Climate and Environmental Protection

By Prof. B S Balaji, Chairperson, Special Centre for E-Learning and Professor in School of Biotechnology, | Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi

Learners enrolled: 2417

Welcome to the Climate and environmental protection Course!

This comprehensive MOOC is designed for learners interested in understanding the Arctic's complex environmental systems and their significance in the context of global climate change.

The course was developed based on six pillars of India’s Arctic policy as the core and also includes UN sustainability development goals SDG 4 (Quality Education), 13 (Climate Action), 14 (Life below water), 15 (Life on land).

Over the duration of this course, participants will engage with a diverse range of topics, from fundamental definitions to intricate ecological processes, enabling a holistic understanding of this unique region.

The salient features of the course:

Our course utilizes innovative pedagogy, focusing on an inquiry-based learning framework for student-centric learning. We implemented dynamic approaches and collaborative environments, to enhance understanding of complex Arctic concepts. Interactive activities, such as crossword puzzles, which increase engagement is used as evaluation tools. By exploring the relationships between ecosystems, climate mechanisms, and biodiversity, participants develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. We also provided avenues for connecting with leading researchers and discovering career pathways in environmental science and Arctic studies.

By enrolling in this course, you will gain:

Interdisciplinary Knowledge: Understand the interconnectedness of biological, chemical, physical, environmental and ecosystem processes in the Arctic environment.
Research Insights: Learn from the work of leading researchers, expert scientists and gain insights into current Arctic studies and its implications for global environmental policies.
Career Opportunities: Discover potential career paths in Arctic research, environmental science, and conservation.

Learning through this course will certainly result in an enriching experience for the participants. We have included support mechanism to learners (discussion forum). Whether you are a student, educator, or environmental enthusiast, this course will inspire a deeper appreciation for the Arctic and its vital role in the Earth's climate system.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage with leading researchers in the field, opening doors to potential careers in Arctic research, atmospheric science, marine and oceanography.

Join us in this comprehensive journey through the Arctic’s ecosystems, climate mechanisms, and biodiversity, and become part of a growing community dedicated to understanding and preserving this vital region for future generations.

2. Pre-requisite for the course:- Any enthusiastic learner who had completed +2 globally or locally can enroll. However, only higher education students from India are eligible for credit transfer.

This climate and environmental course falls under the category of compulsory courses for all branches of undergraduate students as per UGC notification (07-Aug-2014). UGC letter may be seen at : https://www.ugc.gov.in/pdfnews/8840409_english.pdf

3. Course type: core or elective :- Both .

4. Estimated work load every week :- 4-6 hrs.

5. Total assignments allotted for the course (Indicate Graded assignments (which contain marks) and non-graded (those non-marks) ):- 15 graded weekly assessment, 40 non-graded module wise self-assessment

Summary

Course Status :	Ongoing
Course Type :	Elective
Language for course content :	English
Duration :	15 weeks
Category :	Multidisciplinary
Credit Points :	4
Level :	Undergraduate/Postgraduate
Start Date :	14 Jan 2025
End Date :	30 Apr 2025
Enrollment Ends :	28 Feb 2025
Exam Date :	25 May 2025 IST
NCrF Level	4.5 — 7.0
Industry Details :	Engineering, Academic Institutions, Research Industry
Exam time : 9:00AM to 12:00 PM :	Note: Doubt/ Live classes every Weekend

Note: This exam date is subject to change based on seat availability. You can check final exam date on your hall ticket.

Page Visits

Course layout

Week wise schedule (including the assignment to be kept in the week) :-

Week 1

Introduction to Arctic
Arctic-definition
Arctic overview-part-1

Week 2

Arctic overview-part-2
Arctic expedition-Part 1
Arctic expedition-Part 2

Week 3

Solar irradiance and Albedo
Albedo, Evapotranspiration
Arctic-amplification

Week 4

Arctic-amplification-contributors
Arctic Aerosols and Mechanisms-Part 1
Arctic Aerosols and Mechanisms-Part 2: Short-lived climate forcers (SLCFs)

Week 5

Arctic Cryosphere and Glacier Change Mechanism
Plant-biodiversity-Part-1
Plant-biodiversity-Part-2

