Sustainability

Director: David Knochel
Office: Science 2071 C
Email: david.knochel@ucdenver.edu

Overview

Questions of sustainability are currently among the most important facing humankind and are receiving tremendous attention in the media. Because issues of sustainability do not arise from single causes, nor can solutions be developed from within narrow disciplinary frameworks, a multidisciplinary perspective is not only desirable but necessary to identify and understand problems, and create, evaluate and implement solutions.

Specializations in this critical area of study include: health and the environment, sustainable ecology, environmental ethics, environmental policymaking and policy analysis, institutional behavior, community-based and participatory approaches to sustainable development and conservation, environmental justice, sustainable food production and critical consumerism. The sustainability minor offers a holistic approach to development and daily living, which demands scientific, economic, environmental and social perspectives to understand and implement actions that can inform the public, business, industry, government and service organizations on how their activities affect the environment.

Click here to learn about the requirements for the Minor in Sustainability.

Faculty

Professors:

Stephen Koester, Anthropology
Diana F. Tomback, Integrative Biology

Associate Professors:

Steven R. Beckman, Economics
John Brett, Anthropology
Greg Cronin, Integrative Biology
Larry Erbert, Communication
Randall P. Tagg, Physics
Deborah S. K. Thomas, Geography
John W. Wyckoff, Environmental Sciences

Assistant Professors:

Laurel Hartley, Integrative Biology
Rafael Moreno-Sanchez, Geography
Bryan S. Wee, Geography

Sustainability (SUST)

SUST 3010 - Sustainability: Past, Present, and Future (3 Credits)

This course draws on theoretical perspectives to critically analyze contemporary environmental issues across ecological, sociocultural, historical, political and economic contexts. Term offered: fall, spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

SUST 3011 - Toward a Sustainable Future (3 Credits)

This is the second of a two-course sequence that examines the interrelations among the historical, political, cultural, ecological, and economic aspects of contemporary environmental issues. SUST II provides students with theoretical perspectives on sustainability through a series of current, problem-oriented case studies. Note: this course assumes that students have completed 1 Natural Science Core course and 1 Social Science Core course. Max hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

SUST 3840 - Independent Study (1-3 Credits)

Note: Students must submit a special processing form completely filled out and signed by the student and faculty member, describing the course expectations, assignments and outcomes, to the CLAS undergraduate advising office for approval. Prereq: permission of instructor required. Term offered: fall, spring, summer. Repeatable. Max Hours: 12 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Repeatable. Max Credits: 12.

Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.

SUST 3939 - Internship (1-3 Credits)

This course will provide internships with agencies, businesses and programs involved in initiatives aimed at promoting a sustainable future. Internships could include work with concerns involved in addressing specific environmental issues or with projects aimed at raising awareness of issues related to sustainability. Prereq: Students must have junior standing and at least a 2.75 GPA and must work with Experiential Learning Center advising to complete a course contract and gain approval. Term offered: fall, spring, summer. Repeatable. Max Hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Repeatable. Max Credits: 3.

Prereq: Junior standing or higher and at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA

Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.

SUST 4840 - Independent Study (1-3 Credits)

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Repeatable. Max Credits: 12.

Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.

SUST 4880 - Directed Research (1-6 Credits)

Students will engage in original research projects supervised and mentored by faculty. Students must work with faculty prior to registration to develop a proposal for their project and receive permission to take this course. Note: Students must submit a special processing form completely filled out and signed by the student and faculty member, describing the course expectations, assignments and outcomes, to the CLAS undergraduate advising office for approval. Term offered: fall, spring, summer. Repeatable. Max Hours: 6 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.

Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.

SUST 4960 - Capstone in Sustainability (3 Credits)

As the culmination of the Sustainability Minor, this course examines current research practices in sustainability and sustainability-related fields. Students work in teams to complete a sustainability/sustainability-related research paper and poster and present it to the campus community. Note: Topics variable depending on region under study, student interest, and faculty specialty. Prereq: SUST 3011. Term offered: fall. Max hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Prereq: SUST 3011

Typically Offered: Fall.

SUST 4995 - Global Study Topics (1-9 Credits)

This course is reserved for CU Denver faculty-led study abroad experiences. The course topic will vary based on the location and course content. Students register through the Office of Global Education. Repeatable. Max Hours: 9 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Repeatable. Max Credits: 9.

University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus

2024-2025 Academic Catalog

Sustainability

Overview

Programs Offered

Faculty

Professors:

Associate Professors:

Assistant Professors:

Sustainability (SUST)

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