For the social sphere, I took a course called resources, society, and the environment. This class focused on the interactions between physical systems and human activities, and the effects of those activities on environmental quality and sustainability. I was able to learn in-depth topics such as geography of population and resource consumption, food production, water and air quality, energy policy and land resource management.
Although this course was primarily lectures, I enjoyed every class because of the array of topics that we were covering. The professor made sure to keep things interesting with interesting graphics and by asking questions and calling on random students frequently. I am grateful that he did this because it made me focus more both in class and in the readings in case it was my name that was called.
I now have a greater comprehension of the role of science in informing social policy decision-making, environmental conflict resolution, and overall sustainability. Encompassed within this, this course is what made me start to recognize the importance of balancing the community and the greater common good with individual needs and goals. As well as the appreciation for the vast diversity of life and the interactions among the ecosphere to achieve sustainability. Since I took this course early on in my academic career, I was able to use this newfound revelation and apply it to my other classes both within and outside of the certificate program.