Stanford University
AC-2: Learning Outcomes

n/a--please see attached file

Please see the uploaded file for complete details, including website links, for degree programs included in the inventory for this credit. The two examples below are provided for quick reference. Earth Systems - The Earth Systems Program is an interdisciplinary environmental science major. Students learn about and independently investigate complex environmental problems caused by human activities in interaction with natural changes in the Earth system. Earth Systems majors become skilled in those areas of science, economics, and policy needed to tackle the globe’s most pressing environmental problems, becoming part of a generation of scientists, professionals, and citizens who approach and solve problems in a new way: a systematic, interdisciplinary way. Bioengineering - Bioengineers are focused on advancing human health and promoting environmental sustainability, two of the greatest challenges for our world. Understanding complex living systems is at the heart of meeting these challenges. The mission of Stanford's Department of Bioengineering is to create a fusion of engineering and the life sciences that promotes scientific discovery and the development of new biomedical technologies and therapies through research and education.

Stanford recently unveiled a series of Thinking Matters courses available to all members of the freshman class. Only freshmen can enroll in Thinking Matters courses, many of which have sustainability learning outcomes. One example is "Meeting the Global Sustainability Challenge" (http://explorecourses.stanford.edu/search?view=catalog&filter-coursestatus-Active=on&page=0&catalog=&q=THINK40). Other sustainability-related Thinking Matters courses offered in academic year 2013-2014 include "Energy: Understanding the Challenge, Developing Solutions" and "The Water Course." Evaluation of all Thinking Matters courses is currently underway and will significantly increase the percentage of students who graduate from degree programs with sustainability learning outcomes.