Indiana State University
ER-9: Sustainability Learning Outcomes

Earth and Environmental Systems, Earth and Quaternary Sciences, Biology, Applied Health Sciences

Learning Outcomes - upon completion of the minor in Sustainability Studies a student should be able to… • demonstrate an understanding of our roles: a well-grounded understanding—informed by natural science, social science, and humanistic perspectives—of the parts humans have played in creating current environmental challenges, and that they must play in devising and implementing sustainable solutions to environmental problems; • conduct an analysis of sustainability, that includes the ability to apply the concept of sustainability in critically examining social issues related to the use of Earth’s natural resources and the quality of life; • consider ethical dimensions: thinking critically about the diversity of ethical issues raised by human interactions with the environment, and using these ethical insights as a foundation for responsible behavior seeking and supporting social Justice Content Goals – upon completion of the minor in Sustainability Studies … • do students understand major concepts and principles in Environmental Science and Sustainability, including the interdependence of elements of the Earth system, the carrying capacity of natural systems, and the role of policy and economics in both perpetuating and solving environmental problems? • have students developed upper division expertise in three to four central areas of Environmental Science and Sustainability – Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Environmental Biology, Society and Environment, and Research, Communication, and Design Skills? • can students define sustainability and orally defend his or her definition(s)? • can students think like a scientist by gathering and testing appropriate data?  Select appropriate measurement tools and gather data using common instrumentation  Effectively analyze data and communicate sustainability issues to a wider community • can students incorporate the principles of sustainability into their primary fields of study? • are students ready to influence others effectively? • will students apply solutions to a variety of environmental problems?