2023-2024 Course Catalog

Sustainability (BA/BS)

The Bachelor of Sustainability major provides an intellectual and experiential core in sustainability and the ability to specialize in one of three tracks of study.

Admission Requirements

Admission to Chatham University is determined by the candidate's academic record, promise as a student at Chatham, and commitment to continued personal growth. Chatham gives preference to students that come from a strong college preparatory background. Chatham encourages a minimum of four years of English, three years of mathematics, three years of science, and three years of social science. The meeting of minimum requirements itself does not ensure admission to Chatham. Acceptance is contingent upon a candidate's completion of secondary school requirements and is based on careful review of all credentials presented by the candidate.

First-year student applicants (applicants entering directly from high school, without enrolling in prior post-secondary course work, other than courses completed while attending high school) must submit the following:

  • Completed application for admission
  • SAT (Chatham code: 2081) or ACT (Chatham Code: 3538) scores
  • Essay or writing sample
  • One or more letters of recommendation from guidance counselor or teachers.

Students may apply using our SAT optional policy and choose not to submit their SAT scores at the time of application. If not submitting their scores, in additional to the required application materials, applicants must submit the following:

  • Résumé
  • Graded academic writing sample
  • Complete an on campus interview
  • Portfolio (optional)

If an applicant feels that these materials do not adequately represent his or her academic abilities or explain his or her academic history, the student is encouraged to submit additional explanatory materials to strengthen the application.

Further, prospective students are strongly encouraged to arrange for a personal tour of campus and meet with an Admission Counselor. Campus tours are available Monday through Friday at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m. and on select Saturdays throughout the year (please contact The Office of Admission for upcoming dates). If it is not possible to schedule a campus visit, prospective students should contact the Office of Admission to schedule an interview with an alumni representative in their area.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students are able to develop and explain a personal sustainability mission statement.
  • Students are able to demonstrate and model the socio-ecological determinants of complex systems.
  • Students are able to explain a holistic and integrated perspective on socio-ecological systems.
  • Students develop ethical transformative leadership practices, including creative solutions and strategies, in multiple contexts and at multiple scales.
  • Students can explain production and consumption of major material and energy resources, in multiple contexts and at multiple scales.
  • Students can explain the history and current usage(s) of the term “sustainability”, and demonstrate how it can be assessed in public, private, and not-for-profit contexts.
  • Students apply best practices for global, national, regional, interpersonal, and personal decision making, including accessing appropriate sources and types of knowledge, and strategically managing uncertainty.
  • Students explain the relationship between environmental and human wellbeing, and explain how they change over time.

Curriculum

+BA/BS in Sustainability

Required Core Courses for all tracks BA/ BS 27 credits

SUS100 Sustainability Science

Through the lens of the natural and cultural history of Eden Hall and its surroundings, students learn about cultural, social, economic, natural and other systems. The course will focus on land use over time, the economic and social drivers and impacts of those land uses, and the implications for environmental wellbeing.

3
SUS102 Sustainability and Society

Students examine core concepts of sustainability, and explore its origins, history, and achievements across the globe at multiple scales. Students gain a foundation for more in-depth study of sustainability. Students also focus on their personal conception of sustainability and engage in a sustainability group project linked to community partners.

3
SUS201 Integrative Biology

This course will introduce traditional biological concepts from molecules to organisms within an integrative and applied framework. Students will learn the interdisciplinary nature and common approaches of biology through applied topics relevant to sustainability such as human and ecological health, freshwater and marine fisheries, energy sources, and climate dynamics.

3
SUS201L Integrative Biology Lab

Laboratory exercises including data collection, small-scale experimentation, data modeling, and simulation will be experienced to complement the material covered in SUS 201. Two hours of laboratory will be held per week at the Eden Hall Campus aquatic science lab. Additional Fee(s): Laboratory fees = S50.

1
SUS202 Dynamic Earth Systems

The earth is a dynamic, evolving system. This course provides an introduction to earth's formation, its materials composition and distribution, and the processes of the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere that interact to shape surface and subsurface features and conditions. The complex adaptive systems framework will be applied.

3
SUS210 Sustainability and Technology

This course discusses opportunities and challenges for using technology for sustainability. We will discuss innovation for sustainability and societal adoption, and will explore ways to use renewable energy and other technologies for homes and workplaces, the internet of Things, closed loops and new materials, sustainable transportation, and smart water systems.

