Abstract:

The aim of this paper is to use patterns to suggest the introduction of a new minor program in climate studies at a major university, emphasizing its interdisciplinary nature and the benefits it offers to students. Future plans include the development of a major in Climate. The primary goal is to emphasize the significance and pertinence of addressing climate change using an interdisciplinary framework, highlighting the potential of incorporating this minor to make optimal use of current course design patterns. By offering a minor in climate, students will have the opportunity to explore the study of climate change, its consequences, and the creation of sustainable solutions. Additionally, it will foster a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between technology and environmental challenges, equipping students with valuable knowledge for the future. Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time. The climate change minor gives the students the opportunity to explore climate change from varied disciplinary perspectives while gaining a firm grounding across all academic departments including African American studies, architectural technology, biological science, business, chemistry, computer systems technology (CST), physics, dental hygiene, math, English, Social Sciences, nursing - to name a few. Students from all academic departments can apply for the minor in climate change. One of the goals of the program will be to describe the physical mechanisms that underlie climate change and the drivers of uncertainty in future climate projections. Alexander writes, "There is one timeless way of building. It is thousands of years old, and the same today as it has always been. The great traditional buildings of the past, the villages and tents and temples in which man feels at home have always been made by people who were very close to the center of this way. And as you will see, this way will lead anyone who looks for it to buildings which are themselves as ancient in their form as the trees and hills, and as our faces are." The climate is thousands of years old; Alexanders’s principles can guide the design and structure of the proposed minor. This paper will employ Alexander’s principles to help create that new course, a minor in climate. The students will relate climate and cybersecurity, which many did not believe had any relationship. The target audience of this paper includes educators seeking to implement innovative curricula, prospective students interested in exploring climate studies, and patterns enthusiasts.

Specifically, the main focus of this paper is the computer systems technology department and the introduction of information for a security course. The proposed minor extends its implications to a broader range of academic departments within the College of Technology.

Keywords:

Patterns, environment, cybersecurity, climate studies, interdisciplinary education, course design, climate change, pedagogical patterns, sustainable solutions.