Course Description
Lab designed to apply the concepts presented in Introduction to Sustainability. Methods include site observation and measurement, digital modeling, and in-person simulations. Introduction to the tools available to support sustainability planning, and preparation for students to make informed decisions that help to sustain functioning environmental, economic, and cultural systems.
Athena Title
Intro to Sustainability Lab
Pre or Corequisite
LAND 2310 or LAND 2310E
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Knowledge – A student successfully completing this course will demonstrate a clear understanding: - that science and scientific principles provide a critical underpinning for planning and design decisions. - of the consequences and interdependence of human activity and natural systems. - of the availability of environmental resources and the need to sustain them in the future. - of the environmental policies affecting the sustainability of the built environment. Skills – A student successfully completing this course will demonstrate the ability to: - anticipate the environmental impact of different land use and landscape design decisions. - critically evaluate environmental problems and solutions. - integrate information from a variety of sources and have an appreciation for interdisciplinary collaboration. Values – A student successfully completing this course will: - develop a land ethic. - recognize the value of services provided by intact ecosystems. - recognize and appreciate the local, regional, and global scale of environmental issues. - understand the social impact of environmental problems.
Topical Outline
METHODS Lab assignments, readings, discussions, and campus field trips Course Outline (refer to the course schedule for details) Introduction to Sustainability: Humanity and the Environment The Evolution of Environmental Policy in the United States Climate and Global Change Biosphere Physical Resources: Water, Pollution, and Minerals Environmental and Resource Economics Modern Environmental Management Sustainable Energy Systems Problem-Solving, Metrics, and Tools for Sustainability Sustainability: Ethics, Culture, and History Sustainable Infrastructure READINGS Lab readings consist of materials necessary to prepare for the labs. This includes technical instruction publications, software tutorials, simulation role descriptions, and background material. This lab section applies that information through evaluation, analysis, modeling, simulation, and reflection.