Course Syllabus
Contact Information
Course Details
For a list of course activities, scroll to the bottom of this page.
Course Description
The first aim of the course is to develop a quantitative understanding of the holistic aspects related to human well-being, which includes economic, societal, as well as environmental aspects. Understanding will be the basis for developing a definition of sustainability, and for quantifying the reasons that have contributed, and perhaps continue to contribute, to unsustainable development. The quantitative understanding will also be essential for appreciating that achieving sustainability requires compromises.
The second aim of the course is to develop the technical ability to quantify the footprint of a process and/or that of a product, taking into consideration the life cycle of such processes and products. Commonly established practices will be compared, to identify benefits and weaknesses in existing assessment methods.
The third aim of the course is to identify possible approaches for achieving sustainable development. This ranges from policies to innovative engineering practices, from changes in the design of a process to engineering the surroundings where a process is to be developed, taking into consideration the resources offered by the environment and its ability to absorb emissions from the process. Discussions will also include the possibility of changing product design principles so that to improve sustainability.
The fourth and final aim of the course is to master the ability to discuss proficiently the topics above and to put them quantitatively in the perspective of chemical process engineering, which means relating the general concepts to grand challenges as identified by the 16 sustainable development goals put forward by the United Nations.
Mastering these four aims, the students graduating from this course are expected to be able to integrate their knowledge with that offered in companies in the energy and materials sectors, as well as with the public at large, towards identifying solutions for the continuous improvement of processes and products.
Course Prerequisites
This course does not have prerequisites other than being a good-standing student enrolled in the MS in Sustainability.
Some knowledge on the following topics will be beneficial, but not essential:
- Use Aspen Plus to design unit operations and chemical processes
- Use Excel or other computational software to model physical and chemical processes
- Carry out material and energy balances on unit operations and chemical processes.
All of us can always benefit from a review of these concepts.
If you ever find that you have concerns about key topics or skills that were addressed in a prerequisite, do not hesitate to reach out to me. I am happy to provide you with resources so that you may review these concepts and feel more prepared for this course.
Course Materials
This course will refer to the material presented in the textbook
- Sustainable Engineering: Principles and Practice, Bhavik R. Bakshi, Cambridge University Press, 2019.
This book is recommended and it will be used extensively during the course.
We will also use material from other books and material from the current literature. For example, we will use:
- Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the way we make things, W.McDonough & M. Braungart, North Point Press, 2014.
- Fact and Fiction in Global Energy Policy, B.K. Sovacool, M.A. Brown, S.V. Valentine, Johns Hopkins University Press, 2016.
- How Bad Are Bananas? The Carbon Footprint of Everything, Mike Berners-Lee, Crestone Books, 2011.
Additional material from multiple open-access sources, as well as primary sources available through the OU Libraries, will be employed throughout the semester. This material will be provided via Canvas. Students are encouraged to conduct independent reading and to take advantage of the resources available at the OU Libraries.
We will use the following open-source software for some calculations and demonstrations
Please download this software to your PC, and try to become familiar with it. Note that this software only works on PC. We will use it for some homework. The software will also be available in the computer lab, but please do not wait until the last minute to complete the relevant activities using the software. Things always go wrong.
Grades
Breakdown
| Activity | Description | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Participation | Pre-session questions from the discussion board Join Live Session in real-time or watch the recording and do the makeup assignment |
4% |
| Midterms | 2 Midterms. Each midterm is worth 18% | 36% |
| Group Project | The project is meant to bring together various aspects of the material learned during the course. The grading is based on a rubric. | 20% |
| Individual Presentation | The presentation is meant to probe the individual research conducted by the student. The teacher will give some initial suggestions. | 5% |
| Debates | The students will explore current topics, for example, the introduction of electric vehicles, the use of hydrogen, and the recycling of plastics. The debates will be organized in groups of 4-6 students, who will argue opposing points of view. | 7% |
| Homework | Seven sets of homework will be completed, each worth 4% | 28% |
| Total | 100% |
Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 90–100% | A |
| 80–89% | B |
| 70–79% | C |
| 60–69% | D |
| Below 60% | F |
Course Components
Participation
- Pre-session questions from the discussion board
- Join Live Session in real-time or watch the recording and do the makeup assignment.
