Global change

Applications of the tools covered in Economics 145E to such topics as global warming, destruction of the ozone layer, and emissions trading. Emphasis on independent research papers. Syllabus and classes include writing technique. Prerequisites: Economics 15A-B, 145E, and satisfactory completion of the lower-division writing requirement.

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.

Explores the relationship between recent developments in information technology and current global environmental issues. Potential topics include ecoinformatics, e-waste, technological life cycle assessment, and online community building. Activities involve reading, writing, discussion, and a final project.

Understanding the impact of the nuclear age on the environment and human health through the interrelated developments of nuclear power and nuclear weapons. The early years of weapon development, catastrophic environmental pollution, perils of nuclear power in the U.S. and Russia. Same as Social Ecology E127 and Public Health 168.

Lecture, three hours. Provides an introduction to sustainability from different points of view; historical, scientific, political, ethical, and economic. Same as Earth System Science 180

Lecture, three hours. Investigates how sustainability can be implemented in a variety of contexts including water, energy, non-renewable resources, biodiversity, and urban policy, and also how it could be measured. Same as Earth System Science 182.

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.

Lecture, three hours. Examination of contemporary water problems worldwide, with particular attention to the competing demands for water in the western U.S., and water demand by the poor in developing countries. History and analysis of U.S. water policies at local, state, and federal levels.