Academic Program

Core Course Descriptions

IDS 6233 - Concepts and Principles of Sustainability (3)

This course discusses basic concepts and principles of sustainable development, systems integration, and different sustainability perspectives such as local/global and historical/future. Best practices are analyzed through case studies and a research project.

IDS 6235 - Economics and Finance for Sustainability (3)

The course provides sustainability practitioners with an overview of how economics and finance are expanded in the green economy to optimize the triple bottom line of profits, people, and the environment. Emphasis is placed on both environmental and corporate economics and finance. A real-world project offers students the opportunity to practice their knowledge.

IDS 6234 - Systems Thinking: The Key to Sustainability (3)

The course develops the critical system thinking skills to solve sustainability challenges. It covers quantitative system analysis techniques including environmental impact assessment, life-cycle assessment, cost-benefit analysis and decision analysis.

IDS 6272 - Research Methods for Sustainability (3)

This course teaches the processes and procedures for a hands-on, in-depth experience with the research tools, methodologies and the underlying rationale for inquiry. In this course, students can responsibly design and conduct original research or prepare for an internship in their field of study or concentration. Through selected readings and focused lectures, students will learn how to apply research methods for field work and civic engagement. This course will enable students to interact meaningfully with USF and external supervisors and organizations, adapt to norms and protocols expected in the sustainability field, and be in compliance with relevant regulations. This course gives students the ability to choose and use the best possible methods and tools to achieve their research/internship objectives.

IDS 6946 - Sustainability Internship (6)

The Sustainability Internship course is designed to give students a rich and diverse experience in the real- world working environment. The Sustainability Internship will be conducted with a valid and respected host organization. Each host institution or organization will be vetted by staff and/or faculty of the Patel College prior to internship assignments. Students are expected to contribute positively to the growth and development of the host organization as well as to their own personal career and network growth. Each internship project will be supervised by their PCGS Concentration Director and an External Supervisor (preferably with the host organization).

You will be expected to become familiar with the literature surrounding the concentration, project or problem, and be knowledgeable about the duties and/or research methods necessary to complete the project. You will also be expected to generate recommendations, programs, or policies from the activities, tasks and responsibilities undertaken during your internship period.

IDS 6935 - Capstone (Research Project) (6)

The Capstone Research Project course provides academic flexibility and viable alternatives to capstone Internships. This course is designed to give students a rich and diverse research experience. The Capstone Research Project should be original practical research, using quantitative or qualitative methods, with or without human subjects. Each capstone research project will be supervised by the student’s PCGS Concentration Director/Project Supervisor and a Secondary Advisor or an External Supervisor, if possible. Although the Project Supervisor normally oversees the student’s research alone, it is recommended that the student get the benefit of additional advice, insights and expertise on content, methodology, strategy, analysis, interpretations, etc. from another USF professor (Secondary Advisor) or an expert in the field (External Advisor) during the course of the project.