University of Mumbai, Maharashtra (Mumbai University), General , Environmental Studies I Syllabus

Unit 1 Environment and Ecosystem
Environment: Meaning, definition, scope and its components; concept of an
ecosystem : definition, Characteristics, components and types, functioning and
structure; Food Chain and Food Web- Ecological Pyramids - Man and environment
relationship; Importance and scope of Environmental Studies.

Unit 2 Natural Resources and Sustainable Development
Meaning and definitions ; Classification and types of resources, factors influencing
resource; Resource conservation- meaning and methods- l and non-conventional
resources, problems associated with and management of water, forest and energy
resources- resource utilization and sustainable development

Unit 3 Populations and Emerging Issues of Development
Population explosion in the world and in India and arising concerns- Demographic
Transition Theory - pattern of population growth in the world and in India and
associated problems - Measures taken to control population growth in India;
Human population and environement- Environment and Human Health – Human
Development Index – The World Happiness Index

Unit 4 Urbanisation and Environment

Concept of Urbanisation– Problems of migration and urban environment-
changing landuse, crowding and stress on urban resources, degradation of air and

water, loss of soil cover impact on biodiversity, Urban heat islands – Emerging
Smart Cities and safe cities in India - Sustainable Cities

Unit 5 Reading of Thematic Maps and Map Filling
Reading of Thematic Maps(4 Lectures)
Located bars, Circles, Pie charts, Isopleths, Choroplethand Flow map, Pictograms -
Only reading and interpretation.
Map Filling: (4 Lectures)
Map filling of World (Environmentally significant features) using point, line and
polygon segment.
Concept and Calculation of Ecological Footprint.