Courses

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is technique that is widely used by businesses, government, and civil society to quantify environmental impacts of products and processes from cradle-to-grave (or even cradle-to-cradle). Studies employing this technique have uncovered surprising environmental findings, including the trade-offs between plastic and glass bottles, the upstream impacts of gasoline produced from the Canadian Oil Sands, and the hidden impacts of zero emission vehicles. Results from this assessment tool can change decisions about products and processes due to hidden environmental impacts and benefits across the life cycle, but defensible methods must be employed. This course will provide a comprehensive introduction to LCA, an internationally recognized tool that is promoted by organizations such as the United Nations Environmental Program (through the Life Cycle Initiative). LCA methodology will be introduced, including goal and scope definition, inventory analysis, impact assessment and interpretation. Software employed in LCA will be introduced. While LCAs of different products will be examined, an emphasis will be placed on energy technologies. The classroom sessions will include in-depth discussions, exercises with and without software, and guest lectures to engage students with real-world LCA practice. While other products will be discussed, there will be an emphasis on energy technologies. Classroom sessions will combine traditional lectures and seminars with active learning through classroom exercises and engaging discussion on course materials. Guest lectures will be confirmed for the latter half of the semester.

Johns Hopkins SAIS

• Life Cycle Assessment (2018 - 2022).

• Science Technology and International Affairs (2018-2022)

• Climate Change: Science, Economics, and Politics (2018 - 2022).

• North American Climate Policy in a Warming World (2018).

• Comparative U.S. and Canadian Energy Policy (2016).

University of Calgary

• Introduction to Public Policy Analysis (2015, 2016).

• Environmental Policy Analysis (2015, 2016).

• U.S. and Canadian Energy Policy (2015).

• Energy Politics in Alberta (2013, 2014).

• Introduction to Government & Politics (2013, 2014, 2015).

• “Best Practices in University Teaching Workshop,” Center for Educational Resources, Johns Hopkins University, January 2018. Associate Dean & Director Michael Reese, Center for Educational Resources, Johns Hopkins University.

• “Top tips to build student teams that excel” webinar, Taylor Teaching and Learning Center, University of Calgary, January 2018.

• “Preparing students for the unknown” webinar, Taylor Teaching and Learning Center, University of Calgary, January 2018.

• Evaluation and co-teaching workshops, Taylor Teaching and Learning Center, University of Calgary, 2014-2015.