Entry requirements

General entry requirements

Learning outcomes

After taking the course, the student should be able to:

• describe the concept of sustainable development - emergence, different dimensions and interpretations
• define various examples of challenges and possible solutions for sustainable development at local, national and global levels
• describe linkages among lifestyle choices, resource utilization and global sustainability challenges
• describe sustainability work in their own local environment
• seek, critically evaluate, compile and present information in the area of ​​sustainability in writing, as well as
• analyse, evaluate, and discuss current sustainability issues.

Content

The course deals with the concept of sustainable development, the ecological foundations of human existence on Earth, and our way of using natural resources. Examples of themes that are covered are ecosystem services, biodiversity, climate change, water supply and energy systems. Lifestyle issues, leadership roles and political strategies for transition towards sustainable development are also addressed. Issues on ethics, health, cultural patterns, globalization and technological development are discussed in connection with sustainable development.

The course also includes studies of sustainability aspects and the implications of the national environmental goals at the local area. This course illustrate many issues including; energy production, water purification, waste management, education for sustainable development, effects of natural resource use, social and economic structure and local problems, solutions, strategies and visions.

In addition, the student carries out an independent in-depth work on any topic in the field of sustainable development.

Instruction

The course is given as online education. Assignments are submitted in the e-classroom, and the student receives feedback from the teacher. In addition to the students' own literature studies, compulsory discussion forums and chat seminars are included.

Assessment

Individual assignments (3 credits), individual written assignment of study at local level (1.5 credits), and written report of selected in-depth work (3 credits).

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of the 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.