Course overview
This course aims to enhance the students’ understanding of how humans interact with the natural environment and the ways in which social and economic factors drive modern energy, food, water and waste systems towards unsustainability. Students will learn concepts of sustainable development, ecological footprint and their application to personal, local and global community living while exploring the science of energy transfer, materials use, food production within a sustainable development framework. The concepts of sustainability and moral concerns and their effect on future lifestyles are developed through discussion and personal/collective action.
Course learning outcomes
- Explain aspects of human management of water, energy, materials and food systems including the consequent impacts on natural systems
- Explain the need to manage natural systems sustainably, and critique approaches to doing so
- Demonstrate an understanding of the nature and extent of human impact on planetary life support systems
- Critique sustainable solutions with a particular focus on reformist and transformist approaches
- Demonstrate an understanding of the role of environmental education in the achievement of sustainability