Integrated Science and Technology (ISAT)

A conceptual and descriptive scientific understanding of critical Earth systems and natural resources as they pertain to applied environmental and sustainability management. The course is intended to provide an integrative introductory foundation of knowledge, terminology, models and concepts with respect to the physical, biological and ecological processes that govern life on Earth; to explore the limits that these processes pose for human natural resource use and recovery; and to illustrate the power of humans to disturb the dynamics that support a living planet.

An introduction to the basic principles of project management and key processes including initiating, planning and scheduling a project. The course also explores work collaboration in cross-cultural environments and international settings, where interpersonal communication, organizational cultures and societal norms can affect productive and collegial project collaboration. Important cultural competencies are explained and practiced. The class is conducted in a blended learning environment that incorporates online tutorials, group work, seminar discussions and guided learning exercises. Taught in Malta.

This course introduces the student to the fundamental concepts of applied interdisciplinary science and technology and the methodologies required for using an integrated problem-solving approach in the technical area.

The course is intended to improve the quantitative skills of certain graduate students. Basic mathematical functions and techniques are reviewed, and linear systems topics and numerical analysis techniques introduced. The course meets in tutorial sessions for lectures, discussion and recitation. Does not satisfy graduation requirements for MS ISAT students.

Industrial ecology, the science of sustainability, seeks to encourage the development of a sustainable industrial society. This course introduces and examines this relatively new field of inquiry and practice. The course addresses various practical topics which are associated with industrial ecology, including life cycle assessment, design for environment and environmentally conscious manufacturing. There are additional requirements for graduate students beyond those for undergraduate students enrolled in this dual-level course.

This course provides an interdisciplinary study of complex system operation and failure focusing on real-world critical infrastructure (e.g., energy, telecommunications, health) systems functionality and problems. Based on known threats and hazards, cascading failures that can result in unexpected catastrophes are analyzed. Risk concepts and management strategies are examined.

An in-depth exploration of a complex, existing real-world problem using formal case study analysis. Designed to illustrate the interdisciplinary nature of difficult problems and to foster integrated problem-solving through the application of systems thinking and structured problem analysis techniques. Course is taught in a discussion and seminar format.

This course focuses on the exploration and analysis of case studies in the development of sustainable energy policies and practices around the world, including renewable and non-renewable energy sources and conservation practices. Connections of energy sustainability to other key areas, such as water, air and waste, agriculture and food and coastal resources will be emphasized. Offered in Malta.

This course focuses on the exploration and analysis of case studies in the development of sustainable air and waste policies and practices around the world, including air pollution abatement, waste disposal and the interconnection of air and waste. Connections of air and waste sustainability to other key areas, such as water, energy, agriculture and food and coastal resources will be emphasized. Offered in Malta.

This course focuses on the exploration and analysis of case studies in the development of sustainable agriculture and food security policies and practices around the world, including food safety and land use. Connections of agricultural sustainability to other key areas, such as water, energy, air and waste and coastal resources will be emphasized. Offered in Malta.

This course focuses on the exploration and analysis of case studies in the development of sustainable water policies and practices around the world, including potable water supply and production and water pollution. Connections of water sustainability to other key areas, such as agriculture and food, energy, air and waste and coastal resources will be emphasized. Offered in Malta.

An exploration of biodiversity conservation as an essential element of sustainability. Reviews current state of biodiversity worldwide, highlighting patterns and trends in relation to genetic, species and ecosystem diversity. Options for mitigating the driving forces of biodiversity loss are critically discussed in terms of their feasibility, including the fundamental conservation biology principles that underpin conservation initiatives. In situ and ex situ conservation options, as well as planning strategies for terrestrial and aquatic/marine ecosystems, are addressed. Offered in Malta.

Processes, principles, tools, models and techniques for designing interactions between humans and digital products and systems. Students will learn through directed reading, design exercises, heuristic design evaluations and empirical studies of designs.

This course will allow graduate and advanced undergraduate students to undertake intensive study of selected topics that are of special interest. May be repeated when content changes.

Critical perspectives on the economic and political systems as they affect scientific research and technological activity in the U.S. and the world. Case studies of major public policy debates involving science and technology. Identifying institutional players and their value commitments, describing political relationships among players, and designing dynamic solutions to social context dilemmas.

