Distance Learning

We are excited to let you know that the Earth Institute is offering several Spring 2013 courses online as part of the Earth Institute’s Executive Education Program in Conservation and Environmental Sustainability.

The virtual classroom offers the same quality of teaching and academic support services available on Columbia University’s main campus. The Earth Institute’s integration of online, web-based learning with proven education methodologies enhances student-to-student and faculty-to-student communication and accommodates flexible learning:

Online courses are also available for students to attend in-person.

Interested in learning more?  Contact Desmond Beirne at djb2104@columbia.edu or 212-854-0149.  For a free demonstration on how to use the webinar software, please contact Brian Kateman at bk2460@columbia.edu or 212-854-0350.

Upcoming Distance Learning Courses:

Disease Ecology
Peter Daszak, PhD, President, EcoHealth Alliance (formerly Wildlife Trust) & Adjunct Senior Research Scientist, Center for Environmental Research and Conservation (CERC), Columbia University
Mondays, Apr. 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13 (5 sessions, 6:10-8:10PM)
Sixty percent of emerging infectious diseases that affect humans originate in animals and more than two-thirds of those originate in wildlife.  Human processes that infringe upon previously uninhabited areas have the potential to profoundly affect our exposure to diseases.  Yet health assessments rarely take into account the principles of disease ecology, the interaction of the behavior and ecology of hosts with the biology of pathogens.  Gain an overview of the principles of disease ecology with an emphasis on the effect of disease on human, wildlife, domestic animal, and ecosystem health.  Explore the rise of emergent diseases as a result of various environmental factors and examine the impact of disease on biodiversity and rates of extinction.

Business Models: Strategies from Ecology and Evolution
David Meyers, PhD, Senior Analyst and Consultant, Green Ant Advisors
3 sessions: Wednesday, May 1 (6:10-8:10PM), Saturday, May 4 (10AM-4PM), &
Wednesday May 8 (6:10-8:10PM)
Business strategy and the scientific disciplines of ecology and evolution share a similar vocabulary: competition, resources, game theory, and ecosystems.  Companies and business theorists alike increasingly appreciate how natural systems provide powerful models for design, operations, and strategy.  Further your understanding of what businesses can learn from the fields of ecology and evolution.  Learn business strategy, design, and operations and explore the use of the concept of ‘business ecosystems’ and ‘adaptive imperative’ as part of an analysis of how ecological and evolutionary principles can help us address emerging sustainability challenges.

Systems and Sustainability
Jeff Potent, Adjunct Professor, School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University; Environmental Protection Specialist, United States Environmental Protection Agency
Mondays, May 20, June 3, 10, 17, 24 (5 sessions, 6:00-8:00PM)
In studying ecosystems and environmental management we are compelled by the realization that everything is connected to everything else.  Everything is part of the biosphere; the system of life on this planet.  When we impact one part of this global system there are ramifications throughout the entire system.  This understanding and appreciation of the connectedness of all things on earth was at the core of the creation of the environmental movement and formed the basis for many of the professional disciplines that evolved from this holistic vision.  John Muir, considered one of the fathers of this modern movement, observed well over a century ago that “when we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe.” Systems and Sustainability examines these broad connections to help strengthen your understanding of how the varied courses in the Earth Institute Certificate Program in Conservation and Environmental Sustainability fit together.  This course provides an introduction to systems theory to teach how systems manifest in the natural world and in human society (i.e. social and economic systems) and explores how a systems approach to problem-solving can complement more conventional analytic methods.  Gain an introduction to knowledge systems; an approach to learning and collaboration that provides a mechanism to create outcomes which are scientifically sound, relevant to the issues at hand, and respectful of the interests of all involved parties.  Learn how knowledge systems are used for sustainable development; a powerful approach to address the complex challenges associated with balancing environmental, social, and economic objectives over time.  The knowledge and perspectives explored in this course will aid you in advancing sustainability, whether it be in your own household, your community, or at the global scale.

Introduction to Environmental Policy
Caleb McClennen, PhD, Director, Marine Conservation, Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, NY and Adjunct
Tuesdays, May 14, 21, 28, June 4 (4 sessions, 6:10-8:40PM)
The past two decades have seen an increasing amount of attention given to the importance of environmental policy and planning in promoting a sustainable future for the planet.  This course examines contemporary domestic and international issues that require environmental policy and planning solutions.  Explore policy responses to local and global environmental problems such as biodiversity loss, clean air and water, and climate change. Examine how governments of industrial and developing countries, non-governmental organizations, the scientific community, and the private sector shape environmental policy through a wide range of economic, social, and political factors.  Topics include environmental law, economics, human population growth, and public health.