3
ENV327W Writing about Environmental Science

This course is designed for students with some basic scientific skills, who might become scientists professionally, but all of whom will be communicating about science, often to non-scientists. In this course, we will read, discuss, and practice a variety of methods of communicating about environmental science, from popular culture to news to government reports. Students will competently translate scientific results into written journalistic English and will be able to evaluate scientific results from the news in terms of its scientific accuracy and clarity. Cross-listed as ENG327.

Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • ENV247 Environmental Geology
  • 3
    SUS350 Skills for Sustainability Professionals

    This course promotes professional skills development for careers in the field of sustainability including career exploration, networking, job searching, application materials, and interviewing skills. Other topics include practical skills for presentations and small project recognition and development.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • SUS201 Integrative Biology
  • 2
    SUS352 GIS Software - Skills and Applications

    A Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software is a powerful tool used in a variety of disciplines. Students will gain a foundation of GIS principles and applications using ArcGIS software. Topics covered include data development and management, spatial analysis techniques, communicating data visually and examples of hands-on GIS applications.

    3
    SUS380 Economics in a Changing World

    An interdisciplinary approach to economics including concepts from sociology, politics, behavioral and evolutionary economics. It explores the limits of conventional economics in explaining and predicting economic phenomena. It situates economics as a behavioral science and looks at economic sustainability at the local, to global scale, incorporating social and political issues.

    Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses:
  • SUS102 Foundations of Sustainability
  • SUS102 Sustainability and Society
  • 3
    SUS401 Sustainability Policy and Decision Making

    This course examines contrasting rationales supporting environmental values and human interests that compete against those values; the enactment and mechanics of regulations and statutes; environmental economics and politics. The socio-economic, legal and political implications will be scrutinized through case studies of local and/or global environmental and ecological concern.

    3
    SUS416 Sustainable Decision Analysis

    The class contributes to a foundation for sustainability management by exploring different quantitative approaches to sustainable decision-making including: Life Cycle Analysis, Ecosystem Services Valuation, Carbon and Water Foot printing, and DPSIR (Drivers, Pressures, States, Impacts and Responses) Society-Environment interaction framework. Finally, the class explores how quantitative decision-making is shaped by various stakeholders.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • SUS352 GIS Software - Skills and Applications
  • 3
    FST320 Basic Agroecology

    Through working on Chatham's Eden Hall Farm as well as neighboring farms, students will integrate best practices for sustainable agriculture with theory encountered in class. Topics will include basic principles of soil fertility, biodiversity, agriculture history, effects of both conventional and organic agriculture, and the politics surrounding the issues.

    3
    FST320L Growing Sustainably Lab

    Through working with Chatham's Eden Hall Farm as well as visiting neighboring farms, students will integrate best practices for sustainable agriculture with theory encountered in classes. Topics will include basic principles of soil fertility, biodiversity, greenhouse production, agriculture history, effects of both conventional and organic agriculture, and the politics surrounding the issues.

    1
    SUS490 Integrative Capstone

    The integrative capstone, undertaken by the student during the senior year, is an extended project that helps the student complete their transition from an undergraduate student to a world-ready professional. The study usually centers on the student’s major and may be conducted, at least in part, in the context of a group experience. Such programs are crafted to meet the unique needs of each major, and could include, for example, fieldwork, theater production, creative work in the arts, independent research, or independent readings. The integrative capstone in an interdisciplinary major must have the approval of both academic programs.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • ENV327W Writing about Environmental Science
  • 3
    INTSUS303 Internship - Sustainability

    Internship - Sustainability

    3
    --------------------
    MTH110 Elementary Statistics

    Topics include statistical measures and distributions, decision making under uncertainty, application of probability to statistical inference, linear correlation, introduction to nonparametric statistical methods, and application to problems drawn from the natural and social sciences. Three hours of class per week. Three hours of class per week.