Midterm Exams
There will be two midterm exams. The questions are related to the first part of the course material covered for exam 1 and the second part of the course material covered for exam 2. The homework sets will be useful in preparation for the midterm.
Group Project
The project is meant to bring together various aspects of the material learned during the course. The grading is based on a rubric.
Individual Presentation
Grading will be based on a rubric. The presentation is meant to probe the individual research conducted by the student. The teacher will give some initial suggestions.
Debates
Grading is based on rubrics. The students will explore current topics, for example, the introduction of electric vehicles, the use of hydrogen, and the recycling of plastics. The debates will be organized in groups of 4-6 students, who will argue opposing points of view.
Homeworks
Each homework set will probe the material covered in the lectures. There will be seven sets of homeworks.
Course Policies
Communication
There is ample opportunity within our course for academic debate, disagreement, compromise, and for us to change our minds.
In order for this to be a productive dialogue, which will promote effective learning, I ask that we all:
· Recognize that we are entering into this space with different experiences and understandings.
· Use reasoned arguments that are supported by reputable resources.
· Practice truly listening to one another.
· Ask questions for clarification.
· Provide and receive feedback with grace.
· Respect the privacy of those sharing. We are all learning together, and it’s important that we take from here what we have learned. Please respect that people may share how the topics in this course have impacted their personal lives and also that people may make mistakes while they learn.
· If something is said or done in these dialogues that prohibits you from being able to participate in this class, I ask that you reach out to me directly. You may also choose to use other resources on campus, such as reporting through the 24-Hour Reporting Hotline (call at 844-428-6531). This hotline can be used to report bias, discrimination, physical or mental harassment or misconduct by OU community members.
Feedback
We will do our best to guve you feedback within a week after you submit your pieces of homework.
Late Policy
The general policy is that no late work will be accepted for grades. However, we understand that life is unpredictable. If anything comes up that prevents you from completing your assignments, do get in touch with us and explain the situation. We will try working something out, being fair to the other students enrolled in the class.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the most common form of academic misconduct at OU. There is basically no college-level assignment that can be satisfactorily completed by copying. OU's basic assumption about writing is that all written assignments show the student's own understanding in the student's own words. That means all writing assignments, in class or out, are assumed to be composed entirely of words generated (not simply found) by the student, except where words written by someone else are specifically marked as such with proper citation. Including other people's words in your paper is helpful when you do it honestly and correctly. When you don't, it's plagiarism.
For more information about plagiarism, watch this video and then take this short course offered by University Libraries.
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Land Acknowledgement
Long before the University of Oklahoma was established, the land on which the University now resides was the traditional home of the “Hasinais” Caddo Nation and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes.
We acknowledge this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa and Osage nations. Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Native people.
The University of Oklahoma recognizes the historical connection our university has with its indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgment is aligned with our university’s core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up our entire OU Community.
Course Catalog
Search the OU Course Catalog.
Student Handbook
Please familiarize yourself with the OU Student Handbook.
Student Support Services
OU offers a variety of services to support students. For more information, please refer to the Student Support Module in your Orientation course.
Online Library
Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.
Copyright Statement and Privacy Information
Sessions of this course may be recorded or live-streamed. These recordings are the intellectual property of the individual faculty member and may not be shared or reproduced without the explicit, written consent of the faculty member. In addition, the privacy rights of others such as students, guest lecturers, and providers of copyrighted material displayed in the recording may be of concern. Students may not share any course recordings with individuals not enrolled in the class or upload them to any other online environment.
Academic Integrity
As a member of the OU community, it is your responsibility to protect your educational investment by knowing and following the rules. The Student Code is available from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and is contained in the Student's Guide to Academic Integrity.
Academic honesty is incredibly important in this course. Cheating is strictly prohibited at the University of Oklahoma because it devalues the degree you are working hard to get. Should you know of someone else engaging in academic misconduct, please report it to your instructor or directly to the Office of Academic Integrity. Your instructor has a professional obligation to report academic misconduct.
