Climate Change, Health, and Society

Course Description

CIPP650 examines the causes and impacts of climate change, emphasizing human health and society in Maryland, including the scientific basis for climate change, health equity, and governmental policies. Case studies are highlighted, and students can work in teams to develop innovative solutions to climate change-driven environmental challenges. The course addresses issues such as extreme heat, infectious disease, air pollution, saltwater inundation, and environmental justice.

See catalog description and course overview diagram.

Schedule

CIPP650 is being offered during Spring 2025 on Wednesdays at 2-4 pm in-person in HSHSL331 as well as online/asynchronously for 2-3 credits.

Registration

UMB students may register for CIPP650 for Spring 2025. To find CIPP650, search for Climate Change, Health and Society under "keyword" field in SURFS. Select Section 1, CRN 23273, for in-person option and Section 2, CRN 23517, for online/asynchronous. Click the Schedule and Options tab and select the number of credits desired in the Hours column. An evening discussion TBD will be required for asynchronous/3-credit options.

Students in other University System of Maryland institutions should use the IIE form. Contact Dr. S. DasSarma, Course Director, with any questions.

Learning Objectives

  • Build foundational knowledge in the science of climate change, including how greenhouse gas emissions promote warming of the land, oceans, and polar regions, with consequences for human health and society.
  • Communicate how climate change can contribute to human diseases and societal stressors, with disproportionate impacts on economically disadvantaged, vulnerable people, communities, and countries.
  • Develop familiarity with environmental laws and policies at the local, state, national, and international levels that are aimed at mitigation and adaptation to climate change.  
  • Embrace interprofessional teamwork for responding to climate change with a consortium of faculty from the Graduate School and professional Schools of Medicine, Nursing, Law, and Social Work. 
  • Successfully partner with stakeholders and representatives at the local, state, and national levels to conduct meaningful actions for addressing challenges from climate change.  

Student Projects

Some examples of projects from 2024 include:

Contact

For more information, please contact:

Dr. S. DasSarma, Course Director