Week 6

Animal-biodiversity-Part-1
Animal-biodiversity-Part-2

Week 7

Marine biodiversity
Biogeochemical cycle and arctic-Part-1

Week 8

Biogeochemical cycle and arctic-Part-2
Carbon cycle and Arctic
Anti-freeze proteins Part 1

Week 9

Anti-freeze proteins Part 2
Persistent Pollutants in the Arctic
Methanogenesis, Mechanisms, Pathways, and its Relevance to the Arctic

Week 10

Ocean Acidification
Ocean Acidification and trace metal biogeochemistry
Organic Carbon Recycling and its Influence on the Arctic

Week 11

Marine Contamination in the Arctic
Permafrost and Biogeochemistry Relationship

Week 12

Arctic Chemical and Climate Stressors
Chemolithotrophy and Arctic Ecosystems

Week 13

Greenhouse Gases and Climate Change Mechanism in the Arctic
Halogens and Atmospheric Chemistry in the Arctic

Week 14

Influence of Ozone and UV Radiation in the Arctic
Arctic Water and Carbon Cycle and Climate Change Mechanisms
Northern Sea route and climate change

Week 15

Asian countries working in the Arctic region
NCPOR and arctic studies a brief overview
Interaction with researchers, opportunities for student

Books and references

AMAP, 1998. AMAP Assessment Report: Arctic Pollution Issues. Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP), Oslo, Norway. xii+ 859 pp, ISBN 82-7655-061-4. Book link: https://www.amap.no/documents/doc/amap-assessment-report-arctic-pollution-issues/68
AMAP Assessment 2002: The Influence of Global Change on Contaminant Pathways to, within, and from the Arctic. Macdonald, R.W., T. Harner, J. Fyfe, H. Loeng and T. Weingartner, 2003, Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP), Oslo, Norway. xii+ 65 pp.
Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis, Contribution of Working Group I to the Fourth Assessment Report of the IPCC (ISBN 978 0521 88009-1 Hardback; 978 0521 70596-7 Paperback) Book link: https://www.ipcc.ch/site/assets/uploads/2018/03/ar4_wg2_full_report.pdf
Arctic Report Card 2023, Thoman, R. L., T. A. Moon, and M. L., Druckenmiller, Eds., 2023: Book link: https://doi.org/10.25923/5vfa-k694
World ocean review, 2010: living with the oceans, Person as author: Bollmann, Moritz [1], ISBN: 978-3-86648-012-4. Book link: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000222060
Adaptations of Arctic and Alpine Plants to Environmental Conditions, L. C. Bliss, ARCTIC, Vol. 15 No. 2 (1962): June: 117-144, https://doi.org/10.14430/arctic3564
The Lost Expedition: Franklin and the Northwest Passage, by Scheong (https://www.throughouthistory.com/?p=4617)
The First crossing of Greenland (1890), Fridtjof Nansen, Longmans, Green and Co, https://archive.org/details/firstcrossingofg00nansiala/page/n469/mode/2up?view=theater
Exploration, Celebrity, and the Making of a Transnational Hero: Fridtjof Nansen and the Fram Expedition, Max Jones, https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/712637
Esau, I.; Pettersson, L.H.; Cancet, M.; Chapron, B.; Chernokulsky, A.; Donlon, C.; Sizov, O.; Soromotin, A.; Johannesen, J.A. The Arctic Amplification and Its Impact: A Synthesis through Satellite Observations. Remote Sens. 2023, 15, 1354. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs15051354
USGCRP, 2017: Climate Science Special Report: Fourth National Climate Assessment, Volume I [Wuebbles, D.J., D.W. Fahey, K.A. Hibbard, D.J. Dokken, B.C. Stewart, and T.K. Maycock (eds.)]. U.S. Global Change Research Program, Washington, DC, USA, 470 pp, doi: 10.7930/J0J964J6.
Lynch, A. H., Chapman, W. L., Walsh, J. E., & Weller, G. (1995). Development of a Regional Climate Model of the Western Arctic. Journal of Climate, 8(6), 1555-1570. https://doi.org/10.1175/1520-0442(1995)008<1555:DOARCM>2.0.CO;2
Alexander Laskin, Julia Laskin, and Sergey A. Nizkorodov, Chemistry of Atmospheric Brown Carbon, Chemical Reviews, 2015 115 (10), 4335-4382. DOI: 10.1021/cr5006167
Im, U., Tsigaridis, K., Faluvegi, G., Langen, P. L., French, J. P., Mahmood, R., Thomas, M. A., von Salzen, K., Thomas, D. C., Whaley, C. H., Klimont, Z., Skov, H., and Brandt, J.: Present and future aerosol impacts on Arctic climate change in the GISS-E2.1 Earth system model, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 2021, 21, 10413–10438, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-10413-2021
Heutte, B., Bergner, N., Beck, I. et al. Measurements of aerosol microphysical and chemical properties in the central Arctic atmosphere during MOSAiC. Sci Data 10, 690 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-023-02586-1
R. Charlson, J. Lovelock, M. Andreae, S. Warren, Oceanic phytoplankton, atmospheric sulphur, cloud albedo and climate. Nature, 1987, 326, 655. doi:10.1038/326655A0
Dimethyl Sulfide and Dimethyl Sulfoxide and Their Oxidation in the Atmosphere, Ian Barnes, Jens Hjorth, Nikos Mihalopoulos, Chem. Rev. 2006, 106, 3, 940–975