As the first course in a two-course sequence, this course is an introduction to defining principles of environmental management and sustainability in the context of complex coupled social-ecological systems (SES) and the interdependence of people and nature at a variety of nested scales. Through examples, students analyze interactions between humans and their landscapes over time using different SES frameworks and related concepts, including planetary boundaries, resilience, robustness, ecosystem services and panarchy. The crucial role of personal ethical decision-making frameworks will be further analyzed, exploring the moral dimensions of a number of sustainability-related decision-making situations.

As the second course in a two-course sequence, this course continues to work through defining principles of environmental management and sustainability in the context of complex coupled social-ecological systems (SES) and the interdependence of people and nature at a variety of nested scales. Through continuing examples, students analyze interactions between humans and their landscapes over time using different SES frameworks and related concepts, including planetary boundaries, resilience, robustness, ecosystem services and panarchy. Personal ethical decision-making frameworks will be further analyzed, continuing to explore the moral dimensions of several sustainability-related decision-making situations.

This course introduces students to the basic principles of international and national environmental law, policy and regulation as it pertains to sustainability. Critical distinctions in environmental policy and sustainability policy are made, and the issues of governance for each are explored. Common problem domains of law and policy are explored, including externalities and pollution, common pool resources and resource overharvest, and biodiversity loss and landscape functioning. Transboundary environmental problems are addressed in depth.

This unit introduces the science of systems modeling, as practiced in the field of system dynamics. Students will learn how to apply causal feedback analysis in order to describe problems and challenges in sustainability using the language and tools of system dynamics. Students will learn how to develop and evaluate a dynamic hypothesis for the dynamic behavior of a system over time, with applications taken from fisheries, farming practices, economics and climate change. Students will also be introduced to stock and flow modeling as a method for accounting for system states, inertia and delays in system behavior.

This course focuses on the interactions of human and physical environments and is framed around the urgency of global challenges that arise from these interactions. Beginning with an examination of the origins of and implications for the perceived separation of humans and nature, the course employs case studies to scale resource identification and use, environmental and human vulnerability, and how these may impact technological designs and the potential for impact on human and natural systems. Discussions of sustainability include underrepresented and marginalized human communities. The analysis of political and economic power in globalized settings provides frameworks and tools related to environmental justice, social justice and economic equity. Qualitative analytical skills are emphasized.

Use of simulation tools to understand and optimize commonly occurring systems in the concentration areas. Development of simulation models, validation of models and use of models to aid decision making. Topics include: applicability and limitations of simulation models; the model-building process; discrete-event models; dynamic models; deterministic and stochastic models; system optimization and validation.

This course develops the skills and conceptual framework that enable students to become effective practitioners in the use of data to solve practical problems. The topics will include specialized analytical methods and techniques such as exploratory data analysis, data wrangling, descriptive statistics, time series analysis, modeling and simulation, machine learning, regression, classification, hypothesis testing, and data visualization. Students complete structured instructional modules focused on methods of collecting, analyzing and interpreting data relevant to fields in integrated science and technology. Skills for data exploration, analysis and project management will be developed through analysis of real-world datasets.

This course focuses on the acquisition, representation, storage, retrieval and distribution of data, information and knowledge from both a historical and contemporary perspective. It places special emphasis on IKM technology in science and technology and the information economy, the management of data, information and knowledge as critical enterprise assets. Students will study computer systems as tools for information and knowledge management and examine ethical, legal and social issues in the management of data, information and knowledge, including intellectual property, privacy and security.

This course develops the skills and conceptual framework for students to be able to effectively gather and use spatial data across a range of disciplines in science and technology. It focuses on the use of geographic information systems (GIS), including remote sensing, for analysis and decision support. Students gain skills in the use of GIS and learn about the social and ethical dimensions of its practice. Spatial problem-solving is conducted in a variety of areas, such as land use, energy, transportation, manufacturing, health, agriculture and natural resources.

The course will introduce the policy process affecting regulation and deregulation of various industries. Study of the theory behind and the institutional forms of regulation will be supplemented by case studies of specific industries. The course will also look at international politics and trade as they affect regulatory regimes globally.

