UC Irvine Sustainability Learning Outcomes
UCI has identified campuswide learning outcomes to transform sustainability learning, moving beyond the level of exposing students to sustainability principles to a level of fully integrating sustainability learning into all areas of campus practice, campus life, and the operation of the University. This next level of learning outcomes engages students in the application of sustainability practice and collaboration and will help move the collective value of the institution to embrace sustainability in all aspects of what we do. This progression, building from fundamental learning outcomes to full engagement, will more fully prepare students to apply sustainability as a standard practice when they leave UCI.
Travis Huxman
Chair, UCI Faculty Task Force on Sustainability Education
Michael Dennin
Vice Provost of Teaching and Learning
Wendell Brase
Associate Chancellor, Sustainability
Sustainability Learning Outcomes
1. Understand the fundamental environmental, social, and economic issues underlying sustainability
- All UCI students are exposed to the broad issues that support sustainability through two required general education courses with learning outcomes that address the fundamental science and societal aspects of sustainability (GE II Science and Technology and GE VIII International/Global Issues)
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- Learning outcomes for GE II Science and Technology include the following:
- Demonstrate a broad understanding of the fundamental laws of science, the principles underlying the design and operation of technology, and the interrelations among science and technology disciplines;
- Demonstrate a broad understanding of various natural phenomena that surround and influence our lives;
- Describe how scientists approach and solve problems;
- Solve problems and draw conclusions based on scientific information and models, using critical thinking and qualitative and quantitative analysis of data and concepts;
- and explain the scope and limitations of scientific inquiry and the scientific method.
- Learning outcomes for GE II Science and Technology include the following:
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- Learning outcomes for GE VIII International/Global Issues include the following:
- Demonstrate specific knowledge of the cultural, historical, social, economic, scientific, and political aspects of one or more foreign countries, and the connections among these aspects;
- Develop a broader understanding of the formation of different cultures and countries through the world;
- and be prepared to engage in positive interaction with peoples of different cultures and nationalities.
- Learning outcomes for GE VIII International/Global Issues include the following:
2. Enhance the student learning experience through the integration of sustainability principles into collaborative learning, practices, and operations
- Recognize that significant societal challenges including health, energy, food, climate, and water, are addressed through interdisciplinary academic collaboration
- Experience problem solving and collaboration using the campus as a living laboratory for sustainability
- Learn to apply sustainability principles into all aspects of campus life and operations
- Experience working together with students in converging fields to foster collaboration between disciplines to arrive at solutions
3. Deepen the learning experience associated with sustainability to align with the needs of students as they leave the University
- Develop an ethos of sustainability from in-classroom and outside of classroom learning
- Learn to embrace sustainability as an everyday part of student life and leadership through the collaboration of academic sustainability learning outcomes with Student Affairs leadership learning outcomes that integrate the environmental and social aspects of sustainability. To view, click here.