Entry requirements

BSc exam 180 credits in the subject areas: natural sciences, technology and/or social sciences

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• reflect upon and apply basic scientific theories about hypothesis testing, falsibiability, equifinality, and predictive power as applied to environmental decision-making
• apply the environmental analysis cycle approach for identifying and resolving environmental problems with a focus on water-related issues
• use evaluation criteria, publically-available environmental data, and geographical information system methods to assess environmental problems with a large areal distribution
• evaluate different approaches to decision support that provides strategies for combating environmental problems and related societal issues with an analysis of advantages and disadvantages, from a natural science and social science perspective.

Content

Basic theory of science and methodology. The environmental assessment cycle as an organising principle for identifying environmental issues, suggesting ways to address the issues, and following up progress towards those issues. Introduction to assessment methodologies including cost- benefit analyses, multicriteria decision support, and environmental quality criteria. Examples related to water and energy will be used. Students will conduct their own analysis of an issue and present it to their peers.

Instruction

Lectures. Project work. Literature studies.

Assessment

The course is graded using a written report and presentation of an individual project (3 credits), together with a written exam (2 credits).

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.