Course Info: NS-0132
Course | NS-0132 Sustainable Water Use/Reuse |
Long Title | Integrated Sciences: Sustainable Water Use/Reuse |
Term | 2017F |
Note(s) |
Satisfies Distribution Textbook information |
Meeting Info | Cole Science Center 333 on M,W,F from 9:00-10:20 |
Faculty | Christina Cianfrani |
Capacity | 15 |
Available | 4 |
Waitlist | 0 |
Distribution(s) |
Physical and Biological Sciences |
Cumulative Skill(s) | Quantitative Skills |
Additional Info | In this course students are generally expected to spend at least 6 to 8 hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time. |
Description | This course is part of an integrated science learning experience combining water resources, mathematical modeling and microbiology using the Hampshire College Kern Center, built to the Living Building Challenge Standard, as a case study. Students met twice a week to explore the science behind the water systems of the living building. Once a week all three classes (NS132, NS140 and NS156) met to complete interdisciplinary projects, share expertise, and form a collaborative science learning community. Students read and shared primary literature and worked collaboratively on projects. We learned about the campus living building both in the classroom and in the field. Students enrolled in NS132, "Sustainable Water Use/Reuse," focused on the "Net Zero" water systems within the Kern Center Living Building. We explored the cycling of greywater through the wetland systems within the building using a systems approach. We learned methods for measuring water quality and quantity. Basic topics included the hydrologic cycle, biogeochemical cycles, greywater recycling, and stormwater reuse. Students in this class were required to complete four primary literature reviews, weekly reading responses and activities, and major collaborative group projects related to system modeling: 1) Modeling Lab; 2) Mesocosm Lab; and 3) Final Systems Synthesis Poster and Video. |