Instructor Profile:
Dr. R. Jayakumar
Dr. R. Jayakumar, currently serving as the Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Science at Kalinga University, boasts a robust educational background with an M.Sc., M.Phil., and a Ph.D. in Environmental Science. His academic journey began with an Undergraduate degree in Zoology, followed by a Master’s in Environmental Science from PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore. Dr. Jayakumar further pursued his Ph.D. in Environmental Science at the Ecotoxicology Division of Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON), MoEF& CC, Govt. of India, Anaikatty, Coimbatore.
With over twenty-two years of professional experience, he has excelled in teaching, research, and administration. Dr. Jayakumar successfully navigated the challenges posed by the pandemic by creating a comprehensive 13-hour course for the SWAYAM PRABHA portal, NPTEL, MHRD, Govt. of India.
His scholarly contributions include 56 publications in peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, and book chapters. Notably, Dr. Jayakumar has completed two major research projects funded by DST and UGC, Govt. of India, and 15 minor research intramural projects from SACON, MoEF&CC, Govt. of India. Additionally, he has organized seven training programs and three conferences, showcasing his commitment to academic and research initiatives.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Dr. Jayakumar received the Best Researcher Award in 2017 from Dr. Sowmiya Swaminathan, Director WHO. Further, he was honored with the Biotechnology Research Excellence Award in 2023 by the Biotechnology Society of India and The Society of Life Sciences India. With his wealth of expertise, Dr. R. Jayakumar stands as a distinguished professional in the field of Environmental Science and Toxicology.
Glimpse of Instructor Background
Educational Background:
- D (Environmental Science)
- Phil.
- Sc.
Areas of Specialization:
- Environmental Science and Toxicology
Dr. R. Jayakumar holds an Undergraduate degree in Zoology and a Master’s in Environmental Science from PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore. He pursued his Ph.D. in Environmental Science at the Ecotoxicology Division of Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON), MoEF& CC, Govt. of India, Anaikatty, Coimbatore.
Professional Experience:
He boasts twenty-two years of professional experience encompassing teaching, research, and administration. In response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, he meticulously crafted a comprehensive 13-hour course for the SWAYAM PRABHA portal, NPTEL, MHRD, Govt. of India. Dr. Jayakumar has authored 56 publications in peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, and book chapters. He successfully completed two major research projects funded by DST and UGC, Govt. of India, and 15 minor research intramural projects from SACON, MoEF&CC, Govt. of India. Additionally, he organized 7 training programs and 3 conferences.
Recent Achievements:
- Best Researcher Award in 2017 from Dr. Sowmiya Swaminathan, Director WHO.
- Biotechnology Research Excellence Award in 2023 from Biotechnology Society of India and The Society of Life Sciences India.
Module-wise course content: Environmental Science
Module 1: Foundations of Environmental Studies
- The Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies
- Exploring the Scope and Importance
- Understanding the Concept of Sustainability and Sustainable Development
Module 2: Ecosystems
- Defining Ecosystems and Their Components
- Structure and Function of Ecosystems
- Energy Flow in Ecosystems: Food Chains, Food Webs, and Ecological Succession
- Case Studies: Forest, Grassland, Desert, and Aquatic Ecosystems
Module 3: Natural Resources: Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources
- Land Resources: Changes, Degradation, Soil Erosion, and Desertification
- Deforestation: Causes, Impacts on Environment, Biodiversity, and Tribal Populations
- Water Resources: Use, Over-exploitation, Floods, Droughts, and Water Conflicts
- Energy Resources: Renewable and Non-Renewable Sources, Alternate Energy, and Case Studies
Module 4: Biodiversity and Conservation
- Levels of Biological Diversity: Genetic, Species, and Ecosystem Diversity
- Biogeographic Zones of India and Global Biodiversity Hotspots
- India as a Mega-Biodiversity Nation
- Threats to Biodiversity: Habitat Loss, Wildlife Poaching, Conflicts, and Biological Invasions
- Conservation of Biodiversity: In-situ and Ex-situ Approaches
- Ecosystem and Biodiversity Services: Ecological, Economic, Social, Ethical, Aesthetic, and Informational Value
Module 5: Environmental Pollution
- Types, Causes, Effects, and Controls of Environmental Pollution
- Air, Water, Soil, and Noise Pollution
- Nuclear Hazards and Health Risks
- Solid Waste Management: Urban and Industrial Waste
- Pollution Case Studies
Module 6: Environmental Policies & Practices
- Climate Change, Global Warming, Ozone Layer Depletion, Acid Rain, and Impacts
- Environmental Laws: Acts and International Agreements
- Nature Reserves, Tribal Populations, Rights, and Human-Wildlife Conflicts
- Human Population Growth: Impacts on Environment, Health, and Welfare
- Resettlement, Rehabilitation, and Disaster Management
- Environmental Movements, Ethics, and Conservation Practices
- Environmental Communication, Public Awareness, and Case Studies (e.g., CNG Vehicles in Delhi)