In addition to the course conduct policies outlined by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook.
Religious Observance
It is the policy of the University to excuse the absences of students that result from religious observances and to reschedule examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays, without penalty. [See Faculty Handbook 3.15.2].
Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities
The Accessibility and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is committed to supporting students with disabilities to ensure that they can enjoy equal access to all components of their education. This includes your academics, housing, and community events. Please review OU's Accessibility Policy.
If you are experiencing a disability or a mental/medical health condition that has a significant impact on one or more life functions, you can receive accommodations to provide equal access. Possible disabilities include but are not limited to learning disabilities, AD(H)D, mental health, and chronic health. Additionally, we support students with temporary medical conditions (broken wrist, shoulder surgery, etc.) and pregnancy.
To discuss potential accommodations, please contact the ADRC at 730 College Avenue, (phone) 405-325-3852, or adrc@ou.edu.
Title IX Resources
For any concerns regarding gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, stalking, or intimate partner violence, the University offers a variety of resources, including advocates on-call 24/7, counseling services, mutual no-contact orders, scheduling adjustments, and disciplinary sanctions against the perpetrator. To learn more or to report an incident, please contact the Institutional Equity Office (M-F, from 8-5, at 405-325-3546) or OU Advocates (available 24/7 at 405-615-0013).
Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth-Related Issues
Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact your instructor as soon as possible to discuss your options. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability. Learn more about the rights of pregnant and parenting students by consulting the FAQ sheets provided by the Institutional Equity Office.
Mental Health Support Services
If you are experiencing any mental health issues that are impacting your academic performance, counseling is available at the University Counseling Center (UCC). The Center is located on the second floor of the Goddard Health Center, at 620 Elm Rm. 201, Norman, OK 73019. To schedule an appointment, call 405-325-2911. For more information, please visit the University Counseling Center.
Final Exam Preparation Period
Pre-finals week will be defined as the seven calendar days before the first day of finals. Faculty may cover new course material throughout this week. For specific provisions of the policy please refer to OU's Final Exam Preparation Period policy.
Required Policies for Students On Campus
Emergency Protocol
During an emergency, there are official university procedures that will maximize your safety.
Severe Weather: If you receive an OU Alert to seek refuge or hear a tornado siren that signals severe weather:
- Look for severe weather refuge location maps located inside most OU buildings near the entrances
- Seek refuge inside a building. Do not leave one building to seek shelter in another building that you deem safer. If outside, get into the nearest building.
- Go to the building’s severe weather refuge location. If you do not know where that is, go to the lowest level possible and seek refuge in the innermost room. Avoid outside doors and windows.
- Get in, Get Down, Cover Up.
- Wait for official notice to resume normal activities.
Additional information about severe weather preparedness is available through the Department of Campus Safety's Emergency Management Division.
OU-Norman Campus: Tornado Refuge Protocol
Severe Weather Preparedness Video
Armed Subject/Campus Intruder
If you receive an OU Alert to shelter-in-place due to an active shooter or armed intruder situation or you hear what you perceive to be gunshots:
- Avoid: If you believe you can get out of the area without encountering the armed individual, move quickly towards the nearest building exit, move away from the building, and call 911.
- Deny: If you cannot flee, move to an area that can be locked or barricaded, turn off lights, silence devices, spread out, and formulate a plan of attack if the shooter enters the room.
- Defend: As a last resort fight to defend yourself. For more information, visit:
OU's Emergency Preparedness site
Shots Fire on Campus Procedure
Fire Alarm/General Emergency
If you receive an OU Alert that there is danger inside or near the building, or the fire alarm inside the building activates:
- Leave the building. Do not use the elevators.
- Know at least two building exits.
- Assist those who may need help.
- Proceed to the emergency assembly area.
- Once safely outside, Notify first responders of anyone who may still be inside the building due to mobility issues.
- Wait for official notice before attempting to re-enter the building.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|