Sustainable Science Management (SSM)

Classes

SSM 101: Introduction to the Science of Sustainability

Credits 3 Class Hours3 lecture
Description

This course identifies sustainability concepts which have become evident from early human movement toward Industrialization in the 1500s to the present. Examines diverse societal circumstances and approaches in resource use including water, energy, waste, land use, economics, oceans, and others. Introduces fundamental systems approaches to recognize interconnections and ramifications of practices. Identifies global sustainability issues and uses Hawai‘i and island case studies as a means of better understanding their applied relevance.

Prerequisites

Concurrent enrollment in MATH 75X or qualified for MATH 82X.

Semester Offered Fall, Spring
Course Student Learning Outcomes (CSLOs)
  1. Identify prominent global sustainability principles based on human society and ecosystem analysis.
  2. Describe basic systems dynamics as they apply to sustainability.
  3. Explain the connections between geomorphologic processes, human development patterns, coastlines, and their connection to nearshore and marine environments.
  4. Examine the role of policy in shaping human society, using climate change as a case study.

SSM 110: Sustainable Water and Waste Management

Credits 3 Class Hours3 lecture
Description

This course explores water, wastewater, and waste management challenges and solutions, with an emphasis on issues specific to Hawaii. Students will explore sustainable operational management of water, wastewater, and solid waste systems. This includes composting, recycling processes, energy from waste, and water quality testing. Students will take water samples and analyze water quality with state-of-the-art technologies.

Prerequisites

Qualified for MATH 100.

Semester Offered Fall, Spring
Designation
Diversification: Physical Sciences — DP
Course Student Learning Outcomes (CSLOs)
  1. Detail Hawaii's water, waste, and wastewater management concerns.
  2. Use various devices to measure nutrients and contaminants in water samples to draw concoctions explaining concentrations.
  3. Summarize various approaches to water reuse and water supply challenges that are specific to Hawaii.
  4. Describe different ways to sustainably address waste management challenges such as recycling/upcycling.
  5. Identify and describe the major processes used in water, wastewater treatment and water distribution including policy and standards in place.