Instructor bio

Prof. B S Balaji, Chairperson, Special Centre for E-Learning and Professor in School of Biotechnology,

Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi

Prof. B S Balaji,

Chairperson

Special Centre for E-Learning and

Professor
in School of Biotechnology,

Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
email : bsbalaji@mail.jnu.ac.in
Website : https://www.jnu.ac.in/content/bsbalaji

Prof. Balaji is an award winning and distinguished academician and researcher, serving as the Chairperson of the Special Center for E-Learning and a Professor at the School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.

His expertise spans Green Chemistry, Synthetic Chemistry, Drug Development, Nano-chemistry, and innovative teaching methodologies. He earned his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, and furthered his research as a visiting researcher at Hokkaido University, Japan and University of Missouri, Columbia, USA.

With many peer-reviewed publications, including a book and four Indian patents, his research has been featured on several journal covers, including Chemical Communication and Nuclear Medicine and Biology. He holds an MBA in Technology Management from Anna University.

Prof. Balaji has made significant contributions to online education, developing highly subscribed MOOCs for the SWAYAM platform, (Organic Chemistry-PG: 22,000+ enrollment and Basic organic Chemistry-UG: 8,000+ enrollment) and for SWAYAM Prabha TV (B. Sc. Organic Chemistry 2, B. Sc. Organic Chemistry 3, B. Pharm. Pharmaceutical Organic chemistry 3, A logical and systematic approach to solving organic chemistry problems for CSIR-NET). He has also been nominated by UGC as a resource person for the Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya National Mission on Teachers and Teaching in ICT and had conducted more than 200 sessions and trained over 10,000 teaching fraternity (School, College and University faculty members).

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Prof. Balaji played a key role in collaborating with IIT-Madras (Prof. Mangala Sunder Krishnan) to create e-content for SWAYAM Prabha TV (57 courses, 800 hrs, home based recording), benefiting rural students. Additionally, he has served as an external academic consultant for the e-Vidya Bharati/Arogya Bharati project by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.

Prof. Balaji's contributions to academia, research, and online education continue to inspire both students and educators.

Course certificate

In this course, 30 Marks will be allocated for Internal Assessment (assignment/ discussion forum/ activity) and 70 Marks will be allocated for external proctored examination.

A minimum of 40 % passing marks (i.e. at-least 12 marks in Internal Assessment & 28 Marks in external proctored examination) will be required for being eligible for SWAYAM Certificate.

Kindly note:- The students enrolled in Universities/Institutions/Colleges can avail Credit Transfer as per UGC SWAYAM Regulations, 2021 for this course. The Host University for this Credit Transfer will be Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi.

Important dates :

Course Start date: January 15, 2025

Course Registration End Date: February 28, 2025

Course End Date : April 30, 2025.

Course Exam Date : May 25, 2025 (from 9:00AM to 12:00PM).