ESS 578: Principles of Sustainability

Synonym:

86394 (for web registration)

Section:

A

Faculty:

Thomas Wessels

Credits:

3

Seats:

16

Semester:

Fall 2012

Meeting Schedule:

Sat 9/1 (8:00AM-4:59PM)
Sat 9/15 (8:00AM-4:59PM)
Sat 10/6 (8:00AM-4:59PM)
Sat 10/27 (8:00AM-4:59PM)
Sat 11/17 (8:00AM-4:59PM)

Description:

Competency Area: ASJS, CB, Cert, EE, SDCC, SDS ?Çô Methods

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.