With approximately 9 billion people projected to inhabit the Earth by the middle of the century, we are at a defining moment in human history when we must find effective ways to reduce resource consumption to avoid dramatic degradations in our complex and inter/intra-dependent environmental, social, and economic systems.
The Resiliency and Sustainability of Engineering Systems minor prepares students from all disciplines to recognize the impact of their design decisions on built and natural engineering systems and be adept at working closely with planners, decision makers, and the general public towards a sustainable and resilient global development.
This minor is designed to help you:
- Recognize and assess the complex interactions and interdependencies within and between critical infrastructure, engineering networks, social systems, and our environment.
- Recognize the technical, social, economic, and ethical aspects of a commitment to sustainable and resilient development.
- Recognize and apply engineering principles, processes, and practices to engineered infrastructure and systems that result in sustainable and resilient development.
- Develop a functional knowledge of the historical and economic frameworks that guide engineering regulations and public policy.
- Develop skills to convey critical information about sustainability and resilience to the non-expert.
Requirements
The Resiliency and Sustainability of Engineering Systems minor is open to students from all disciplines (not only students in the College of Engineering) who can satisfy the pre-requisites for CE10700. The minor includes two required courses, three elective courses, and a capstone experience.
The two required courses are:
CE10700: Sustainable Development in a Changing World, which spans a broad range of topics on the environmental consequences of engineering systems in sustainable development.
CE30720: Resiliency of Engineering Systems, which focuses on engineering for mitigation and resiliency, emphasizing communication skills to equip you to work with city planners, policymakers, and the public.
Three elective courses (selected in collaboration with the Director of the Minor) include pre-approved courses from departments such as Political Science, Psychology, Philosophy, Laws, Economics, and Sociology. Elective courses should be from at least two different departments and at least two at the advanced undergraduate level (junior or senior). At least one of the three elective courses will be outside the College of Engineering.
You’ll also complete a 1-credit capstone experience, gaining hands-on experience in a real-world setting, such as a research project or an internship with a governmental body, regulatory agency, environmental advocacy group, or other organization. The Capstone Thesis Report is due no later than the spring semester of the senior year.
Contact
For more information, please contact Johna Belin at jbelin@nd.edu or Prof. Brad Weldon at bweldon@nd.edu.