Catalog

NAT S 103 Sustainability & Systems

An introduction to systems thinking with an emphasis on understanding the intersection between natural and human systems. Student analysis will focus on how to make human systems more sustainable. Simple models such as population growth and more advanced case studies will be explored with concepts such as connection circles, causal loop diagrams, reinforcing (positive feedback) loops and balancing (negative feedback) loops. Exploration of the effects of time delays upon systems and identification of leverage points for sustainability will occur. Course will include use of STELLA (Systems Thinking for Education and Research) software at an introductory level.

Credits

5

Prerequisite

Eligibility for ENGL& 101 AND eligibility for MATH 96.