    3
    OR
    BUS110 Business Analytics I

    This course introduces analytical tools that are essential for deriving actionable data-driven solutions to real world business problems. Modules address descriptive statistics, inferential analysis, hypotheses testing, results interpretation, and presentation of key findings. Students utilize diverse sources of data from business cases, research studies, open access datasets, and secondary reports.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • BUS105 Foundations of Business
  • 3
    --------------------

    +Natural Resource Management Track

    17 credits
    The natural resources management track provides students with a broad-based understanding of the interconnectedness of ecological, economic, social and political, systems. The track introduces students to a wide range of renewable natural resources, their use and management. It combines professional competency in management skills with a strong foundation in the biophysical, social and economic fields. For this track there are three required courses (including the labs) and two electives.

    Track Requirements - 11 Credits

    SUS322 Natural Resource Management Policy and Law

    Contemporary natural resource management policy issues are addressed emphasizing domestic policy solutions. Major initiatives and implementation toward sustainable resource use and healthy environments are discussed and analyzed to determine implementation strategy success levels, to assess adequacy within bioregional/ecosystem approaches, and to integrate economic and environmental decisions. Local site visit(s) expected.

    Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses:
  • SUS102 Sustainability and Society
  • SUS102 Foundations of Sustainability
  • 3
    SUS404 Quantitative Ecology

    Drawing from case studies in landscape design and natural resource management, this course will apply quantitative methods to ecological data analysis. Students will work with the software program R to apply statistical inference and mathematical modeling using previously collected data sets on single species, species interactions, communities, and food webs.

    3
    SUS404L Quantitative Ecology Laboratory

    Laboratory exercises from this course will complement material covered in SUS 404. Activities will primarily involve data collection and retrieval in ecosystems surrounding Eden Hall and in the Laurel Highlands. Additional fees: $50 laboratory fee.

    Co-requisites
    • SUS404 Quantitative Ecology
    1
    CHM102 Energy and the Environment

    Lecture course that utilizes the principles of chemistry to explore selected topics, including climate change, environmental pollution, alternative energy, commercial products, drugs, and nutrition. The course is not open to majors in chemistry, biology, or neuroscience.

    3
    CHM102L Energy and the Environment Lab

    One semester laboratory course to accompany CHM102 Energy and the Environment. Two hours of lab per week. Not open to majors in biology or chemistry.

    1

    Track Electives (Choose Two) - 6 -7 Credits

    SUS203W Global Environmental Health

    This course addresses the connection between health and environment. Topics include: environmental epidemiology, toxicology, policy, radiation and energy disease, and water, air, soil qualities. The work of scientists and public health specialists to discover, assess, and reduce risk to environment health problems are explored. Case studies provide context and background for environmental health issues past and present.

    Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses:
  • SUS100 Sustainable Systems
  • SUS100 Sustainability Science
  • SUS201 Integrative Biology
  • BIO144 The Organism
  • 3
    SUS301 Global Change Science

    The climate system of Earth is rapidly changing due to complex and interacting phenomena. This course offers an in-depth investigation of the science behind climate change, including a survey of model forecasts. Emphasis will also include the current and projected consequences of climate change on natural resources.

    Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses:
  • ENV116 Global Environmental Challenges
  • SUS202 Dynamic Earth Systems
  • 3
    SUS355 Forestry

    This course introduces forest ecosystems around the world, explores their ecology and management, and examines the practical and economic aspects of forestry. Topics include tree growth strategies, successional change, nutrient cycling, silviculture, timber harvesting, and human-induced stressors. Tree ID and field methods will be taught in the Eden Hall woodland.

    3
    SUS461 Aquatic Entomology

    Aquatic environments harbor a vast number of insect species that are widely used as biological indicators of environmental health. This course introduces the physiological, ecological, and biomonitoring attributes of aquatic insects and emphasizes taxonomic identification. Preparation for a formal identification certification test from the Society for Freshwater Science is optional.

    Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses:
  • BIO144 The Organism
  • SUS201 Integrative Biology
  • 3
    SUS461L Aquatic Entomology Laboratory

    Aquatic environments harbor a vast number of insect species that are widely used as biological indicators of environmental health. This laboratory section complements the course introducing the physiological, ecological, and biomonitoring attributes of aquatic insects. Laboratory assignments will emphasize taxonomic identification and sampling techniques.

    1

    +Sustainable Energy and Urban Systems Track

    15 credits
    The sustainable technology track provides students with a broad-based understanding of the interconnectedness of social, ecological and technological systems. The track introduces students to a wide range of renewable energy technologies and systems, and explores the relationship between technological, social and policy change, particularly in the context of the sustainable cities of the future. For this track there are three required courses (including the labs) and two electives.

