ESS 578: Principles of Sustainability

Description:

Competency Areas Spring 2010 and earlier: Biosphere Science; RMC Biosphere Science or science elective
Competency Areas Fall 2010: Methods or elective

Restricted to Fall 10 ES Extended program students from December 7 - 14; open to all ES students on December 15; others by written permission of instructor sent to the Registrar's office via Antioch email.

This course will focus on foundational scientific laws that govern sustainability in all complex systems. The course will start by contrasting linear and complex system science. Specific laws to be examined will include the law of limits to growth, the second law of thermodynamics, and the law of self-organization. Biological, ecological, geological, and meteorological systems will be examined to show the workings of these laws at various spatial and temporal scales. The laws will then be applied to an examination of socioeconomic, political, and municipal systems.