Course content

The course provides an introduction to how sustainability dimensions are relevant to different domains within the field of computer science. Digitalization is often presented as a solution to sustainability challenges, but it is also a source of significant environmental and social problems, such as high energy consumption, electronic waste, and unintended societal consequences.

The course provides PhD candidates with a critical and holistic perspective on sustainability. Each session focuses on a specific core area within computer science, led by a subject expert.

The topics include:

• Sociotechnical systems and information systems: The interplay between technology, people, organizations, and society in a sustainability context
• Software Engineering: Sustainable design, "green coding," and the life cycle management of software
• Applications: How applications of research in computer science (for example, in healthcare, education, energy) can contribute to reach sustainability in those contexts
• Algorithmic systems: Efficiency, resource consumption, and ethical considerations of algorithms
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): The energy footprint of AI models, "AI for good," and the social and ethical implications of AI systems
• Hardware and computer architecture: Lifecycle and design consideration for hardware toward longer lifespan and lower energy consumption

Learning outcome

Upon successful completion of the course, the candidate will have acquired the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge:

• Have in-depth knowledge of key concepts related to sustainability and life cycle analysis as applied to digital technologies
• Understand the dual role of ICT as both part of the sustainability problem and part of the solution
• Have specific knowledge of sustainability challenges and opportunities within key areas of informatics/computer science

Skills:

• Can independently analyze and critically reflect on the sustainability dimensions of their own PhD project
• Can apply principles of sustainable design and development in their own research and practice
• Can communicate academic issues concerning technology and sustainability in writing at academic level

General Competence:

• Has an increased awareness of sustainable development as a complex issue
• Can participate in interdisciplinary discussions about the role of technology in a sustainable societal development
• Has a solid foundation for contributing to a more sustainable digital future throughout their career

Learning methods and activities

The course is organized as a series of weekly two-hour seminars. Each seminar will consist of a combination of:

• Lectures by subject experts introducing the topic
• Student-led discussions based on the provided reading material, case studies, and relevant examples

Active participation is expected from all candidates.

Seminars are held by appointment. If there are too few (fewer than 5) candidates registered for the course, the course will be given as a colloquium (with supervison).

Compulsory assignments

• Active participation in at least 80% of the seminars.

Required previous knowledge

Admission to the doctoral program in computer science (PHCOS) is required to take this course. PhD candidates from other doctoral programs can be registered upon request.

Course materials

A collection of scientific articles, reports, and book chapters. The reading list will be made available at the start of each lecture.