Sustainable Food Systems (BS)

Overview of the processes that control water supply to natural ecosystems and human civilizations. Part I introduces the basic science that helps us understand the water planet, including the hydrologic cycle, glaciers and ice; rivers, oceans and natural hazards associated with water such as flooding, landsliding and tsunamis. Part II covers some of the management and resource allocation topics that face humanity today, including droughts, groundwater contamination, impacts on fisheries, conflicts over water, patterns of water use and effects of global climate change on future water supplies. Uses water issues facing Arizona and California as examples.

How human activities and management practices alter biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and the provisioning of ecosystem services; use of economic and other social science perspectives to estimate the value of ecosystem services; evaluation of options for achieving the sustainable flow of services from ecosystems.

Introduces systems thinking and complexity science, with an emphasis on analytical relevance for thinking about a myriad of issues involved in sustainability. Hones students' abilities to read critically, articulate their views clearly, and think about the many systems that shape their lives.

Aids in career exploration and development for School of Sustainability majors. Explores values, motivations and career options. Students learn how to approach the job search and how to communicate sustainability to employers; also how to prepare a quality r�sum�, cover letter, and gain a better understanding of the benefits of networking.

Introduces the \

Offers a critical introduction to future-oriented theories and methods. Explores anticipation in contemporary society through a series of cases studies that probe real-world sustainability issues and how the future is created and contested. By characterizing and critiquing future-oriented practices across governmental, academic and private sectors, offers a critical perspective on different methodological approaches and the implications of their use.

Introduces technological, social, and cultural principles and innovations for cities under the notion of sustainability and sustainable development within the global, regional, and local contexts.

Lays the groundwork for understanding the fundamental geological, biological and social processes that gave rise to the world we live in and continue to maintain its viability for the integrated human-environmental well-being.

Introduces mathematical concepts and methods as applied to problems in sustainability. Mathematics, especially algebra, is used to quantify the impact of human activities on the environment, model population dynamics and explore the spread of infectious diseases. Includes the application of mathematical skills in the solution of real-life problems, and introduces or makes significant use of fundamental mathematical skills and concepts.

Introduces two of the most important and useful mathematical frameworks used to study natural and social phenomena: probability and calculus. Probability is used to describe an attitude of mind toward some proposition whose truth is not certain. Calculus is the branch of mathematics used to study the behavior and dynamics of functions: calculus is the mathematical study of change. Students gain the basic competence needed for applying probability and calculus when thinking about and researching problems in sustainability. Focuses on and discusses applications, the meaning of important concepts, the origins of the rules of derivation and integration, and logic behind why the methods work.

Introduces the evaluation and construction of mathematical models used in the life and social sciences. Includes the basic steps in developing a model, analyzing it, and testing it with actual data. Covers the first steps concerning how to use formal mathematical techniques including developing equation-based relationships, plotting graphs, linear regression, and solving equations using computer software.

Introductory food course provides students with a panoramic understanding of American agriculture. Explores American-grown food through history, policy, society, business innovation, and environmental sustainability.

Introductory food course explores agriculture by subsectors, such as livestock, grains and fruits and vegetables. Students learn how dietary choices affect health, the environment, and the people who produce and process food.

Food systems and sustainability. Theories of food security, rural livelihood sustainability, and food sovereignty. Critically examines the social, ecological, economic, and institutional dimensions of the many sustainability challenges associated food system activities (production, processing, distribution, consumption, waste). Students develop a food system framework and apply knowledge to an assessment of the sustainability of one aspect of the local food system.