This course will introduce students to methods, tools and techniques for effective management of technology development and application including management of technology within a company; R&D management; Test and Evaluation procedures and metrics; investment strategies; intellectual property issues; fostering entrepreneurialism; managing innovation; and technology transfer. The course will also address managing technology as a tool, e.g., equipment modernization.

This course will introduce students to the theory and methods of technology assessment and transfer. Students will apply techniques such as risk analysis, cost-benefit analysis, forecasting, trend impact analysis and technology sequence analysis to assess the impacts of new technologies on society. In addition, students will study the process of technology innovation, diffusion and transfer in the context of both developed and developing nations.

This course is centered around field experiences at one or more sites in the US and abroad. Selected sites provide the student with opportunities to observe systems described across the curriculum in situ and apply quantitative and qualitative methodology fieldwork in the US and abroad. Site work combines lectures, hands-on projects and analytical presentations. This experience reinforces techniques learned and developed across the program course content applied to experiences and applications in the field.

This course examines the organizational and technological foundations of information systems in a production operations setting. Topics include selecting and implementing tools and systems, database management, information integration, production planning and execution systems, supply chain integration and management, and managing system security.

This course will make students aware of the global nature of scientific and technological decision-making and sensitive to the impact of culture on science and technology issues. The research and development system of the United States is placed in a global context. A comparative study of the R&D systems around the world is done. International technical issues, where solutions transcend political boundaries, are covered.

This course is the first course of a two-course, four-credit sequence addressing the use of energy, water and air resources, focusing on the role of these resources in environmental, social and economic systems, together with pressures and impacts exerted through their use and related remediation tools. The units will together provide students with a comprehensive understanding of methodologies and technologies in these various sectors and of cross-sectorial linkages.

This course is the second course of a two-course, four-credit sequence addressing the use of energy, water and air resources, focusing on the role of these resources in environmental, social and economic systems, together with pressures and impacts exerted through their use and related remediation tools. The units will together provide students with a comprehensive understanding of methodologies and technologies in these various sectors and of cross-sectorial linkages.

This course is the first of a two-course, four-credit sequence that will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of concepts and methodologies related to industrial ecology and sustainable industrial systems. In this course, students will be introduced to materials and common industrial systems and will explore the relationships between industry and environmental systems, including climate change. Social and economic dimensions of industrial sustainability will also be discussed. Students will then be introduced to fundamental concepts of industrial ecology, including industrial metabolism and the ecological metaphor. Aspects of sustainable engineering, risk assessment and risk management will also be discussed. The unit will also introduce students to the methodology of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The unit content will be directly linked to field trips to relevant industrial partners in the US.

This course is the second of a two-course, four-credit sequence that will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of concepts and methodologies related to industrial ecology and sustainable industrial systems. In this course, students will build on their understanding of industrial sustainability to explore in more detail sustainability tools and methodologies that are relevant to industry. In particular, students will explore methodologies for carrying out a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and will obtain a detailed understanding of the four main stages of the process. Students will also be introduced to principles of green manufacturing and green supply chains, as well as exploring aspects of sustainable product development, product recovery management and resource-saving opportunities in the industry. Other relevant metrics and assessment tools, such as environmental risk assessment and energy audits, will also be covered. Climate change will be considered as a cross-cutting theme. The unit content will be directly linked to field trips to relevant industrial partners in Malta.

This course is the first course of a two-course, four-credit sequence in which students will consider different concepts of the term biodiversity and different methods for measuring biodiversity. Global spatial and temporal patterns of biodiversity will be explored, including an overview of the world's major biomes. The relevance of scale to an understanding of biodiversity patterns will be discussed. The unit will further discuss the importance of consumptive and non-consumptive values of biodiversity and associated ecosystem services, as well as introducing major contemporary direct and indirect threats to biodiversity, including climate change. Different methods employed for conserving biodiversity will then be introduced, with emphasis on the conservation of forest, grassland and stream environments, to be explored through case studies and related field trips. The role of protected areas for in situ conservation will also be introduced, including US federal protected areas (wilderness areas, national monuments, national parks), agricultural land easements and restoration projects in built environments.

