SUS - Sustainability Studies
Prerequisites: None. This course introduces students to the concepts of sustainability science. It provides an overview of the history and principles of sustainability and then introduces the concepts of systems thinking to critically evaluate interactions among humans, societies, and nature.
Credits
3.0
Core
Scientific Thought-Non-Lab
Offered
Spring Semester
Prerequisites: SUS 101 and MATH 112. This course is an introduction to the ways scientists approach and investigate problems in sustainability science, including experimental design and critical evaluation of published literature. Each semester the topic will vary according to instructor and student interest.
Credits
3.0
Offered
Fall Semester
Prerequisites: None. This course introduces students to the concepts of sustainability science. It provides an overview of the history and principles of sustainability and then introduces the concepts of systems thinking to critically evaluate interactions among humans, societies, and nature.
Credits
3.0
Offered
Spring Semester
Prerequisite: Completion of SUS 201 or concurrent enrollment. This course is designed to introduce students to watershed science, management, and sustainability concepts. The course will begin with an overview of watersheds and their ecology. It will also cover the chemical, biological, economic, and social factors that affect watersheds.
Credits
4.0
Offered
Spring Semester
Prerequisite: Completion of SUS 201 or concurrent enrollment. This course will introduce the basic concepts and terminology of global, national, and local food systems. We will explore the history of our current food system, and students will use systems thinking to assess its environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
Credits
3.0
Offered
Spring Semester
Prerequisites: SUS 301, SUS 302, SUS 303. This class is a lab-driven study of theory and practice in all sustainability program focus areas, allowing students to develop facility with fundamental techniques. The team-taught course is composed of three, five-week rotations conducted in lecture/lab format.
Credits
4.0
Offered
Fall Semester
Prerequisite: SUS 303. Combining lecture with a lab, students will investigate the theory as well as the practical tools to implement sustainable community-based food systems. We will discuss local food policy and the role of food sovereignty and food justice in community-based solutions.
Credits
4.0
Offered
Fall Semester (Even Years)
Prerequisite: SUS 301 and SUS 303. This course is designed to give an overview of the biotech industry and to teach the scientific principles that apply to the numerous biotechnology sectors. The intersection of biology and technology will be emphasized in the context of foods, biomolecules and biofuels.
Credits
3.0
Offered
Spring Semester (Odd Years)
Prerequisite: BIOL 201 or ENSP 300. This course introduces students to agricultural systems from an ecological perspective, exploring the interplay between abiotic and biotic factors which drive the successes and failures in crop production.
Credits
4.0
Offered
Fall Semester (Odd Years)
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. Laboratory, library or field investigation of a sustainability issue. Selection of topic, preparation of study plan and evaluations of results are guided by means of weekly conferences with the instructor.
Credits
1.0 - 3.0
Offered
Both Semesters and Summer
Prerequisites:College-wide Internship Requirements and Permission of Sustainability Director. Students work at off-campus sites with organizations concerned with issues of sustainability. These may be, but are not limited to, government agencies; legislators; or nongovernmental organizations at local, state, regional and national levels. Grading is S/U.
Credits
3.0 - 15.0
Offered
Both Semesters and Summer
Prerequisite: SUS 320. This course will provide an introduction to the use of enzymatic and microbial reactions in the production of desirable foods, beverages, biofuels and other bio-products.
Credits
4.0
Offered
Fall Semester (Odd Years)
Prerequisites: Completion of SUS 325 or concurrent enrollment. This course provides a solid foundation in sustainable urban agriculture and the community building process. Students will gain hands-on experience working with organizations within the Frederick Food Security Network who have, or will be installing, an urban garden.
Credits
4.0
Offered
Fall Semester (Odd Years)
Prerequisite: By invitation of the Biology Department.
A department honors paper is a two-semester senior-year program designed for students who wish to pursue intensive research or special projects. Students doing departmental honors in sustainability will also present a poster during the departmental poster session spring semester.
Credits
6.0
Offered
Year Long