Et Contribution To University Core Curriculum Through A Course On Sustainability
- Conference
- Location
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Louisville, Kentucky
- Publication Date
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June 20, 2010
- Start Date
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June 20, 2010
- End Date
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June 23, 2010
- ISSN
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2153-5965
- Conference Session
- Tagged Division
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Engineering Technology
- Page Count
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6
- Page Numbers
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15.525.1 - 15.525.6
- DOI
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10.18260/1-2--16623
- Permanent URL
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https://peer.asee.org/16623
- Download Count
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298
Paper Authors
Anoop Desai Georgia Southern University
Dr. Anoop Desai received his BS degree in Production Engineering from the University of
Bombay in 1999, and MS and Ph.D. degrees in Industrial Engineering from The University of
Cincinnati in 2002 and 2006. His main research interests are in Product Lifecycle Management,
Design for the Environment, Total Quality Management including tools for Six Sigma and
Ergonomics. In addition to teaching ET courses in these fields, he is an instructor and co-developer of the core course described in the paper.
Phil Waldrop Georgia Southern University
Phillip S. Waldrop, PhD, is a professor in the Department of Mechanical & Electrical Engineering Technology at Georgia Southern University. He is a graduate of Ball State University; his graduate degrees are from Purdue University. In addition to manufacturing engineering- and industrial management-related courses, he teaches the university core course described in this paper. A former aerospace R&D manager, he is Past-President of the Management Division of the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering, faculty advisor for student chapter S085 of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, and a recipient of the 2010 SME Award of Merit.
Abstract
NOTE: The first page of text has been automatically extracted and included below in lieu of an abstract
Contribution to University Core Curriculum through a Course on Sustainability
Abstract
This paper presents a case study of the development of a course focused on sustainability as part of the university core curriculum. This was an opportunity for an engineering technology department to contribute to the university core curriculum and to help fulfill its academic mission. The said course could be described as an elective in the general Math/Science/Technology area. The course is designed in such a way as to engage a broad range of students in the study of sustainability from a technical perspective and not a purely cultural viewpoint. The structure of the course intends to impart to all students, especially non majors (students who are non-science majors) an insight into current and past industrial practices that have been causative of pollution and generally unsustainable behavior. Simultaneously, it also offers insights into emerging and potential solutions to address sustainability issues from the engineering and technology perspective. One of the principal features of this course is the exploration of career opportunities for non-majors in the field of sustainability. This paper content and subsequent presentation will include an overview of course content and delivery techniques as well as its salient features.
Introduction
Sustainability can be defined as a pattern of human activity that can be pursued without degradation of the environment, society or the economy. Recently, an effort was undertaken at a university in the southeast United States to develop a course on global sustainability and innovation. It has been obvious for some time now that the earth has finite natural resources that cannot be replenished. Such resources include crude oil and natural gas, metal ores, natural habitat and clean and potable water. Not only is the situation not improving, it has been getting worse over time. This is no longer an issue of purely academic interest. It has managed to become a mainstream concern. In view of this fact, the authors felt that the time was opportune to offer a course on conservation and sustainability. Offering a global context to such a course, it was felt, would enhance its appeal.
Quite often, courses dealing with sustainability or environment management and conservation in general are offered by science departments. Said courses are generally exclusively offered to science students. This approach leaves out a major portion of the student body. Students who are not scientists in training have no access to a good on campus course on environmental conservation. The authors sought to rectify this situation by building a comprehensive course on sustainability offering it to all students from across campus. Access to this diverse student population was a key goal in designing the aforementioned course. It is often extremely difficult
Desai, A., & Waldrop, P. (2010, June), Et Contribution To University Core Curriculum Through A Course On Sustainability Paper presented at 2010 Annual Conference & Exposition, Louisville, Kentucky. 10.18260/1-2--16623
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