This course provides a practical introduction to the key methods and approaches for analyzing sustainability and development challenges. First, students will learn the basics of quantitative and qualitative approaches including introductory data analysis and visualization. Following that, using hands-on exercises, students will learn the five most common methods useful in the field of sustainability and development: 1) impact evaluation, 2) cost-benefit analysis, 3) social/environmental life cycle analysis, 4) institutional analysis, and 5) remote sensing and Geographical Information System (GIS). This class will enable students to measure the impact of policies and programs, assess the life cycle impacts of given products, and understand how institutions can influence sustainability and development. Students will learn about real-world practices as well as the application of research to policy development and the evaluation of progress in sustainability and development indicators. Further, this course will expose students to research ethics and enhance their skills to analyze the strengths and limitations of different methods.

Learning Goals and Objectives
1. Understand quantitative and qualitative approaches and the nature of data and analysis.
2. Learn and use research methods suitable for analyzing sustainability and development problems including impact analysis, cost-benefit analysis, social/environmental life cycle analysis, institutional analysis, and Geographical Information System.
3. Learn techniques of data analysis, visualization, and interpretation of results.
4. Understand how research in sustainability and development can contribute to policy and program development and evaluation.
5. Select an appropriate approach relevant to the individual interest and use the learning to analyze a new and relevant sustainability case.