    Track Requirements - 9 credits

    SUS335 Renewable Energy and Society

    This course explores the relationship of energy production and consumption with sustainability. Non-renewable and renewable energy resources and their environmental and social impacts will be discussed. We will explore the Eden Hall energy systems and investigate in more detail how solar energy could be used on a larger scale.

    3
    SUS460 Energy Policy for Sustainability

    This course explores the history, challenges, and opportunities of energy policy. Policymakers must consider disruptive innovations, volatile markets, climate change, and economic instability while balancing diverse goals collaboratively and holistically. The course equips students with tools and considerations to craft sustainable energy policy for reliable and affordable energy systems.

    Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses:
  • POL101 American Government and Public Policy
  • SUS335 Renewable Energy and Society
  • 3
    IAR231 Green & Sustainable Design

    Students will broaden their understanding of the philosophies, principles, perspectives, values, and foundations of sustainability, exploring the Environmental, cultural, social, economic, and political aspects in order to build a context in which sustainability can be effectively applied to a wide variety of built environment design projects at various scales.   

    3

    Track Electives (Choose Two) - 6 credits

    SUS330 Sustainable Cities

    This course will explore sustainability with a focus on the urban built environment. We will investigate both American and international issues of landownership, neighborhood development, housing, public spaces, and building technology. The course will incorporate lectures, readings, site visits, case studies, and a project using Pittsburgh as an investigatory vehicle.

    3
    SUS435 Green and Social Innovation

    Students will develop skills for managing innovation to positively impact the environment and society. Students work with actual ideas and/or entrepreneurs using Eden Hall to test products. The class focuses on helping students to develop product management skills which use innovation to solve major social and environmental problems.

    3
    SUS436 Sustainable Energy Applications

    This class explores the energy service sector and integration of renewable energy into the energy system. Topics include strategies for electric utilities in today's changing environment, community energy systems and micro-grids, the role of renewable energy for business strategies, energy services, and energy deficiency and storage.

    Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses:
  • BUS310W Business Analytics: Research Methods
  • BUS243 Principles of Marketing
  • SUS335 Renewable Energy and Society
  • 3
    CMP120 Introduction to Programming

    An introduction to the theory and practice of computer programming with an emphasis on problem solving. No previous programming experience is required.

    3
    CMP283 Database Management Systems

    This course is a study of database management systems and their applications to a wide range of information processing needs. Students design and implement database management systems while being introduced to a conceptual model of a database environment comprised of five basic components: databases, database management systems, data dictionary/directory systems, database administration, and user-system interfaces.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • CMP120 Introduction to Programming
  • 3
    BUS171 Information Systems and Operations

    This course explores basic concepts of communication networks (e.g., the Internet), hardware, software, databases, and systems. Students apply information systems to decision making, communication, collaboration and coordination in the operations of contemporary organizations. Students gain skills in word processing, presentation software, data visualization, spreadsheets, and relational databases.

    3

    +Sustainable Business Track

    15 credits
    The sustainable business and management track helps students to understand how business can help solve sustainability problems. The track exposes students to analytical concepts and tools for decision making. At the same time students are encouraged to think broadly about the impacts of business decisions. The track includes traditional business classes, an introduction sustainable technology, approaches to decision analysis and corporate social responsibility. For this track there are three required courses (including the labs) and two electives.

    Track Requirements - 9 credits

    SUS435 Green and Social Innovation

    Students will develop skills for managing innovation to positively impact the environment and society. Students work with actual ideas and/or entrepreneurs using Eden Hall to test products. The class focuses on helping students to develop product management skills which use innovation to solve major social and environmental problems.

    3
    SUS470 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

    This course helps students to understand the roles and responsibilities of organizations beyond just making an economic profit. Students are exposed to approaches to managing CSR. CSR is explored as a way for organizations to create value, thus, CSR is seen as crucial for business success in the 21st century.

    3
    BUS105 Foundations of Business

    This course introduces the theory and practice of business and fosters analytical thinking. Students build a foundation for learning by gaining an understanding of business organizations, their structure and functions, the increasingly dynamic and complex global setting in which they compete, and the fundamentals of sustainable business practices.

