Global Sustainability

Electives

Core Courses

IDS 6233 - Concepts and Principles of Sustainability (3)

This course discusses basic concepts and principles of sustainable development, systems integration, and different sustainability perspectives such as local/global and historical/future. Best practices are analyzed through case studies and a research project.

IDS 6235 - Economics and Finance for Sustainability (3)

The course provides sustainability practitioners with an overview of how economics and finance are expanded in the green economy to optimize the triple bottom line of profits, people, and the environment. Emphasis is placed on both environmental and corporate economics and finance. A real-world project offers students the opportunity to practice their knowledge.

IDS 6234 - Systems Thinking: The Key to Sustainability (3)

The course develops the critical system thinking skills to solve sustainability challenges. It covers quantitative system analysis techniques including environmental impact assessment, life-cycle assessment, cost-benefit analysis and decision analysis.

IDS 6272 - Research Methods for Sustainability (3)

This course teaches the processes and procedures for a hands-on, in-depth experience with the research tools, methodologies and the underlying rationale for inquiry. In this course, students can responsibly design and conduct original research or prepare for an internship in their field of study or concentration. Through selected readings and focused lectures, students will learn how to apply research methods for field work and civic engagement. This course will enable students to interact meaningfully with ¹ú²ú¶ÌÊÓÆµand external supervisors and organizations, adapt to norms and protocols expected in the sustainability field, and be in compliance with relevant regulations. This course gives students the ability to choose and use the best possible methods and tools to achieve their research/internship objectives.

IDS 6946 - Sustainability Internship (3-6)

The Sustainability Internship course is designed to give students a rich and diverse experience in the real- world working environment. The Sustainability Internship will be conducted with a valid and respected host organization. Each host institution or organization will be vetted by staff and/or faculty of the Patel College prior to internship assignments. Students are expected to contribute positively to the growth and development of the host organization as well as to their own personal career and network growth. Each internship project will be supervised by their PCGS Concentration Director and an External Supervisor (preferably with the host organization).

You will be expected to become familiar with the literature surrounding the concentration, project or problem, and be knowledgeable about the duties and/or research methods necessary to complete the project. You will also be expected to generate recommendations, programs, or policies from the activities, tasks and responsibilities undertaken during your internship period.

IDS 6935 - Capstone (Research Project) (3-6)

The Capstone Research Project course provides academic flexibility and viable alternatives to capstone Internships. This course is designed to give students a rich and diverse research experience. The Capstone Research Project should be original practical research, using quantitative or qualitative methods, with or without human subjects. Each capstone research project will be supervised by the student’s PCGS Concentration Director/Project Supervisor and a Secondary Advisor or an External Supervisor, if possible. Although the Project Supervisor normally oversees the student’s research alone, it is recommended that the student get the benefit of additional advice, insights and expertise on content, methodology, strategy, analysis, interpretations, etc. from another ¹ú²ú¶ÌÊÓÆµprofessor (Secondary Advisor) or an expert in the field (External Advisor) during the course of the project.

 

 

Electives

Students select three available courses (9 credits) such as the following typically offered to complete the M.A. or M.S. degree.

IDS 6163 - Environment, Social and Governance for Business Sustainability (3)
IDS 6206 - Energy and Resources: Policy, Society and Innovation (3)
IDS 6207 - Renewable Transportation Fuels (3)
IDS 6208 - Renewable Power Portfolio (3)
IDS 6210 - Bioresources for a Sustainable Future (3)
IDS 6216 - Implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (3)
IDS 6239 - Principles of Six Sigma for Sustainability (3)
IDS 6244 - Waste Not, Want Not: Reconsidering Waste, Repurposing Wasted Resources (3)
IDS 6245 - Sustainable Water Resource Management: Doing More with Less (3)
IDS 6246 - Water Sensitive Urban Design for Sustainable Communities (3)
IDS 6247 - Water Resources Planning (3)
IDS 6270 - Sustainable Food Production (3)
IDS 6271 - The Future of Food: Environment, Health and Policy (3)
IDS 6275 - Policy for Sustainability (3)
IDS 6276 - Navigating the Sustainable Food/Energy/Water Nexus (3)
IDS 6279 - Sustainability Policy Analysis and Implementation (3)
IDS 6280 - Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation (3)
IDS 6707 - Envisioning Sustainability: Tools for 21st Century Communicators of Sustainability Science (3)
IDS 6908 - Directed Reading/Directed Independent Study (1-3)
IDS 6938 - Special Topics/Seminars (1-6)

