Graduate

Between 25-49% of the course content (e.g., readings, papers, tests, discussion or other assignments) focuses on at least one of the 13 sustainability criteria listed in the UCI sustainability curriculum definition.

A mechanistic perspective of the structure and functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. Includes processes such as nutrient cycling, biogeochemical cycling, mass balance, energetics, terrestrial hydrology, and water cycle.

Explores past, present, and projected changes in Earth’s climate. Topics include paleoclimate records and mechanisms of natural climate variability at a range of timescales (orbital to seasonal); General Circulation Models; and IPCC observations and projections of future climate change.

Basic principles, design, and operation of sustainable energy systems including wind, solar photo-voltaic and thermal, hydroelectric, geothermal, oceanic, biomass combustion, advanced coal, and next generation nuclear. Includes power generation, storage, and transmission for stationary power generation. Prerequisite: MAE115.

Lecture, three hours. Examination of current issues related to the atmosphere, including energy usage; toxicology; effects on humans, forest, plants, and ecosystems; particulate matter (PM10); combustion; modeling and meteorology; airborne toxic chemicals and risk assessment; application of science to development of public policies. Prerequisite: One course selected from Chemistry 245, Earth System Science 202, Engineering MAE164, Engineering MAE261, or consent of instructor.

Lecture, three hours. Examination of current issues related to the atmosphere, including energy usage; toxicology; effects on humans, forest, plants, and ecosystems; particulate matter (PM10); combustion; modeling and meteorology; airborne toxic chemicals and risk assessment; application of science to development of public policies. Prerequisite: One course selected from Chemistry 245, Earth System Science 202, Engineering MAE164, Engineering MAE261, or consent of instructor.

Critically evaluates how transportation can promote sustainable, healthy, and equitable cities. Examines the interaction of transportation systems with urban form, land use, community health, and environmental quality. Prerequisite: graduate standing or consent of instructor.

Reviews and critiques literature on discussion topics including: the nature and effectiveness of the environmental movement and environmental policies; the role of science and technology; the use of economic incentives in policy; decentralization of decision making; and creating arenas for public involvement. Prerequisite: graduate standing or consent of instructor.

Treatment of legal and policy strategies for promoting environmental protection and deterring environmental degradation within the context of other societal objectives. Topical approach with a focus on problems of special interest to criminologists and to environmental policy specialists. Prerequisite: graduate standing or consent of instructor.

Introduction to major themes and debates in environmental ethics, with application to contemporary environmental issues. Prerequisite: graduate standing or consent of instructor.