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ENV 511: Sustainability and Resource Conservation

This course is the first 4-credit laboratory course offered at the college with a focus on sustainable topics. Students may petition the Science and Engineering Department to use this course to satisfy their General Education Area 5 "Science & Technology" requirement.

The course provides an introduction to fundamental concepts of sustainability and resource conservation as related to the human environment. Through lectures, laboratories and interactive dialogue, student develop literacy in sustainability topics found in local, regional and global spheres and encourages a collaborative approach to reducing ecological impact of individuals and organizations.

For a complete description of the course please download the schedule and go to page 62.

In collaboration with the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Services, OSM assembled a targeted group of selected industry and educational partners for a meeting with an internal advisory team including Science Department Chair Bob Steeper, Biology Professor Scott Benjamin and Dean Laurie McCorry. Participant feedback helped to calibrate sustainability-related curriculum development with specific industry needs. It is anticipated that we will continue to work with this Advisory Group on a regular basis.

Representatives from the following entities participated: Boston Private Industry Council, Boston Redevelopment Authority, Casella Waste Management, Educational Alliance, Jobs for the Future, NSTAR Gas and Electric, Sebesta Blomberg, Skillworks and the Vermont Technical College.

In collaboration with the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Services, BHCC faculty, the Director of Institutional Effectiveness and external industry experts, OSM created two new survey instruments to obtain additional data relevant to energy and sustainability themed curriculum development at the College.

• Going Green Survey
  This 5 question bar-coded survey was designed to obtain information about sustainability knowledge, interest in sustainability curriculum and related community activities. It was distributed at public events such as the Boston Greenfest 2010 event (August 2010), Boston Public Library Sustainability Lecture Series (September 2010), Green Career Conference (October 2010) and the National Campus Sustainability Day (October 2010). Please click here to link to the Going Green Survey
• Green Sector Needs Assessment Survey
  This 24 question on-line survey was developed in an on-line format and asked specific questions about job forecasting, competencies and internships. It was distributed to selected employers, businesses participating in the B2 Green event (May 2011) and also sent to targeted clean energy industry representatives.
  Please click here to link to the Green Sector Needs Assessment Survey
• Clean Energy Job Sector Research Report
  OSM conducted a literature review of industry publications that define the clean energy economy and green jobs research. This included a focus on Massachusetts's role in the clean energy economy, regional perspectives and outline of potential collaborations.
  Please click here to link to the Clean Energy Job Sector Research Report

In collaboration with the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Services and an ad-hoc evaluation committee consisting of BHCC faculty and staff, OSM launched an annual program of funding for the integration of sustainability within new or existing courses or as part of college-wide initiatives. Several dozen faculty and staff participated in this initiative and their creative work and dedication is helping the college reach it goals.

Approved Proposals
Integration of Sustainability within the following courses:

• PSY 101 (Psychology 101)
• CIT 213 (Problem Solving)
• BUS 101 (Introduction to Business)<
• ECE 110 (Science Concepts and Learning)
• MAT 181 (Statistics)

Institutional Projects:
• Urban Organic Garden
• Sustainable Agriculture Education
• Sustainability Video
• Recycling Awareness Program
• Student Run Business Model

To read more about the Mini-Grant program and the winning proposals, follow this link and click on the tab "Mini-Grants".

In collaboration with the Professional Development Committee, OSM developed sustainability themed workshops, learning activities and educational displays for two large-scale professional development events for faculty and staff.

• Internationally Acclaimed Guest Speakers:
  Debra Rowe, President of the U.S. Partnership for Education for Sustainable Development and Leith Sharp, founder of Harvard's Green Campus Initiative and Director of the Illinois Green Economy Network.
• Targeted Workshops
  • Integrating Sustainability within the Curriculum: Tools, Resources and Perspectives for Educators
  • Negotiating Collaborations and Change: Tools for Faculty and Staff
  • Sustainability and Community Engagement
  • Going Paperless: Using Technology to Reduce Paper Usage in the Classroom
  • Hope or Hype? Looking at Green Jobs in Massachusetts
  • Lean Office Best Practices
• Institutional Projects:
  • Urban Organic Garden
  • Sustainable Agriculture Education
  • Sustainability Video
  • Recycling Awareness Program
  • Student Run Business Model
• o Experiential Learning
  • Guided tour of the Casella Waste management's "zero sort" recycling facility

To learn more about the professional development day events, please follow this link

As a continuation of General Biology I/Lab (BIO195), the course begins with a study of chemical basis of inheritance and protein synthesis. The course then investigates the mechanisms of adaptive evolution, speciation, phylogeny, and the history of life on earth. The course concludes with a survey of the three domains of life and an introduction to the structure of populations and ecosystems. Laboratory work will continue to develop the student's critical thinking and problem solving skills.

This course will give students hands-on experience in a wide range of modern information technology. Several IT concepts will be introduced that will provide a basis for further study in Information Technology. Students will work on a number of projects that will give perspectives on areas of IT including but not limited to: visual and/or robotic programming, social networking tools, web design and networking. Issues of security, privacy and ethics will also be examined. Students will leave the course with an understanding of the components of modern IT systems and the scope of knowledge needed to become an IT professional.

Students are expected to have access to computer with internet access outside of class as there is a major web component to the course. Designed for first-time, full-time Computer Technology students, this course will fulfill the Learning Community Seminar requirement for the Computer Information Technology Department.