BSC 6932 - Sustainability of Natural Resources (3)
ENT 6186 - Strategic Market Assessment (3)
ENT 6506- Social Entrepreneurship (3) 
ENT 6606 – New Product Development (3)
ENT 6619 Creativity and Design (Credit Hours: 3)
ENT 6706 - Global Entrepreneurship (3)
EVR 6937 - Seminar In Environmental Policy (Sustainability and Development) (3)
PAD 6307 – Policy Design and Implementation (3)
SCM 6006- Supply Chain Management (3)
TTE 6315 – Transportation Safety (3)
URP 6406 – Urban Environmental Policy (3)
URP 6444 - Global and Community Food Systems (3)

Course Descriptions

IDS 6163 - Environment, Social and Governance for Business Sustainability (3)

Overview of an ESG framework and how it supports a company's overall risk management. Examines a variety of components and provides insight into how they converge to impact a company and stakeholders. Look at key considerations from company and investor perspectives, before applying theory to practice.

IDS 6206 - Energy and Resources: Policy, Society and Innovation (3)

Provides a broad overview of the global energy landscape - acquainting students with the current state of energy crisis: Limited supply of resources; growing energy demand; impact on society, climate, economic development, sustainability and technology innovation. Various non-renewable and renewable energy options and their (un)intended environmental and geopolitical consequences are discussed.

IDS 6207 - Renewable Transportation Fuels (3)

The course will analyze the market status and prospects, the production technologies, the economics and finance, and the regulatory and environmental aspects of renewable transportation fuels with a focus on sustainable fuels from biomass and algae.

IDS 6208 - Renewable Power Portfolio (3)

The course will analyze the market status and growth potential of the portfolio of renewable power sources, the production technologies, the economics/financing, infrastructure integration and smart grid issues, and regulatory and environmental aspects.

IDS 6210 - Bioresources for a Sustainable Future (3)

Agricultural and biological resources (bioresources) for producing food, bio-based products, and renewable energy are presented and discussed along with their environmental and climate change impact using an integrated food-energy-water nexus approach.

IDS 6216 - Implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (3)

This course provides an understanding of the challenges and pathways to sustainable development. From the framework of the science of planetary boundaries, we will addresses challenges and solutions to achieve sustainable development in the 21st century.

IDS 6239 - Principles of Six Sigma for Sustainability (3)

Application of the principles of Six Sigma and the tools of continuous improvement in developing and implementing sustainability projects and initiatives. Course includes case studies that used Six Sigma and Lean methodologies in the sustainability field.

IDS 6244 - Waste Not, Want Not: Reconsidering Waste, Repurposing Wasted Resources (3)

This course is designed to help us deal with and eliminate waste. The course explores all kinds of wasted resources and opportunities with particular focus on organic and inorganic "production and consumption residuals" and wasted energy.

IDS 6245 - Sustainable Water Resource Management: Doing More with Less (3)

This course provides an overview of the challenges and strategies for sustainable water resource management for coordinated planning, development and management of water resources. It will discuss technical, legal and institutional frameworks.

IDS 6246 - Water Sensitive Urban Design for Sustainable Communities (3)

Comprehensive introduction to Water Sensitive Urban Design an interdisciplinary approach that encompasses urban water management, management of ecosystem services and urban/landscape design.

IDS 6247 - Water Resources Planning (3)

Provides overview of water resources planning and introduces water resources planning and management tools. It will also teach students water quality, water and wastewater treatment technologies. Students will apply tools to develop water resources plans.

