Several courses at PA incorporate education for sustainability.

Interdisciplinary Science 500: Environmental Science
The course begins with a study of the components of the biosphere and the fundamental principles that underlie the interdependence of the earth’s systems, including energy flow and the recycling of matter. Students will consider renewable and non-renewable resources in the context of population dynamics. Discussions of pollution and environmental quality will lead to the study of global change, both natural and human-induced. As we develop our knowledge, we will critically examine environmental issues presented in the news media. This analysis will lead to discussions on the roles of economic forces, cultural and aesthetic considerations, ethics, and environmental regulations in shaping our biosphere.

Biology 410: Global Ecological Issues
Open to Uppers and Seniors who have completed a yearlong science course. The recently published United Nations Millennium Ecosystem Assessment analyzed the consequences of ecosystem change for conservation and human well-being, and states that humans have changed global ecosystems more rapidly and extensively than at any comparable period of time in human history. Biology 410 will explore the challenge that our society has of reversing the degradation of ecosystems while meeting demands for their services. Students in this course will undertake laboratory studies involving the quality of air, fresh water, soils, energy consumption and productivity, wastewater treatment, and biodiversity. The major goal of the course is to stimulate and reinforce student environmental interest and responsibility.

Biology 580: Evolution and Ecology
Sustainability and change are the central themes through which we will consider evolution and ecology. Evolution is a major unifying theme in biology, and the mechanism of natural selection serves as a foundation for examining ecosystems and relationships between populations, including humans.

Chemistry 460: Chemistry of the Environment
Open to Uppers and Seniors only. This course is concerned with the effect of chemistry on the earth and the implications of human action on the environment. Current issues—such as global warming, ozone depletion, air and water pollution, chemical waste, and alternative sources of energy—are discussed. Chemical theories and principles are introduced as needed.

Philosophy and Religion 470:  Bioethics: The Environment
Open to Uppers and Seniors, and to Lowers with permission of the instructor. We are facing unprecedented environmental challenges to climate, life forms, human health and population, and essential resources. We tend to treat such issues simply as scientific or political problems. In reality, ecological controversies raise fundamental questions about what we human beings value, the kind of beings we are, the kinds of lives we should lead, and our place in nature. Sustainability is not possible without a deep change of values and commitment. In short, environmental problems raise fundamental questions of ethics and philosophy. This course seeks to provide a systematic introduction to those questions.

Philosophy and Religion 510: Global Justice
Open to Uppers and Seniors. What is justice? What is the meaning and worth of calls to fight injustice and to strive to make the world more just? What does the search to understand and promote justice entail in our increasingly interconnected world? Human population growth, environmental degradation, imbalances between rich and poor countries, the activities and influence of multinational corporations, civil and international war, transnational crime, terrorism, and cultural imperialism: all these present important ethical and political challenges. What principles, practices, and institutions hold the most promise for securing a desirable future? Through reading, writing, research, presentations, and discussion, participants will work together to develop a deeper understanding of a variety of ways these questions can be thoughtfully and effectively addressed. Texts will include One World: The Ethics of Globalization, by Peter Singer, and Globalization and the Challenges of the New Century, edited by O’Meara, Mehlinger, and Krain.