This is a course in modern office technology which introduces students to all major areas of personal and organizational collaboration, communication and integration of MS OFFICE applications. Building on students' basic knowledge of the most current version of the core MS OFFICE applications, the course proceeds to cover in detail, the integration among OFFICE applications including Object Linking & Embedding (OLE), On-Line Meeting, document sharing, and the other collaboration features of MS OFFICE. Using WORD as the "core" application, students gain practical experience in moving and linking data among all applications: WORD, EXCEL, ACCESS, POWERPOINT and OUTLOOK.

Advantages and limitations of Voice over IP (VoIP) and video conferencing, along with the importance of security and other considerations involved in implementing these technologies are also covered. Students also gain experience in web enabling and publishing as well as knowledge of the principles, best practices, procedures and techniques used in implementing all of these applications in offices large and small.

This course is a study of early childhood education programs. The course includes the history of childcare, regulation, types of programs, and current trends and issues in early care and education. The needs of children and families and components of quality programs with emphasis on social, political, and economic influences on professional issues and career opportunities in the field are covered.

This course covers the normal development of children through the age of twelve with emphasis on the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional components of development of the infant, toddler, preschool, and school age child. The course meets Office of Child Care Services guidelines for child growth and development.

This course is the study of early childhood education programs with emphasis on curriculum development in areas such as art, music, science, literature, math, language arts, and dramatic play.

This course covers the study of setting up and maintaining a program environment with emphasis on health and safety concerns, nutritional considerations, space utilization, equipment needs, and material usage.

This course is a study of concept development and learning in early childhood education programs with emphasis on curriculum development in the area of science for young children.

This course is the study of the relationship of parents and communities to early childhood programs. The course emphasizes parental needs for early care and education, parenting skills and need for communication with parents, challenges of dealing with diverse populations and multiple family structures using an anti-bias approach which respects diversity and encourages collaborative efforts in caring for children.

This course covers the study of program management in early childhood education, including planning, implementing, and evaluating programs. The course emphasizes financial, legal, personnel, and program aspects of program administration. It meets Department of Care and Education and Certification requirement.

This course provides an overview of the engineering profession. Topics to be discussed include fields of study within engineering; the engineering profession, including engineering ethics; and engineering design and problem-solving. Emphasis is on team-building and teamwork approach to engineering projects.

This course covers an introduction to the physical and biological structure of the natural environment within a global perspective. The course emphasizes both a local and global perspective on the study of natural systems and the impacts of human society on these systems. Topics include: ecosystem dynamics, international conservation biology, biodiversity, evolution and adaptation, population dynamics, climate, and the role of science and technology in business and society, and sustaining ecosystems and wildlife. Laboratory investigations develop critical thinking and formal report writing skills.

This course examines the global and local impact of human culture upon the natural systems. Students investigate both destructive and constructive elements of human action within the natural environment. Also, students learn the role of science and technology in the environment and society. Topics include: air and water pollution; toxicity; ozone depletion; global warming; hazardous waste; the role of science and technology in business and society; and renewable and nonrenewable energy resources. Laboratory investigations develop students' critical thinking skills and formal report writing skills.

This course is an investigation of the ecology, conservation, and diversity of tropical ecosystems. As part of a study-abroad student team, students will learn and participate in scientific field research methods on location in a tropical country. By participating in a variety of trips, and activities students will also investigate the interrelationship of local culture, ecotourism, and conservation. Students will be required to complete a self-designed scientific field research project and participate in a community services project while in the country of study. Past studies have occurred in Costa Rica and Nicaragua but future trips are not limited to these two tropical countries.

This course is an introduction to fundamental concepts of sustainability and resource conservation as related to the human environment. Through lectures, laboratories and interactive dialogue, student develop literacy in sustainability topics found in local, regional and global spheres and encourages a collaborative approach to reducing ecological impact of individuals and organizations.

The course will provide an opportunity for in-depth exploration of three targeted sustainability related topics: energy and conservation, renewable energy sources and climate action planning. Assigned readings illustrate the impact of resource conservation on quality of life. Laboratory work will demonstrate concepts such as heat transfer principles and technologies such as solar, wind and fuel cells. Assignments will support the college's pursuit of climate neutrality.

This advanced course focuses on the academic writing skills necessary for content courses. Students continue to develop their abilities with sentence structure, paragraph writing, and essay writing. Students write paragraphs and essays from personal experiences and from readings. Students learn to cite sources and answer essay questions from readings. Students learn grammar in the context of the readings and student generated writing. Students may be required to complete assignments in the language lab.

The course explores some questions and theories that interest political scientists and historians, and methods they use to explain governmental operations. Insight into the nature of political ideals, as embodied in the Constitution, is developed. Topics include federalism, organization and functions of the three branches of the national government, civil liberties and civil rights, public opinion and voting behavior, the media, bureaucracies, and public policy.

Investigate the environmental and social consequences of energy production and consumption with emphasis on climate change impacts. This seminar will explore solutions to slow down global warming and investigate new sources of clean and sustainable energy. Learn how we can all play a role in ensuring a more livable planet.

This course will consider the diverse universe of food, eating, and culture. Through readings, writing, discussion, and field study students will gain insight into the history of food and culture in the U.S., learn about other culture's food, and explore issues of food sustainability in the 21st century.

This course covers statistical concepts and methods. Topics include data organization, averages and variation; elementary probability; binomial, normal, and t-distributions; estimation and hypothesis testing; and linear correlation and regression.

This introductory psychology course covers a survey of information and theory. Topics include the brain and behavior, research methods, learning, consciousness, motivation, emotion, human growth and development, personality, abnormal behavior, and psychotherapy, social cognition and understanding.