course-details-portlet

TIØ4300 - Environmental Science, Ecosystem Services and Sustainability

About

Examination arrangement

Examination arrangement: School exam
Grade: Letter grades

Evaluation Weighting Duration Grade deviation Examination aids
School exam 100/100 4 hours C

Course content

Ecological sustainability, ecosystem services and impacts of human interventions on ecosystems caused by land use, climate change, pollution, hazardous chemicals, acidification, harvesting / exploitation and introduction of species and organisms. Ecosystem structure and function, flow of energy and matter, production and biogeochemical cycles. Species, evolution, populations and communities, and biological diversity. National and global environmental institutions, important conventions, legislation, environmental status, sustainability reporting, indicators, the DPSIR-system and policy from governmental reports, IPCC, IPBES, Red List and Nature Index of Norway. UN Sustainable Development Goals are in the core of the subject with particular emphasis on targets 13 (climate), 14 (life in oceans) and 15 (life on land).

Learning outcome

The course is primarily developed for the engineering and technology master programmes including MIHMS and MHMS study programmes, and for Industrial Ecology (in Norwegian), but is suitable for students at other disciplines as well. The course should contribute to the learning outcome regarding ecology, ecological sustainability, green economy, environmental impacts and analysis connected to technology, business and social responsibility.

The course will give general knowledge about ecology, ecological sustainability and human utilization of nature and natural resources to secure well-being and security. General knowledge about environmental policy and sustainable development. Knowledge on national and global environmental status, biodiversity, climate change and climate risk, pollution, environmental toxins, land use, resource economy, and distribution of species and organisms. Knowledge about global initiatives, models and indicator systems for integration of ecological knowledge, driving forces, governance 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 give an oral presentation of their work and be trained to identify, analyse, evaluate and argue about ecological sustainability in relation to technology, business, enterprises and/or social development. The students will learn there are possible trade-offs between reaching different sustainability goals.

The subject will give students competence in applying and evaluating ecological knowledge in relationship to technological and societal development. Competence in analysing and evaluating national and global environmental status, planetary biophysical boundaries, scenarios and trends related to sustainable development.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, discussions on specific topics and written exercise. The exercise is compulsory and done in groups.

Compulsory assignments

  • Group work

Further on evaluation

The group-based exercises are compulsory and must be approved before taking the final exam. The final exam is a written exam with a letter grade. If there is a re-sit examination, the examination form may change from written to oral.

Specific conditions

Compulsory activities from previous semester may be approved by the department.

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 To
SIS1084 7.5
BI2081 4.0 AUTUMN 2020
More on the course

No

Facts

Version: 1
Credits:  7.5 SP
Study level: Second degree level

Coursework

Term no.: 1
Teaching semester:  AUTUMN 2022

Language of instruction: Norwegian

Location: Trondheim

Subject area(s)
  • 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 arrangement: School exam

Term Status code Evaluation Weighting Examination aids Date Time Examination system Room *
Autumn ORD School exam 100/100 C 2022-12-14 15:00 INSPERA
Room Building Number of candidates
SL271 Sluppenvegen 14 3
SL311 grønn sone Sluppenvegen 14 54
SL121 Sluppenvegen 14 1
SL430 Sluppenvegen 14 1
SL238 Sluppenvegen 14 2
Summer UTS School exam 100/100 C INSPERA
Room Building Number of candidates
  • * The location (room) for a written examination is published 3 days before examination date. If more than one room is listed, you will find your room at Studentweb.
Examination

For more information regarding registration for examination and examination procedures, see "Innsida - Exams"

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