From left: Jocelyn Hayley, David Wood and Marjan Eggermont pose for a photo while discussing their new program.Riley Brandt, University of Calgary
The Schulich School of Engineering is hoping a new program will give students a greater appreciation for the "big picture."
Its new Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Systems Engineering will take a multidisciplinary approach to bring different engineering disciplines together to design, integrate and manage complex systems over their life cycles.
"If I build a road, that's great, but how does that impact how communities talk to each other?" says Dr. Jocelyn Hayley, PhD, head of the Department of Civil Engineering. "How does it impact the water systems? How does it impact caribou? It's more than just a road."
Hayley says the program will build off a systems approach to engineering, incorporating all disciplines with four main focus areas: sustainable systems for environment; cities and communities; energy and resources; and food, agriculture and biomass.
Defining the program's vision
Hayley's first conversations about the new program began in her own department, but, as the discussions deepened, she realized there was a need to bring in other areas of expertise.
Several brainstorming sessions and whiteboards full of information later, the faculty asked Dr. Marjan Eggermont and Dr. David Wood, PhD, to form the Sustainability Transformation Task Force to develop the program.
