Course - Interdisciplinary Project for Environmental Sustainability - RFEL3081
Interdisciplinary Project for Environmental Sustainability
About
About the course
Course content
The course focuses on challenges related to the sustainable management of nature and biodiversity, viewed in the context of broader societal interests. Throughout the semester, students work in groups to develop an interdisciplinary report addressing issues associated with the sustainable management of a natural resource.
In the course the students will enhance understanding of the disciplines necessary to analyze and resolve challenges in the sustainable use, conservation, and management of natural resources.
A typical group project involves assessing alternative management strategies, stakeholder conflicts, and socio-economic implications at both local and national levels. At the same time, the course aims to strengthen students’ professional identity through interdiciplinary collaborative teamwork, where their individual expertise actively contributes to the progress of the project.
The course has strong relevance to professional practice and includes guest lectures and seminars featuring representatives from management authorities, research institutions, business sector and interest organizations.
Learning outcome
After completing the course, the student will be able to:
- Explain and discuss aspects of managing natural resources, including environmental impacts and the various conflicts of interest among stakeholders.
- Critically evaluate management strategies and identify expected environmental impacts as well as consequences for stakeholders with overlapping and/or conflicting interests.
- Apply insights gained from how other relevant academic disciplines approach the management of the natural resources in question.
- Communicate knowledge effectively both among peers and to a broader audience through written and oral presentations in English.
- Articulate the student’s own disciplinary perspective, thereby strengthening their professional identity.
- Work independently and in collaboration on a project within interdisciplinary groups, developing a broader understanding of successful interdisciplinary teamwork.
Learning methods and activities
- Lectures: 20 hours
- Supervised group work where participation is mandatory
- Participation in oral presentations of the project
- Mandatory attendance of at least 75% of the course
Compulsory assignments
- Participation group project
Further on evaluation
The evaluation of the course will be based on:
- A written group project report
- Oral presentation of the group project
In case of failed group project a revised version from last teaching semester can be submitted for new assessment.
Course materials
To be announced.
Subject areas
- Natural Resources Management
- Biology
- Geography
- Economics
- Sociology
- Political Science
- Ecology