Climate Change Solutions, Minor

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Anthropogenic climate change is arguably the most pressing issue facing humanity and the natural systems that sustain life on Earth. This minor, which complements any major, allows students to apply their particular intellectual and topical interests to the field of climate change.

Total Credits for the Minor: 15-16

A minimum of one-third of the required credits must be earned at UMF for a minor to be awarded.

Required course (3 credits):

ANT 265 - Climate Change and Society Credits: 3
or
GEO 265 - Climate Change and Society Credits: 3

One required science elective (3-4 credits):

BIO 110 - Introductory Biology Credits: 4
Topic: Ecology and Environment
Topic: Global Change Ecology
* BIO 141 - The Living Earth: Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity Credits: 4
GEY 141 - Dynamic Earth: Environment and Economy Credits: 4
* GEY 401 - Climate Change Past and Present Credits: 3

Select three other electives (minimum 9 credits):

ANT 240 - Environmental Justice Credits: 3
ANT 245 - The Anthropocene: Age of Humans Credits: 3
BUS 101 - Business, Society and Sustainability Credits: 3
* ECO 228 - Environmental and Natural Resource Economics Credits: 3
ENV 110 - Introductory Environmental Science Credits: 4
Topic: Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
* ENV 294 - Forest Ecology and Conservation Credits: 4
or
* BIO 294 - Forest Ecology and Conservation Credits: 4
EPP 131 - Conservation and Environment Credits: 3
or
GEO 131 - Conservation and Environment Credits: 3
EPP 221 - Documentary Photography: Social and Environmental Storytelling Credits: 3
or
GEO 221 - Documentary Photography: Social and Environmental Storytelling Credits: 3
EPP 231 - Environmental Issues Credits: 3
or
GEO 231 - Environmental Issues Credits: 3
EPP 260 - Sustainable Tourism Credits: 3
or
GEO 260 - Sustainable Tourism Credits: 3
EPP 280 - Climate Justice and Adaptation Credits: 3
or
GEO 280 - Climate Justice and Adaptation Credits: 3
EPP 320 - Environment, Economy, Society Credits: 3
or
GEO 320 - Environment, Economy, Society Credits: 3
* GEY 402 - Critical Minerals for Society Credits: 3
* GEY 404 - Biogeochemical Cycles Credits: 3
or
* CHY 404 - Biogeochemical Cycles Credits: 3
HEA 210 - Environmental Health Credits: 3
HEA 245 - Nutrition and Ecological Concerns Credits: 3
POS 220 - Environmental Politics Credits: 3
POS 290 - The Global Politics of Climate Change Credits: 3
PSY 234 - Ecopsychology Credits: 3
*Starred courses have prerequisites not included in the minor requirements.

Learning Goals and Assessment Criteria

Learning Goals:

To learn the basic concepts and dynamics of the climate system.
To understand the intersectional nature of climate change and the diverse social, cultural and human perspectives across time and space.
To consider the challenges to mitigate damages and adapt to the effects of anthropogenic climate change.
To compare and contrast the diverse range of potential climate solutions.

Assessment Criteria:

Integrate concepts and dynamics of climate change into class discussions, field and lab exercises, and various assignments.
Understand and critically evaluate academic scholarship focused on the human dimensions of climate change.
Design and implement original research to explore the causes and potential solutions to the climate change dilemma.
Develop professional skills in writing, oral presentations, individual research, and group projects.