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SYLLABUS

Introduction to Sustainable Development, 4,5 ECTS Credits

COURSE CATEGORY   Master´s programme in Science for Sustainable Development MAIN FIELD OF STUDY   Environmental Science - MXA SUBJECT AREA     COURSE CODE   746A60

AIM OF THE COURSE

After completion of the course the student shall have demonstrated ability to: - problematise the concept of sustainable development as embedded in interrelated natural and social systems; - exemplify how present environmental situations have evolved and how they have been managed in relation to the development of science and technology; - exemplify different approaches to interpret the interactions between humans and the environment; - relate sustainability issues to global, regional and local perspectives; - relate interplay between natural and anthropogenic impact on life support systems to a historical context; - identify the personal knowledge and perspective as related to sustainable development.

CONTENTS

The course is an introduction to studies of sustainable development. It provides a conceptual framework that both problematises sustainable development by using a science and technology perspective, and develops an understanding of the role of science and technology by relating it to environmental issues and social change. Combining these two approaches develops an understanding of environmental issues as parts of larger systems. Drawing on past and present developments in nature/society the course exemplifies how any chosen event or situation is dependent on the interplay between natural and social processes. In these processes science and technology provides both the tools to transfer resources between different spheres and important components in the formulation of policy options. The knowledge and perspectives developed in different academic and cultural environments is used as a background for the structure of the programme. This includes the individual student’s knowledge in relation to the programme, and opens up for the students to reflect on their current knowledge and perspectives, and how they can develop their abilities within the programme. In this context the students also develop the academic skills of referencing, analysis, and critical evaluation.

TEACHING

Lectures, seminars, library workshops and exercises. Language of tuition: English

EXAMINATION

The course is examined through an individual written exam. Detailed information about the examination can be found in the course’s study guide. Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course two times are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination. Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree/kandidatexamen (equivalent for example a professional degree) of at least 180 ECTS credits, including a 15 ECTS credit degree paper or equivalent. Relevant background is studies within natural science, social science, health science, humanities or engineering that relate to the environmental, social or economic aspects of sustainable development. Documented knowledge of English equivalent to "Engelska B"; i.e. English as native language or an internationally recognized test, e.g. TOEFL (minimum scores: Paper based 575 + TWE-score 4.5, and internet based 90), IELTS, academic (minimum score: Overall band 6.5 and no band under 5.5), or equivalent.

GRADING

The course is graded according to the ECTS grading scale A-F

CERTIFICATE

Course certificate is issued by the Faculty Board on request. The Department provides a special form which should be submitted to the Student Affairs Division.

COURSE LITERATURE

The course literature is decided upon by the department in question.

OTHER INFORMATION

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus. The course is carried out in such a way that both men´s and women´s experience and knowledge is made visible and developed.

Introduction to Sustainable Development Introduction to Sustainable Development   Department responsible for the course or equivalent: TEMA - Department of Thematic Studies             Registrar No: 2009-01025   Course Code: 746A60           Exam codes: see Local Computer System       Subject/Subject Area : Environmental Science - MXA                       Level   Education level     Subject Area Code   Field of Education   A1X   Advanced level       SA   The syllabus was approved by the Board of Faculty of Arts and Science 2010-11-23