Program Overview
The Sustainable Engineering minor at Villanova University equips engineering undergraduates with knowledge and skills to address sustainability challenges. Through core courses, humanities/policy electives, and technology electives, students develop an understanding of sustainability, life-cycle analysis, circular design, and the role of engineering in sustainable solutions. The minor prepares students for careers in fields such as environmental consulting, renewable energy, and green building design.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Sustainable Engineering minor at Villanova University is designed for engineering undergraduates to equip them with the knowledge and skills to address complex sustainability challenges in the 21st century.
Program Learning Objectives:
- Understand humanity's impact on Earth and the nexus of human and environmental processes in the Anthropocene.
- Define holistically the scope of sustainability through the lens of conceptual frameworks including the triple bottom line and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Approach complex problems in the intersection of engineering and sustainable development through the application of whole-systems thinking through a life-cycle lens and with consideration of the interconnected STEEP (social, technological, economic, environmental, and political) dimensions of sustainability challenges.
- Apply, on a conceptual level, life-cycle analysis as a tool to evaluate the environmental impacts of engineered products, services, and the built environment.
- Apply circular design principles to identify opportunities to rethink engineered products, services, and infrastructure and the systems surrounding them in advancing a transition from a linear to a circular economy.
- Articulate the role of the engineering profession and one’s chosen engineering discipline in contributing to sustainable solutions as part of interdisciplinary teams.
Outline:
The Sustainable Engineering minor at Villanova University comprises 18 credits (6 3-hour courses) across the following categories:
- Core Requirements:
- SUSE 2110: Sus Eng: Risks & Opportunities
- SUSE 2111: Sus Eng: LCA & Circular Econ
- Humanities and/or Policy Electives:
- Courses from departments such as English, Ethics, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Theology, and Geography
- Technology Electives:
- Courses from departments such as Biology, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Meteorology
Assessment:
The assessment methods for the Sustainable Engineering minor may vary depending on the specific courses taken. However, they may include:
- Exams
- Quizzes
- Presentations
- Projects
Careers:
The Sustainable Engineering minor at Villanova University prepares students for careers in fields such as:
- Environmental consulting
- Energy efficiency
- Renewable energy
- Sustainability assessment
- Green building design
- Corporate social responsibility
