Course Description
Employers are recruiting students with a background in sustainability sciences. Additionally, these students have an edge in developing their own enterprises. The concept of sustainable development with a special focus on learning and applying quantitative skills in a real world setting. This course will prepare students for current job markets and opportunities at local and national levels.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
A final exam (75%) of the grade. A separate chapter on
literature review is mandatory in the final project report. A
deliberation on the existing status of knowledge about the
topic presented in the class.
Athena Title
Sustainable Development
Prerequisite
CSCI 1210 or ECON 2100 or ECON 2100E or ENVE 2610 or FANR 1500 or LAND 2310 or ECOL 1000 or ECOL 1000E or ECOL 1000H or FANR(MARS) 1100 or FANR 1100E or HORT 2000 or HORT 2000E or LAND 1500 or LAND 1500E or GEOG 1125 or GEOG 1125E
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
a) Understanding the difference between sustainability and sustainable development; b) Defining the importance of sustainable development in contemporary settings; c) Acquiring knowledge about application of sustainable development in different sectors of the economy; d) Evaluating a particular problem from sustainable development perspective; and e) Developing writing and public speaking skills.
Topical Outline
Course Introduction and Expectations Introduction to Sustainability and Sustainable Development Environmental Dimensions of Sustainable Development Social Dimensions of Sustainable Development Lorenz Curves and Gini coefficients Property Rights and Tragedy of Commons Short Talk Analytical Hierarchy Process Benefit-Cost Analysis Life-Cycle Assessment Market-Based Instruments – Cap and Trade Market-Based Instruments – Certification Diffusion of Innovations and Hype Cycle First Project Presentation Advance Excel Functions Social Networks MIDTERM EXAM, Submit title for topical presentation. Success Stories in Sustainable Development: Several case studies will be covered from across the globe highlighting the role of innovations in achieving goals of sustainable development. Students are encouraged to present their success case stories, too (bonus points will be awarded!). Student Topical Presentations (on a selected topic of choice, topic should be relevant to the class, 20 minutes out of which last 5 minutes will be for Q&A, new and current topics will be rated higher by the instructor). Guest Speakers: Guest speakers will be invited to talk about special topics related to sustainability. Student inputs will be solicited for selected topics and related experts. Field visits will be planned as well. Final Project Presentations (30 minutes out of which last 10 minutes will be for Q&A). Final Exam for Graduate Students, Final Project Report Submission by 5 PM ET.