 Appropriate
Technology Brochure
Appropriate Technology reflects an approach to technological
development, characterized by creative and sound engineering, that recognizes
the social, environmental, political, economic, as well as, technical aspects
of a proposed technological solution to a problem facing a society.
Generally appropriate technologies are smaller scale technologies, that
are ecologically and socially benign, affordable, and often powered by
renewable energy. The field is an interdisciplinary one drawing from the
physical and social sciences as well as Engineering, Architecture, and
Technology. Areas of interest include energy conversion systems,
waste and water management, community and shelter design, technology assessment,
small scale production systems and technology transfer.
Success in this field would require a strong background in a wide
variety of technological areas. Individuals should be committed to
making the world a better one through the development of improved technological
systems. Concern about environmental and social degradation would
be strong motivating factors. Individuals should be able to solve
a wide variety of problems and work independently as well as with groups.
This concentration provides the most general technological background
that the technology department offers. Students will develop knowledge
and skill in many technological areas; including drafting and design, wood
and metal working, computers, architecture, construction, graphic arts
as well as renewable energy technologies, energy efficient solar
building design and construction, waste management, research methods
and contemporary technological problems facing society. This
background would be useful in many fields of endeavor. |
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| A group of AT students travelled to Nicaragua inMay 2006 to install a microhydro system at an organic coffee farm and experience the culture of a developing county. |
Students could pursue many careers with an Appropriate Technology
background. These could include careers in the renewable energy field;
energy management, designing, building and/or maintaining renewable energy
equipment, work in solid waste or recycling industry, designing and building
sustainable buildings, selling AT products, manufacturing AT
products, working for utility companies or government research labs, or
sustainable development work in developing countries.
Students could pursue graduate education in Architecture, Education,
or in Interdisciplinary programs like the Science, Technology and Society
programs.
A minor in AT would provide students with many technological skills
useful in many areas. Students in business, Sustainable Development,
Geography and Planning, Biology and Physics have found it beneficial to
take an AT minor. |
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