IDS 6270 - Sustainable Food Production (3)

Overview of global food production systems including both traditional and sustainable agriculture, animal husbandry, and aquatic farming practices, their impact on ecosystems and the environment, and solutions for feeding a rapidly growing population.

IDS 6271 - The Future of Food: Environment, Health and Policy (3)

This interdisciplinary course will introduce students to food as an operational component of the environment, human health, and public policy throughout the world and discuss historical perspectives, current issues, and future outlooks of food security.

IDS 6275 - Policy for Sustainability (3)

This course explores concepts, principles, and case studies pertaining to sustainability policy.

IDS 6276 - Navigating the Sustainable Food/Energy/Water Nexus (3)

The FEW nexus helps students navigate the complexities of sustainability, using case studies in food energy and water to create industrial ecology systems closing the loop from the solar energy that sustains food production through food waste to new food.

IDS 6279 - Sustainability Policy Analysis and Implementation (3)

This course offers an overview of sustainable policy analysis and implementation and how proper local, state, federal, and foreign policy creation is an essential component of domestic and global sustainability. With a combined focus on policy analysis, evaluation, formulation, adoption, and implementation, students will learn how to ameliorate economic, social, or environmental concerns.

IDS 6280 - Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation (3)

This course will use an interdisciplinary approach to assess the impacts of climate change, and to develop climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.

IDS 6707 - Envisioning Sustainability: Tools for 21st Century Communicators of Sustainability Science (3)

Course teaches how to write, create, and communicate compelling sustainability content using VR, video, animation, multi-media, digital photography, etc. for broadcast media, marketing, public presentations, poster sessions, scientific papers and PSAs.

IDS 6908 - Directed Reading/Directed Independent Study (1-3)

Individual study by students under the direction of a faculty member. Topics vary and are usually selected on an individual basis.

IDS 6938 - Special Topics/Seminars (1-6)

Special topics related to sustanability.

ENT 6186 - Strategic Market Assessment (3)

This course is designed to enable the student to gain an in-depth understanding of the techniques used to analyze market opportunities for new inventions and intellectual properties.

ENT 6506- Social Entrepreneurship (3)

Provides knowledge and skills to create, fund, launch, and grow a new social enterprise.

ENT 6606 – New Product Development (3)

This course is designed to prepare both business and engineering students to contribute to the development of strategies and tasks relevant to new product introductions. The skills developed will enable students to analyze and develop product strategies.

ENT 6619 - Creativity and Design (3)

This course presents a broad framework of creativity and its applications in business.

ENT 6706 - Global Entrepreneurship (3)

Provides knowledge and skills to create, fund, launch, and grow a new international enterprise.

EVR 6937 - Seminar In Environmental Policy (Sustainability and Development (3)

Critical assessment of environmental policy and regulatory formulation, implementation, evaluation, and revision in the context of scientific, technological, institutional, political, social and economic factors; case studies of major U.S. policies.

PAD 6307 – Policy Design and Implementation (3)

The formulation, adoption, implementation, and evaluation of public policy. Analysis of public problems and program development; the causes and determinants of public policy and successful implementation; criteria for the assessment of program's impact.

SCM 6006- Supply Chain Management (3)

Overview of key supply chain processes and functions, including logistics, marketing, finance, operations, and procurement, and the implications of supply chain management for creating value for customers and other supply chain members.

TTE 6315 – Transportation Safety (3)

Transportation safety studies, accident data analysis, traffic safety control devices, special population regiment safety, highway conflict studies, accident reconstruction, and tort and liability issues.

URP 6406 – Urban Environmental Policy (3)

The purpose of this course is to examine issues related to environmental planning and policy within the context of the urban/humanly-built environment and its relation to surrounding natural environments.

URP 6444 - Global and Community Food Systems (3)

Provides a general introduction to the food system, how it relates to planning and public policy, and an overview of the tools, strategies, and approaches public policymakers can utilize to address food system problems and challenges.