This course takes a systems approach to environmental issues, with particular emphasis on problems with conflicting objectives such as economic and environmental concerns. Optimal solutions will be obtained mathematically using a variety of linear and non-linear techniques. Example problems span traditional environmental engineering processes, proactive management of resources, and issues in green design. 
The purpose of the course is to provide a rigorous mathematical framework for addressing environmental problems. By the end of the course students will be able to define systems and their boundaries, translate problems into mathematical frameworks, apply linear algebra, not appropriate algorithms, optimize systems for a set of constraints and objectives, and define a solution given conflicting objectives.