Principles of Sustainable Systems

Catalog description

This is a necessary foundational course for anybody striving to work in the sustainability field. The focus introduces, and builds upon 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 organizational systems. This course is the necessary foundation from which the student can springboard into other ES courses that address sustainability and resilience, especially the Energy and Materials Sustainability and Building Sustainable Organizations courses.courses.