This course is the second of a two-course, four-credit sequence in which students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the science of biodiversity and its conservation and build on the foundational knowledge acquired throughout the first semester. This course will introduce taxonomy and systematics and its critical role in furthering our understanding of biodiversity and evolutionary dynamics. The unit will also explore core theory and principles of biogeography (with emphasis on island biogeography) and population ecology, community ecology and landscape ecology. The unit will then focus on understanding how this science is translated into practical ecosystem management and conservation planning and management decisions, including critical discussion of the cultural and ethical dimensions of such decisions and of contentious issues in conservation, including processes of conservation triage, rewilding and de-extinction. Methods for conserving biodiversity will also be discussed, with a specific focus on the conservation of marine and coastal environments, to be explored through case studies and related field trips. The unit will also continue to explore the role of protected areas as a conservation tool, focusing in particular on the European Natura 2000 network and on Marine Protected Areas.

This course is the first of a two-course, four-credit sequence that will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the challenge of meeting a growing global demand for food while remaining within the boundaries of environmental systems. In this first course, the students will first focus on soil as a key element in regenerative agricultural systems through an introduction to relevant aspects of soil science, focusing on soil types, soil biology and related management practices in the United States. Students will then be introduced to different types of agriculture and agricultural systems. An overview of present dominant food production methods will be provided, specifically monoculture and chemically-based agriculture systems and related issues such as corporate control of seed and mechanization. Options for regenerative agriculture are then examined, exploring ways to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem services while maintaining production. The unit will thus familiarize students with the differences between conventional and regenerative agricultural approaches, and with their respective roles with respect to climate change impacts, mitigation and adaptation. Relevant aspects of US agricultural policy will also be outlined. The unit content will be linked to a variety of field trips and will be further supplemented through interactions with relevant stakeholders in the sector.

This course is the second of a two-course, four-credit sequence that will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the challenge of meeting a growing global demand for food while remaining within the boundaries of environmental systems. The two courses will together provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the challenge of meeting a growing global demand for food while remaining within the boundaries of environmental systems. In this second course, students will build on the concepts introduced to explore in further detail the various challenges of managing soil to ensure regenerative agricultural systems, with a particular focus on Maltese soils and related management practices. Specific focus will be given to soil pollution and remediation techniques. Students will also explore a range of alternative agricultural production systems, in addition to those already introduced in the first semester, focusing on approaches suited to small-scale settings, including hydroponics and urban agricultural systems. Food production will also be discussed in the context of wider food security and land management challenges, particularly within a small island state setup. The unit will also introduce relevant aspects of European agricultural policy. The unit content will be linked to a variety of field trips and will be further supplemented through interactions with relevant stakeholders in the sector.

Opportunity for supervised reading and research in areas of special interest to the student. Reading and research may be done only in the major field of study.

The capstone project provides students with the opportunity to undertake a directed project at the master's level, applying both theoretical content and skills learned throughout the course of study to implement a project that has relevance within the field of study. Based on the guidance of the program coordinators, students will select a capstone topic within a subject area of particular interest to them (provided that appropriate expertise for supervision is available). Coupled with coursework that is part of the program of study, students will apply elements of project management and analytical knowledge to individual and/or group projects.

The course prepares students for planning and completing their master's thesis. Topics include problem definition, research question, literature review, research methods and thesis planning process. All students draft a thesis proposal. The course must be completed within the first 12 credit hours of the student's program of study.

Continued preparation in anticipation of the comprehensive examination. Course may be repeated as necessary.

Continued study, research and writing effort on the thesis or capstone project. Continuance credits carry no credit hour production and do not count toward graduate program requirements. Students who have registered for six hours of thesis/project credit but have not finished must be enrolled in this course each semester until the completed thesis/project has been approved by the student's committee. May be repeated as needed.

The thesis provides students with the opportunity to undertake an independent research project at the master's level, applying both theoretical content and skills learned throughout the course to propose and implement a project that has practical relevance within the field of study. Based on the guidance of the program coordinators, students will select a research topic within a subject area of particular interest to them (provided that appropriate expertise for supervision is available). Coupled with coursework that is part of the program of study, students will apply elements of project management and basic statistical analysis to their individual projects.