Boston University
AC-2: Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes for Environmental Analysis & Policy, BA: -Demonstrate knowledge of (a) current environmental issues, and the manner in which they are related to (b) fundamental concepts from social science disciplines (microeconomics as well as one or more of sociology, anthropology, political science/international relations, or law), and (c) fundamental concepts from natural science disciplines (one or more of physics, chemistry, biology) -Demonstrate knowledge of quantitative and qualitative theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches used to analyze environmental problems and understand the effectiveness of policy interventions -Quantitatively analyze data and perform simulation modeling to characterize the effects of anthropogenic stressors (e.g., pollution)—and policy interventions to address them—on human and natural systems -Communicate effectively concepts in the natural and social sciences as they relate to environmental issues, both in writing and verbally, and demonstrate an understanding of the broader societal impacts of environmental problems and policies -Apply a range of analysis methods toward solving qualitative and quantitative problems in the design and implementation of policies to address environmental issues Learning Outcomes for MET Applied Sustainability, Graduate Certificate: -Analyze and assess the economic, environmental, political, social, and equity issues around urban environmental sustainability to prioritize and develop sustainable solutions. -Lead and work effectively with socially diverse stakeholder groups, to evaluate and create sustainable and equitable planning and policy options. -Demonstrate an awareness of the legal and political dimensions of environmental protection and regulation. -Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between human and environmental systems and environmental sustainability. Incorporate broad resources and use evidence-based approaches to evaluate and create sustainable planning and policy options. Learning Outcomes for Environmental Health, MS: -Communicate the basic characteristics of major chemical, physical, and biological hazards and the properties that govern the hazards’ behavior in the environment; -Explain the scientific characteristics (e.g. route of exposure, dose response, mode of action) of major biological, chemical, and physical hazards that result in human health risk; -Explain and analyze genetic, physiologic, and social factors that affect the susceptibility to adverse health outcomes following exposure to environmental hazards; -Critically evaluate and interpret the hypothesis, experimental design, methods and results presented in a paper from a technical journal article in an environmental health discipline (toxicology, epidemiology, exposure assessment); -Analyze and interpret environmental health data; -Identify appropriate intervention strategies for specific environmental health problems; and -Communicate the results of a scientific study in a written and oral format. Learning Outcomes for CAS Sustainable Energy, Minor: -Demonstrate knowledge of the essential elements of energy from the business, economics, policy and engineering perspectives. -Explain of the conventional energy sources are major sources of environmental stress at global as well as local level.s -Awareness of the social role energy plays for the fulfillment of many basic human needs and services and how inequities in energy provision and quality often manifest themselves as issues of social justice.