No engineering background needed! STAS and DIV course with no prerequisites needed. This course is designed for students that are passionate about the environment and
sustainability. It will give students diverse background in policy, economy, law and
is suited for students interested in exploring legislation and public health.
This course is planned to be asynchronous online over the summer session and is available
for current SBU students, incoming freshmen, any undergraduate/graduate students outside Stony Brook, and current High School Students. Registration information below.
Meet Your Instructor
Dr. Alexander Orlov is a Professor of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering and a faculty member
of the Consortium for Interdisciplinary Environmental Research, an affiliate faculty
of the Chemistry Department and the Institute for Advanced Computational Science at
Stony Brook University. Dr. Orlov's principal research and teaching activities are in the development of novel materials for energy generation, structural applications
and environmental protection. He is contributing to work of the United Nations Environmental Program, being the
lead author for the Global Environmental Outlook (GEO) report and reviewer of GEO
and IPCC reports, and to activities of the UK Parliamentary and Scientific Committee.
From 2007 to 2014 he was appointed by two UK Secretary of States for Environment,
Food and Rural Affairs to advise the Government on environmental issues such as hazardous
substances and environmental impact of nanotechnology.
Dr. Orlov discussing his current research on sustainable materials.
Course Structure
Module 1-3: Introduction to environmental science, engineering and sustainable development. Human health, economics,
and social aspects.
Module 5-6: Water pollution and tools to improve water quality. Technological, political and social
considerations.
Module 7-8: Air pollution and tools to improve air quality. Social, technological and political barriers.
Module 9: Introduction to soil contamination: scientific, technological, equity and social aspects.
Module 10: Impact of technological progress and environmental issues on underrepresented groups and
vulnerable communities.
Module 11-12: Preventing pollution and improving the bottom line: social, economic and technology solutions.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the course students will be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge of basic concepts of environmental pollution, available technological
solutions for prevention/remediation of environmental damage using simple quantitative
and qualitative methods.
Apply concepts and tools to understand the interdependence between science/technology
and humanities/social sciences to solve environmental challenges (STAS).
Define the connection between human health and environment, and the perpetuation of
the dynamics of power and oppression have impacted historically underrepresented groups. (DIV, STAS).
Define how individuals and businesses can become more sustainable in their decision
making to understand and ultimately change how the technological, psychological, economic,
and legal barriers can be changed to prioritize inclusiveness and sustainability (DIV, STAS)
Critically reflect upon how one’s own personal and cultural presuppositions in terms
of consumer and sustainability choices affect one’s values and relationships (DIV).
Course Description
The course explores past and current engineering progress to promote sustainability
for humans on our only planet. The lectures will blend introductory concepts of environmental
science, engineering, social sciences, economics, and health together to understand
how sustainability is an integral part across all these disciplines. The course will
explore intergenerational sustainability as a pivotal approach for the survival of
human societies. An emphasis will be placed on interpreting graphs and data to understand
how historically underrepresented groups have suffered negative health and economic
consequences due to unsustainable planning of infrastructure. This course will illustrate
concepts of novel and sustainable technologies for improving water systems, air quality,
and waste. We will reflect on personal and cultural presumptions to understand the
limitations of technological approaches as political, social, and economic barriers
are often more significant than the engineering challenges. This course will be offered
asynchronously online and is suitable for engineering, science, humanities, and social
science majors.
How to Register
Find ESM 121: Better Planet By Design listed on the Summer Course page on the Stony Brook University Website here. If you are currently enrolled as a Stony Brook University Student, you can find
this course and register in SOLAR.
If you are an incoming freshmen or an incoming transferand would like to take this online asynchronous course, you can follow the instructions to register for the class here.
If you are a Undergraduate/Graduate Student not enrolled in Stony Brook you can enroll as a visiting student by creating an account here. More information can be found here.
If you are a High School Student that is completing your junior or senior year you can register for this course as a visiting student. Find out more information here.
The course will be taking place during Summer Session 1 - May 27 - July 5, 2025
Steps to Enroll for High School Students - Summer 2025
Allow (3-5) business days for processing. You will be sent a Stony Brook ID Number and registration instructions.
If you are under 18 years of age, submit the Financial Responsibility and Parental Consent Form to Stony Brook's Office of Student Accounts by mail, fax, e-mail. This form must
be submitted before the first day of classes.
When you have completed your course work, you can order an official transcript. Please wait until grades have been posted to your SOLAR Account before placing the
order.
The registration deadlineto enroll in the Summer 2025 session is currently May 9th, 2025. Spots may be limited so please register as soon as possible to secure your spot!
Approximate Tuition Costs for Summer Session
NYS Resident Undergraduate for 3 credit course - $1,213.35
Out of State Resident Undergraduate for 3 credit course - $3,685.35
