Transportation and Air Quality/Environment: A Suggested Course Addition to the Environmental Engineering/Science Curriculum

Abstract

According to EPA estimates, U.S. transportation sources emit 56% of nitrogen oxides, 89% of carbon monoxide, and 45% of volatile organic compounds. Air pollution from mobile sources has increased in recent years, due to increased numbers of vehicles on the road and miles traveled per vehicle. Historically, however, air pollution control courses have focused on stationary sources like utilities; mobile sources have been addressed only briefly. A number of universities are now recognizing this and are offering entire classes in Transportation and Air Quality/Environment. Objectives of this study were: (1) to conduct a survey of Transportation and Air Quality courses offered nationwide, and gather information concerning topics covered and perspectives; (2) to provide information to educators wishing to introduce a Transportation and Air Quality course. The survey was conducted using information from the Association of Environmental Science and Engineering Professors, internet searches, and e-mails to faculty. It was found that the most commonly offered air quality courses in U.S. Environmental Engineering and Science graduate programs are Introduction to Air Pollution, Air Pollution Control Engineering, Air Quality Modeling, Air Pollution Chemistry, and Air Pollution Meteorology. Six Civil & Environmental Engineering Departments currently offer classes in Transportation and Air Quality/Environment with a primary engineering component. Transportation and Air Quality/Environment courses focusing primarily on environmental policy/planning are also offered, mostly through Urban Planning or Public Policy Departments. To accomplish Objective 2, the "Transportation and Air Quality" class offered by the author is discussed as a case study.