Course - Material Flow Analysis - TVM4160
Material Flow Analysis
About
About the course
Course content
The course includes theory, methodology and examples from applying material flow analysis (MFA), which is a systematic assessment of flows and stocks of materials within a given system defined in space and time. A good documentation of material flows is a prerequisite for an optimum management of resources and environmental issues, including avoiding the risk of sub-optimisation. The theoretical and methodological elements of the course include: i) system definition and representation, terminology, indicator selection and evaluation of results ii) mathematical definition and representation of systems, iii) mathematical representation of uncertainty, sensitivity analysis and data reconciliation, iv) dynamic modeling and analysis and v) introduction to and application of various software for MFA modeling. The theoretical lectures are supplemented by lectures with background information and examples of applications where the methodological framework is put into a wider context. Examples will include material flow analysis at company, local, national, and global levels, and are related to typical problems in environmental and resource management, material flows in society's built environment, as well as in solid waste management and recycling systems. The lectures will contain interactive elements with short discussions.
Learning outcome
The course aims to give introductory understanding og MFA theory and methodology, and skills so that they can carry out simplified, but correct and good analyses, also using MFA software. Furthermore, students shall know about important applications of MFA, and understand the usefulness of MFA for development of good resource and environmental handling of material and waste flows in society.
Learning methods and activities
Lectures and exercises. The course will be taught in English. If there is a re-sit examination, the examination form may be changed from written to oral.
Compulsory assignments
- Assignments
Recommended previous knowledge
TVM4162 Industrial Ecology, or similar background, as well as basic mathematics (matrix algebra and differential equations).
Course materials
Various course materials will be used and distributed electronically (It's learning) during the semester.
Credit reductions
| Course code | Reduction | From |
|---|---|---|
| TEP4285 | 7.5 sp |
Subject areas
- Construction Engineering
- Architecture
- Rock Engineering
- Building and Material Technology
- Building Materials
- Building Technology
- Agricultural topics
- Materials and Processes
- Environmental and Resource Engineering
- Geology of Mineral Deposits
- Naturbruk
- Resource Geology
- Waste Management and Recycling Technologies
- Economics
- Technological subjects