    3

    Track Electives (Choose Two) - 6 Credits

    SUS330 Sustainable Cities

    This course will explore sustainability with a focus on the urban built environment. We will investigate both American and international issues of landownership, neighborhood development, housing, public spaces, and building technology. The course will incorporate lectures, readings, site visits, case studies, and a project using Pittsburgh as an investigatory vehicle.

    3
    SUS335 Renewable Energy and Society

    This course explores the relationship of energy production and consumption with sustainability. Non-renewable and renewable energy resources and their environmental and social impacts will be discussed. We will explore the Eden Hall energy systems and investigate in more detail how solar energy could be used on a larger scale.

    3
    SUS436 Sustainable Energy Applications

    This class explores the energy service sector and integration of renewable energy into the energy system. Topics include strategies for electric utilities in today's changing environment, community energy systems and micro-grids, the role of renewable energy for business strategies, energy services, and energy deficiency and storage.

    Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses:
  • BUS310W Business Analytics: Research Methods
  • BUS243 Principles of Marketing
  • SUS335 Renewable Energy and Society
  • 3
    BUS243 Principles of Marketing

    This course introduces students to the basic concepts of marketing strategy and management. Basic marketing concepts such as strategic segmentation, targeting, positioning, product design, pricing, promotions and distribution are covered. Environmental sustainability is analyzed from the consumer perspective.

    3
    CMP283 Database Management Systems

    This course is a study of database management systems and their applications to a wide range of information processing needs. Students design and implement database management systems while being introduced to a conceptual model of a database environment comprised of five basic components: databases, database management systems, data dictionary/directory systems, database administration, and user-system interfaces.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • CMP120 Introduction to Programming
  • 3

    +Self-Designed Track

    Track Requirements (Choose three) - 9 credits
    Choose from any three sustainability (SUS) or Food System (FST) classes which are not part of the core sustainability degree requirements.
    Track Electives (Choose two) - 6 credits
    Choose any two 300 or 400 level class from any discipline which are not part of the core BSUS or General Education requirements.

    +BSUS - Interdisciplinary Major

    Students pursuing an interdisciplinary major in sustainability, twinned with any other related major offering a similar interdisciplinary option, will explore society’s sustainability challenges and focus on data driven and entrepreneurial solutions, through a range of environmental, social, business and food system courses.

    The interdisciplinary major consists of 24 credit hours (8 courses), exclusive of the integrated senior capstone. The capstone must integrate the subject matter of the two majors. A student perusing an interdisciplinary major must obtain the specific supported by a full-time faculty member who has agreed to advise the student and direct their program, particularly in the interrelations of the subjects to be studied. At least 50% of the credits toward the major must be completed at Chatham. A student must earn a G.P.A. of 2.0 or above within their major. Courses within the major with a recorded grade below C- must be repeated. Students must take the following courses to fulfill the integrated degree requirement for Sustainability: Up to two of these courses may be submitted with other SUS courses, provided the student gets the express permission of the Dean of the Falk School.

    SUS100 Sustainability Science

    Through the lens of the natural and cultural history of Eden Hall and its surroundings, students learn about cultural, social, economic, natural and other systems. The course will focus on land use over time, the economic and social drivers and impacts of those land uses, and the implications for environmental wellbeing.

    3
    SUS102 Sustainability and Society

    Students examine core concepts of sustainability, and explore its origins, history, and achievements across the globe at multiple scales. Students gain a foundation for more in-depth study of sustainability. Students also focus on their personal conception of sustainability and engage in a sustainability group project linked to community partners.

    3
    SUS202 Dynamic Earth Systems

    The earth is a dynamic, evolving system. This course provides an introduction to earth's formation, its materials composition and distribution, and the processes of the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere that interact to shape surface and subsurface features and conditions. The complex adaptive systems framework will be applied.

    3
    SUS380 Economics in a Changing World

    An interdisciplinary approach to economics including concepts from sociology, politics, behavioral and evolutionary economics. It explores the limits of conventional economics in explaining and predicting economic phenomena. It situates economics as a behavioral science and looks at economic sustainability at the local, to global scale, incorporating social and political issues.

    Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses:
  • SUS102 Foundations of Sustainability
  • SUS102 Sustainability and Society
  • 3
    SUS401 Sustainability Policy and Decision Making

    This course examines contrasting rationales supporting environmental values and human interests that compete against those values; the enactment and mechanics of regulations and statutes; environmental economics and politics. The socio-economic, legal and political implications will be scrutinized through case studies of local and/or global environmental and ecological concern.

    3
    SUS416 Sustainable Decision Analysis

    The class contributes to a foundation for sustainability management by exploring different quantitative approaches to sustainable decision-making including: Life Cycle Analysis, Ecosystem Services Valuation, Carbon and Water Foot printing, and DPSIR (Drivers, Pressures, States, Impacts and Responses) Society-Environment interaction framework. Finally, the class explores how quantitative decision-making is shaped by various stakeholders.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • SUS352 GIS Software - Skills and Applications
  • 3
    SUS330 Sustainable Cities

    This course will explore sustainability with a focus on the urban built environment. We will investigate both American and international issues of landownership, neighborhood development, housing, public spaces, and building technology. The course will incorporate lectures, readings, site visits, case studies, and a project using Pittsburgh as an investigatory vehicle.

    3
    SUS335 Renewable Energy and Society

    This course explores the relationship of energy production and consumption with sustainability. Non-renewable and renewable energy resources and their environmental and social impacts will be discussed. We will explore the Eden Hall energy systems and investigate in more detail how solar energy could be used on a larger scale.

    3

    +Minor in Sustainable Natural Resource Management

    Students pursuing a minor in Sustainable Natural Resource Management will explore society's sustainability challenges and focus on data driven management of the natural environment.

    SUS100 Sustainability Science

    Through the lens of the natural and cultural history of Eden Hall and its surroundings, students learn about cultural, social, economic, natural and other systems. The course will focus on land use over time, the economic and social drivers and impacts of those land uses, and the implications for environmental wellbeing.

    3
    SUS301 Global Change Science

    The climate system of Earth is rapidly changing due to complex and interacting phenomena. This course offers an in-depth investigation of the science behind climate change, including a survey of model forecasts. Emphasis will also include the current and projected consequences of climate change on natural resources.

    Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses:
  • ENV116 Global Environmental Challenges
  • SUS202 Dynamic Earth Systems
  • 3
    SUS322 Natural Resource Management Policy and Law

    Contemporary natural resource management policy issues are addressed emphasizing domestic policy solutions. Major initiatives and implementation toward sustainable resource use and healthy environments are discussed and analyzed to determine implementation strategy success levels, to assess adequacy within bioregional/ecosystem approaches, and to integrate economic and environmental decisions. Local site visit(s) expected.

    Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses:
  • SUS102 Sustainability and Society
  • SUS102 Foundations of Sustainability
  • 3
    SUS426 Sustainable Aquaculture

    This course examines the historical development and cultural importance of aquaculture, as well as practical considerations for managing modern aquaculture systems. Emphasis is on low-impact aquaculture systems and approaches, which minimize adverse environmental impacts, and encourage socially responsible development that enhances both the natural resource base and community livelihoods.

    3
    SUS355 Forestry

    This course introduces forest ecosystems around the world, explores their ecology and management, and examines the practical and economic aspects of forestry. Topics include tree growth strategies, successional change, nutrient cycling, silviculture, timber harvesting, and human-induced stressors. Tree ID and field methods will be taught in the Eden Hall woodland.

    3

    +Minor in Sustainable Energy and Urban Systems

    Students pursuing a minor in Sustainable Energy and Urban Systems will explore society's sustainability challenges focusing on the urban environment and approaches to making cities more resilient and sustainable, along with the growing economic focus on renewable energy.

    SUS100 Sustainability Science

    Through the lens of the natural and cultural history of Eden Hall and its surroundings, students learn about cultural, social, economic, natural and other systems. The course will focus on land use over time, the economic and social drivers and impacts of those land uses, and the implications for environmental wellbeing.

    3
    SUS210 Sustainability and Technology

    This course discusses opportunities and challenges for using technology for sustainability. We will discuss innovation for sustainability and societal adoption, and will explore ways to use renewable energy and other technologies for homes and workplaces, the internet of Things, closed loops and new materials, sustainable transportation, and smart water systems.

