Environmental Engineering & Science Online Course | IIT Kharagpur
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 4554 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Multidisciplinary, Energy, Climate and Sustainability |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 17 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Introduction to Environmental Engineering and Science: Building a Sustainable Future
In an era defined by climate change, resource depletion, and pollution, understanding our environment is no longer a niche interest—it's a global imperative. The field of Environmental Engineering and Science sits at the heart of this challenge, applying fundamental principles to protect human health and natural ecosystems. This comprehensive 12-week online course, led by a distinguished expert from IIT Kharagpur, offers a foundational journey into this critical discipline.
Meet Your Instructor: Prof. Brajesh Kumar Dubey
This course is guided by Prof. Brajesh Kumar Dubey, an Associate Professor in the Division of Environmental Engineering and Management at IIT Kharagpur. With a PhD from the University of Florida and over 17 years of international research, teaching, and industry outreach experience, Prof. Dubey is a leading authority in sustainable engineering.
His expertise spans Integrated Solid and Hazardous Waste Management, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and Environmental Risk Assessment. Having taught at universities across the USA, Canada, New Zealand, China, and India, and having consulted for UN agencies and the World Bank, he brings a uniquely global and practical perspective to the subject. With more than 200 publications, his insights are both academically rigorous and industry-relevant.
Course Overview and Objectives
Designed at an undergraduate level, this multidisciplinary course aims to sensitize the young workforce to the complexity of environmental issues. As per the directive of the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India, it provides essential knowledge for professionals across sectors.
The primary goals of the course are to:
- Sensitize learners to the environmental impacts of global development and daily activities.
- Identify current global environmental challenges and discuss realistic risk assessment.
- Apply tools of green design for sustainable solutions, emphasizing the four I's: Inherency, Integration, Interdisciplinary, and International perspectives.
Who Should Enroll?
Intended Audience: This course is open to any interested learners, including undergraduate students, working professionals, and individuals passionate about sustainability.
Prerequisites: A basic understanding of High School-level Math, Physics, and Chemistry is recommended to fully grasp the scientific and engineering concepts.
Industry Support: The curriculum is recognized and supported by leading firms in the environmental and infrastructure sector, including AECOM, Ramky, ERM, SENES/ARCADIS, L&T, and Tata Projects, highlighting its practical relevance for careers in construction, consulting, and environmental management.
Detailed 12-Week Course Layout
| Week | Topic |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Sustainability Concepts – Innovations and Challenges |
| Week 2 | Environmental Measurements from Different Disciplines |
| Week 3 | Ecology, Population & Environmental Chemistry |
| Week 4 | Physical Processes in the Environment |
| Week 5 | Environmental Biological Concepts |
| Week 6 | Environmental Risk Assessments with Concepts of EIA and LCA |
| Week 7 | Water – Quantity and Quality |
| Week 8 | Water Treatment Basics |
| Week 9 | Basics of Wastewater Collection, Treatment & Resource Recovery |
| Week 10 | Basics of Solid Waste, Soil and Noise Pollution |
| Week 11 | Basics of Air Pollution Issues – Global and Local |
| Week 12 | Case Studies and Course Wrap-up |
Core Modules and Key Learning Areas
Foundational Environmental Science
The course begins by establishing a strong scientific foundation, covering ecology, environmental chemistry, and key biological and physical processes. This knowledge is crucial for understanding how natural systems function and how they are impacted by human activity.
Pollution Control and Management
Learners will delve into the specifics of different pollution streams:
- Water Pollution & Treatment: From assessing water quality to understanding treatment technologies and resource recovery from wastewater.
- Solid and Hazardous Waste Management: Exploring modern waste management strategies, a core specialty of the instructor.
- Air, Soil, and Noise Pollution: Examining the sources, effects, and control measures for other critical environmental pollutants.
Sustainability and Assessment Tools
A significant portion of the course is dedicated to forward-thinking sustainability concepts:
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Learning the process of evaluating the potential environmental consequences of projects.
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): A powerful tool to assess the environmental impacts of a product or service throughout its entire life cycle.
- Waste Minimization & Circular Economy: Moving beyond disposal to focus on reducing waste generation and creating closed-loop systems.
Essential Reference Books
The course curriculum is complemented by two seminal textbooks, providing learners with in-depth reference material:
- 1. Introduction to Environmental Engineering and Science by Gilbert M. Masters and Wendell P. Ela (Pearson Education India, 3rd edition).
- 2. Environmental Engineering by Howard Peavy, Donald Rowe, and George Tchobanoglous (McGraw Hill Education).
Conclusion: Why Take This Course?
This Introduction to Environmental Engineering and Science is more than just an academic course; it's an essential toolkit for the 21st century. Whether you are an engineering student, a professional looking to pivot into the sustainability sector, or a concerned citizen, this program offers:
- Comprehensive Knowledge: A holistic overview of all key environmental domains.
- Expert Instruction: Learn from an internationally renowned professor with vast industry experience.
- Career Relevance: Gain skills highly valued by top environmental and engineering firms worldwide.
- A Sustainable Mindset: Equip yourself with the concepts needed to contribute to a circular, sustainable, and resilient future.
Embark on this 12-week journey to understand the fundamental principles that will help us engineer a healthier planet for generations to come.
Enroll Now →