Course - Environmental Science, Ecosystem Services and Sustainability - TIØ4300
Environmental Science, Ecosystem Services and Sustainability
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About the course
Course content
The course provides an overview of a number of sustainability challenges we face today with particular emphasis on climate change, resource consumption, loss of biodiversity and nature risk. Core topics in the course are ecological sustainability, ecosystem services and the effects of human intervention in ecosystems through land use, climate change, pollution, the dispersal and concentration of environmental toxins, the management of natural resources and relocation and loss of species. To understand cause and effect, the course covers topics as the structure and function of ecosystems, energy and material flows, production and biogeochemical cycles. The importance of biological diversity is at the core. Furthermore, the course covers a number of key international conventions and environmental legislation, national and global frameworks for assessment, reporting and follow-up environmental performance, and key institutions such as the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) and The International Resource Panel (IRP).
Learning outcome
The course is primarily developed for the engineering and technology master programmes including MIHMS and MHMS study programmes, but is also suitable for students within other study programmes. The course will provide knowledge about environmental challenges that can result from land use, resource and energy use, what effects this has on biological diversity, resource availability and climate change and what can be done to reduce these effects. The course have a particular focus on the dilemmas we as a society face.
The course will provide general knowledge about ecology, ecological sustainability, the importance of ecosystem services and human use of land and natural resources to ensure welfare. Different ways of measuring the value of nature is addressed. The course provides a general introduction to environmental policy and sustainable development. Knowledge of national and global environmental status, biodiversity, climate and climate risk, pollution, environmental toxins, land use, resource management and the spread of species. Knowledge of international initiatives and conventions, models and indicator systems for the integration of ecological knowledge, driving forces, management and green production systems.
Through the project work the students will learn to apply knowledge about ecological sustainability, planetary biophysical boundaries, ecosystems services and values associated to technology, business and companies in a selected case. The students will work in groups and learn how to identify, analyze, assess and evaluate ecological sustainability related to technology, business and/or social development and presenting this to the other students. The students get insight in the possibilities of conflicts in achieving the different sustainability goals.
Learning methods and activities
Lectures, elective tests, discussions on specific topics and written exercise. The exercise is compulsory and done in groups.
Compulsory assignments
- Oral presentation
Further on evaluation
The group-based exercises are compulsory and count 20% of the final grade. There is a compulsory presentation of the group work. The final exam is a written exam and counts 80% of the final grade.
If there is a re-sit examination, the examination form may change from written to oral. For grade improvements, both the group-based exercises and the written exam must be re-taken.
Recommended previous knowledge
No specific requirements.
Required previous knowledge
No specific requirements.
Course materials
A literature list is handed out in the beginning of the course.
Credit reductions
| Course code | Reduction | From |
|---|---|---|
| SIS1084 | 7.5 sp | |
| BI2081 | 4 sp | Autumn 2020 |
Subject areas
- Environmental and Resource Engineering
- Industrial Ecology
- Natural Resources Management
- Environmental Management
- Work Environment and Safety
- Environmental Science
- Technological subjects
- Economics
Contact information
Course coordinator
Department with academic responsibility
Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management
Examination
Examination
Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025
School exam
The specified room can be changed and the final location will be ready no later than 3 days before the exam. You can find your room location on Studentweb.