistry for Environmental Engineering and Science
- Tortora, Funke & Case - Microbiology: An Introduction
Embark on a learning journey with IIT Kharagpur's finest and gain the scientific proficiency to become a catalyst for environmental change. Enroll today to decode the chemistry of contamination and harness the biology of cleanup.
Enroll Now →