The genesis of the Department overlies on the core principles of holistic approaches to the sustainable development. Since inception, the department has been focusing on multidisciplinary and interconnected scientific linkages to trace the environmental processes, ecosystem degradation, impacts of development on environmental components and the future challenges including ecosystem resilience. This subject deals with the basics of Environmental science/ studies. This is a compulsory subject. The Supreme Court of India mandated environmental education in 1991 after a public interest litigation (PIL) was filed by M.C. Mehta, a leading environmental lawyer. In December 2003, the NCERT prepared a model syllabus for environmental education.
The role of the newly introduced compulsory Environmental Science course in the undergraduate program in creating a change in the environmental behavior of the students, and the impact of variation in the discipline competency among teachers. New approaches of environmental resource management including environmental informatics, environmental health and safety management, climate change adaptationmitigation and ecological restoration in the curriculum is expected to deliver smart environmental professionals.
Department of Environmental Studies / Science is one of the most vibrant and proactive department of M.U.C. Women’s College. The department emphasizes the importance of environmental advocacy and policy-making. Courses in environmental ethics, law, and economics prepare students to engage effectively in policy discussions and contribute to sustainable development initiatives. Extracurricular opportunities, including student-led organizations, workshops, and seminars, foster a vibrant community focused on environmental stewardship.
Besides the conventional mode of teaching via lecture, assignment method, field trips, guest lecturers, etc., the department is also involved in other modern methods of teaching using the latest technology. The department encourages the use of LCD – PowerPoint, OHP, screening of documentaries, exposure trips, project work all of which will give the student a more in depth understanding of the subject. The teaching-learning methodologies are designed to provide the undergraduate students with a comprehensive understanding of the subject in a simplistic manner, as well as evoke critical reasoning and analytical thinking among them. The various approaches to the teaching-learning process include classroom lectures, video presentations, and ICT-enabled teaching tools. For enhancing practical understanding, field visits are encouraged to relevant places in Delhi, like biodiversity parks, protected areas, wetlands, sewage treatment plants, etc.
"Climate change and its impacts will persist for many centuries." With this line, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has captivated the attention of the global intellectual landscape. This emphasises the importance of raising awareness and motivatingcitizens, particularly young minds, to instil the value of environmental conservation.