Environmental Science Online Course | IIT Kharagpur | Prof. Sudha Goel & Prof. Shamik Chowdhury
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 9605 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Multidisciplinary, Energy, Climate and Sustainability, Environment |
| 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 | 25 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Why Study Environmental Science Today?
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. Finding viable solutions to these interconnected crises is the defining challenge of our time. This comprehensive 12-week online course, offered by the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, is designed to equip you with the interdisciplinary knowledge and critical perspective needed to tackle these complex issues head-on.
Meet Your Expert Instructors from IIT Kharagpur
Prof. Sudha Goel
Prof. Sudha Goel brings over two decades of dedicated teaching and research experience to this course. An Associate Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering and the School of Environmental Science and Engineering at IIT Kharagpur, she holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from The Johns Hopkins University, USA. Since 2004, she has been teaching core subjects like Environmental Microbiology and Chemistry. Her research expertise lies in Water Quality & Treatment and Solid & Hazardous Waste Management. Prof. Goel is also the creator of a web-based course and author of the textbook Water and Wastewater Engineering, ensuring the learning material is both authoritative and accessible.
Prof. Shamik Chowdhury
Prof. Shamik Chowdhury is an Assistant Professor in the School of Environmental Science and Engineering at IIT Kharagpur. He earned his Ph.D. from the National University of Singapore and is a dynamic researcher focused on the frontier of environmental technology. His work centers on designing advanced materials, particularly two-dimensional materials, for sustainable energy applications and environmental remediation. An accomplished scholar with over 70 publications and 5800+ citations, Prof. Chowdhury's contributions have been recognized with prestigious awards like the German 'Green Talents Award'. His passion for disseminating cutting-edge research will provide you with insights into the future of environmental solutions.
Course Overview: What You Will Learn
This undergraduate-level course is structured to provide a holistic understanding of environmental science within the framework of sustainable development. It emphasizes the complex, interconnected nature of environmental problems, requiring analysis at local, regional, and global scales.
- Duration: 12 Weeks
- Level: Undergraduate
- Prerequisites: Class XII (High School) – making it highly accessible!
- Categories: Multidisciplinary, Energy, Climate and Sustainability, Environment
Who Should Enroll?
This course is ideally suited for undergraduate students in Science or Engineering, particularly those in:
- Environmental Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Agriculture Engineering
- Mining Engineering
Detailed 12-Week Course Curriculum
| Week | Topic | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Environmental Concerns, Population Growth, and Resource Consumption | Foundational challenges driving environmental degradation. |
| 2 | Principles of Sustainable Development | Frameworks for balancing ecological, economic, and social needs. |
| 3 | Understanding Air Pollution | Sources, effects, and monitoring of major air pollutants. |
| 4 | Climate Change: Scientific Basis, Mitigation & Adaptation | The science behind global warming and strategic responses. |
| 5 | Renewable Energy – I | In-depth look at Solar and Wind Energy technologies. |
| 6 | Renewable Energy – II | Exploration of Geothermal, Ocean, Hydro, and Bioenergy. |
| 7 | Industrial Ecology & Circular Economy | Designing waste out of industrial systems. |
| 8 | Water Quality, Reuse and Recycling | Water pollution, treatment standards, and conservation strategies. |
| 9 | Solid Waste Management | Municipal solid waste, hazardous waste, and e-waste handling. |
| 10 | Noise Pollution | Sources, measurement, impacts, and control of noise. |
| 11 | Ecology and Soil Pollution | Ecosystem principles and causes/consequences of soil contamination. |
| 12 | Environmental Policies and Legislation | National and international laws governing environmental protection. |
Essential Reading & Reference Materials
To deepen your understanding, the course recommends several authoritative textbooks, including:
- Environmental Science (16th Edition) by G. Tyler Miller, Jr. & Scott E. Spoolman
- Living in the Environment: Concepts, Connections and Solutions (19th Edition) by G. Tyler Miller, Jr. & Scott E. Spoolman
- Introduction to Environmental Engineering and Science by Gilbert M. Masters and Wendell P. Ela
- Principles of Environmental Engineering and Science by M. L. Davis and S. J. Masten
Industry Relevance & Career Prospects
The knowledge gained from this course is directly applicable and highly valued by leading organizations in the environmental sector. The curriculum is supported by and relevant to industry giants and government agencies such as:
- AECOM, Veolia Water Technologies, ARCADIS: Global engineering and consulting firms.
- Ramky Enviro Engineers Ltd., SFC Environmental Technologies: Major waste management and remediation companies.
- Nalco Water: Leader in water treatment and process improvement.
- CPCB & SPCB: Central and State Pollution Control Boards governing environmental regulations.
This course is more than an academic pursuit; it's an investment in a skill set critical for building a sustainable future. Whether you aim to work in industry, research, policy, or simply wish to be an informed global citizen, this program from IIT Kharagpur's esteemed faculty provides the perfect foundation. Enroll today and take the first step towards becoming a part of the solution.
Enroll Now →