Sustainability Minor

This course explores diverse aspects of agriculture and agriculture sustainability, primarily from various natural science perspectives. Techniques of organic and sustainable agriculture will be emphasized. This course also touches on the social, political, and economic forces that relate to farming communities, food production and distribution, and consumption. (3 units; Spring, odd years)

This laboratory experience is designed to teach students about the basic concepts of urban agriculture. Students will gain hands on experience in the field of urban agriculture ranging from topics such as hydroponics, soil quality, composting, worm farming, erosion control, plant cloning and propagation, micro-greens, and how to grow food in planter boxes or small containers. Students will be taught a wide range of agricultural principles related to urban farming, urban gardening, and how to grow and distribute food locally in a sustainable system. Additional lab fee. (1 unit; Fall)

This course assesses the importance of soil and water as natural resources for ecosystems and societies. Soil and water resources, soil erosion, government conservation programs, water conservation, irrigation, salinity and drainage will be discussed. Understanding the principles of the soil water cycle to improve water use efficiency of dry land and irrigate systems. Understand how to utilize soil resource assessment tools to make land management decisions. Prerequisite: ENV 110. (3 units; Spring, even years)

This course will review the major social issues of the four "underdeveloped" continents (Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East), and examine sustainable development practices and principles which impact those issues. Students will be introduced to the United Nations Sustainable Development Framework of 1) Social and Economic Development, 2) Natural Resources Management, 3) Stakeholders, and 4) Means of Implementation, and various other conceptual models of development. Among the pressing social issues considered include poverty due to land degradation and desertification, infrastructure in slums and refugee conditions, access to clean water, low-cost-high-safety housing, and disease prevention. (3 unis; Fall, odd years)

Sustainability and Conservation is the science of preserving biodiversity and sustaining the earth. This is an interdisciplinary course that examines the human impact on biodiversity and the earth. The course synthesizes the fields of ecology, environmental science, evolution, genetics, philosophy, economics, sociology, and political science, with emphasis on the development of strategies for preserving populations, species, biological communities, and entire ecosystems. (4 units; Spring, odd years)