    3
    SUS330 Sustainable Cities

    This course will explore sustainability with a focus on the urban built environment. We will investigate both American and international issues of landownership, neighborhood development, housing, public spaces, and building technology. The course will incorporate lectures, readings, site visits, case studies, and a project using Pittsburgh as an investigatory vehicle.

    3
    SUS355 Forestry

    This course introduces forest ecosystems around the world, explores their ecology and management, and examines the practical and economic aspects of forestry. Topics include tree growth strategies, successional change, nutrient cycling, silviculture, timber harvesting, and human-induced stressors. Tree ID and field methods will be taught in the Eden Hall woodland.

    3
    SUS436 Sustainable Energy Applications

    This class explores the energy service sector and integration of renewable energy into the energy system. Topics include strategies for electric utilities in today's changing environment, community energy systems and micro-grids, the role of renewable energy for business strategies, energy services, and energy deficiency and storage.

    Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses:
  • BUS310W Business Analytics: Research Methods
  • BUS243 Principles of Marketing
  • SUS335 Renewable Energy and Society
  • 3

    +Minor in Sustainable Business Studies

    Students pursing a minor in Sustainable Business Studies will explore society's challenges focusing on the business environment and the push to make businesses more socially responsible and sustainable.

    SUS102 Sustainability and Society

    Students examine core concepts of sustainability, and explore its origins, history, and achievements across the globe at multiple scales. Students gain a foundation for more in-depth study of sustainability. Students also focus on their personal conception of sustainability and engage in a sustainability group project linked to community partners.

    3
    SUS355 Forestry

    This course introduces forest ecosystems around the world, explores their ecology and management, and examines the practical and economic aspects of forestry. Topics include tree growth strategies, successional change, nutrient cycling, silviculture, timber harvesting, and human-induced stressors. Tree ID and field methods will be taught in the Eden Hall woodland.

    3
    SUS380 Economics in a Changing World

    An interdisciplinary approach to economics including concepts from sociology, politics, behavioral and evolutionary economics. It explores the limits of conventional economics in explaining and predicting economic phenomena. It situates economics as a behavioral science and looks at economic sustainability at the local, to global scale, incorporating social and political issues.

    Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses:
  • SUS102 Foundations of Sustainability
  • SUS102 Sustainability and Society
  • 3
    SUS435 Green and Social Innovation

    Students will develop skills for managing innovation to positively impact the environment and society. Students work with actual ideas and/or entrepreneurs using Eden Hall to test products. The class focuses on helping students to develop product management skills which use innovation to solve major social and environmental problems.

    3
    SUS470 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

    This course helps students to understand the roles and responsibilities of organizations beyond just making an economic profit. Students are exposed to approaches to managing CSR. CSR is explored as a way for organizations to create value, thus, CSR is seen as crucial for business success in the 21st century.

    3

    +Minor in Sustainability and Society

    Students pursuing a minor in Sustainability and Society will explore society's sustainability challenges and focus on data driven community and entrepreneurial solutions. Requirements 15 credits (5 required courses).

    SUS100 Sustainability Science

    Through the lens of the natural and cultural history of Eden Hall and its surroundings, students learn about cultural, social, economic, natural and other systems. The course will focus on land use over time, the economic and social drivers and impacts of those land uses, and the implications for environmental wellbeing.

    3
    SUS102 Sustainability and Society

    Students examine core concepts of sustainability, and explore its origins, history, and achievements across the globe at multiple scales. Students gain a foundation for more in-depth study of sustainability. Students also focus on their personal conception of sustainability and engage in a sustainability group project linked to community partners.

    3
    SUS380 Economics in a Changing World

    An interdisciplinary approach to economics including concepts from sociology, politics, behavioral and evolutionary economics. It explores the limits of conventional economics in explaining and predicting economic phenomena. It situates economics as a behavioral science and looks at economic sustainability at the local, to global scale, incorporating social and political issues.

    Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses:
  • SUS102 Foundations of Sustainability
  • SUS102 Sustainability and Society
  • 3
    SUS435 Green and Social Innovation

    Students will develop skills for managing innovation to positively impact the environment and society. Students work with actual ideas and/or entrepreneurs using Eden Hall to test products. The class focuses on helping students to develop product management skills which use innovation to solve major social and environmental problems.

    3