Sustainability: An Environmental Science Perspective
Syllabus for SMC First Class Instructor: Karen A. Talentino, Ph.D., Professor of Biology and Environmental Science
This is an introductory science course whose goal is to provide students with the information and tools they need to understand the natural processes of the environment and the causes of our current sustainability crises. “Earth is still our only home.” A home is a good metaphor for the relationship between humanity and Earth. We must monitor the health of our home, and spend time and money to keep it in repair so that it can continue to provide services such as shelter, sanitation, food and clean water. We must also take care of all of our home’s inhabitants. Students will gain a firm scientific foundation in environmental science, as well as the ways in which our society has developed unsustainably. We will also discuss practical strategies for developing solutions for the future, such as restoration, preservation and sustainable management of natural resources.
The text for the course is an online resource called Healing Earth which is a production of the Loyola University (Chicago) International Jesuit Ecology Project. It integrates scientific knowledge of our environmental crises with social problems, and encourages spiritual reflection and an ethical approach to action for a sustainable future. The creators of Healing Earth believe this approach is vital for our students as they learn about the natural world, as well as the profound environmental challenges we face now and in the years ahead. Readings are supplemented with a variety of scientific articles, videos and case studies.
Grading and Expectations: Students will contribute to online discussions and several face‐to‐face Zoom discussions. There are several small assignments, including a day of field work at Saint Michael’s on February 23. In addition to short quizzes on the topical units of the course, students will undertake a case study of their local community, from a sustainability perspective.
Tentative Schedule Online text: Healing Earth
Unit WEEKS TOPICS COVERED *READINGS, ASSIGNMENTS I: Introduction Week 1: Review expectations; Sustainability; Assigned readings Environmental Feb 16‐22 Footprints; Moral and Ethical Carbon Footprint Science Dimensions of Sustainability Online Discussion
Sunday, Residency Day for SMC First Class Field work at SMC February 23 courses Lab Worksheet II: Biodiversity Week :2 Value of Biodiversity; Terrestrial and Assigned readings Feb 23‐29 Aquatic Diversity (Case Studies); Online quiz at end of unit Threats to Biodiversity Zoom class meeting Online Discussion Community Case Study: Demographic information on your community III: Natural Weeks 3 and 4: Earth Science; Elements and Matter; Assigned readings Resources March 1‐7 and Biogeochemical Cycles; Extraction Online quiz at end of unit March 8‐14 Threats Zoom class meeting Online Discussion Community Case Study: land use information (residential, commercial, municipal, parks and greenspaces); any protected areas or endangered species; superfund sites IV: Energy Weeks 5 and 6: Consequences of Non‐renewable Assigned readings March 15‐21 & Energy; Renewable Energy and Online quiz at end of unit March 22‐28 Energy Efficiency; Future Zoom class meeting Online Discussion Community Case Study: Energy sources available to residents; renewable vs. non‐ renewables; per capita electricity use. Any plans for town/city to increase renewable energy sources, goals for net‐zero carbon emissions? Solid waste: recycling; hazardous waste; landfills; rate of recycling compared to state average; composting resources V: Water Week 7: Sources, Uses, Consequences; Assigned readings March 29‐Apr 4 Spiritual Perspectives Online quiz at end of unit Zoom class meeting Online Discussion Community Case Study: municipal water sources; water treatment/monitoring process; assess water quality; per capita water use; initiatives to reduce water use VI: Food and Weeks 8 and 9: Agriculture: History and Impacts; Assigned readings Agriculture April 5‐11 and Sustainable Agriculture Online quiz at end of unit April 12‐18 Zoom class meeting Online Discussion Community Case Study: Identify main food markets; assess organic/inorganic options for produce; what information available about sourcing of produce; visit agricultural facilities nearby to ask about pesticide/fertilizer use; runoff prevention; plans for regenerative agriculture? VII: Climate Week 10: Climate Science and Impacts of Assigned readings Change and A April 19‐24 Global Climate Change Zoom class meeting ‐ Presentations of Call to Action A Call to Action Community Reports Online Discussion Community Case Study: is town discussing potential impact of climate change