Lifelong learning courses: background material and requests from the reference group

In consultation with an external reference group, the Faculty's Lifelong Learning Project presents on this page eleven course proposals. Until February 14, it is possible to apply for funding to develop and deliver any of these courses.

Other courses (funds from the faculty's LLL project)

AI at work: technical basics, applications, practicalities, ethics and safety

This course proposal can be described as an introduction to how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used in the workplace. The course can include the following components:

1. Technical basics
   
   • Basic concepts in AI, such as machine learning, deep learning and neural networks.
   • Overview of AI tools and platforms used in different industries.
2. Possible areas of application
   
   • Examples of AI use in specific professions and sectors, such as automation, data analysis and decision support.
   • Discussion on how AI can contribute to productivity and innovation.
3. Practicalities
   
   • How to use AI tools in practice.
   • Basic exercises in configuring and customizing AI solutions.
4. Ethics and security
   
   • Managing privacy and data protection.
   • Discussion of ethical dilemmas in AI use, such as bias and accountability.
   • Security aspects to prevent misuse or intrusion.

Who is this course for?

This course can be relevant for professionals who want to understand and use AI in their work roles in a safe, effective and responsible way.

LLM and RAG in organizations and businesses

This course provides you with practical and theoretical knowledge on building and using Large Language Models (LLM) and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) to streamline information management and decision-making in your organization.

Course content

• Learn how to create your own LLM based on your company's data or further develop an existing model with customized information.
• Explore how RAG can combine information retrieval and content generation to deliver high-quality and relevant analytics.

You will gain knowledge about

• Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and its applications in areas such as electrification and project management.
• How the technology can be used to improve decision-making by generating insightful reports and recommendations based on relevant data.

Who is the course for?

The course is aimed at those who see the potential of LLM and want to build solutions tailored to your organization's needs using non-public or proprietary information.

Prompt Engineering - Effective use of AI tools

This short and intensive course provides you with basic knowledge of Prompt Engineering, a key skill for making the best use of AI-based tools such as Large Language Models (LLM). Learn how to design effective prompts to maximize the accuracy and relevance of AI-generated responses.

Course scope

Short course equivalent to 1 credit, with a focus on practical applications.

Course structure

• Several course starts during the year.
• Distance format with flexible asynchronous learning or real-time lectures.
  

Who is the course for?

The course is aimed at all professionals who want to strengthen their digital skills and learn how to use AI tools effectively in their respective fields of work.

Interdisciplinary project management - Leadership in complex groups

This course provides you with the tools to become a successful leader in multidisciplinary projects. You will learn how to manage groups with different backgrounds and expertise, and gain practical experience in leading change and promoting knowledge management within organizations.

Course scope

2-5 credits, 20% study rate.

Course structure

• Each participant will be assigned a personal coach from the company or university.
• Interactive workshops with a focus on practical application.
• Use of the RAG model for information management.
• Peer mentoring to share experiences and learn from each other.

You will gain knowledge on:

• Effective knowledge management in projects.
• Change management in complex environments.

Who is the course for?

The course is aimed at science and engineering professionals who want to develop their leadership skills to navigate and succeed in complex situations.

Change management for professionals

This course provides a practical and theoretical foundation in change management, focusing on understanding and managing the emotions and reactions that arise in the context of change. The course gives participants the opportunity to apply their knowledge to real cases and their own organization.

Course content

• Introduction to theories of change management.
• Guest lectures by experts in the field.

Course structure

Case studies:

• Start with a known situation (e.g. a strategic decision or relocation). The group discusses the problem on the basis of a “facet” and analyzes the real outcome.
• Similar analysis is applied to participants' own organizations as an assignment.

You will gain knowledge on:

How to effectively deal with the emotions and challenges that arise in change management.

Who is the course for?

The course is designed for professionals, including both leaders and employees, who want to develop their skills in navigating and leading through change.

Green transition courses (funds from the Open for the Climate - Green Transition project)

Governance, reporting and communication for the green transition

Course content

• What are we governed by? Normative, legal or business strategy instruments.
• EU legal requirements: specific directives and/or legal requirements, e.g. the EU Taxonomy Regulation or the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
• Swedish laws: e.g. the Environmental Code, the Annual Accounts Act or other sustainability-related requirements.
• How do we report and how do we communicate? e.g. methods, tools or best practice examples.

Course structure

• Distance learning, one hour per week via digital meetings (e.g. Mondays at 15).
• Optional face-to-face sessions are offered for participants who want further discussion and networking.

Who is the course for?

The course is aimed at people in managerial and specialist roles who work with or are affected by sustainability issues, such as managers, environmental coordinators, compliance officers or communicators in the private and public sectors.

Circular economy: material flows and sustainable materials - practical applications

The EU's circular economy strategy increases the need for skills around the use of sustainable and recycled materials. This course provides tools and knowledge to promote sustainable material choices and effective management of material flows in practice.

Course scope

3 credits, 4-8h hours/week

Course content

1. Design for recycling
   
   • Focus on how products can be designed to facilitate material recycling and minimize waste.
2. Substitution with sustainable alternatives
   
   • Evaluate and use alternative materials that fulfill the same function as traditional materials but with lower environmental impact.
3. Use of recycled materials
   
   • Practical strategies to include recycled materials in production and design processes.

Course structure

• Common knowledge base: The course starts by introducing tools and models that participants can use to analyze and improve material flows and product design.
• Practical application: Participants apply the knowledge to their own business or a chosen project.
• Flexibility: Several course starts per semester and evening hours make the course easy to combine with work.

Who is the course for?

The course is aimed at professionals in product development, materials design, engineering and materials production. It is also open to participants without an academic background who want to deepen their knowledge of the circular economy and sustainable material choices.

Sustainability reporting in professional life for economists

This course provides the basics of sustainability reporting and prepares participants to deal with today's sustainability reporting requirements, focusing on relevant regulations and tools.

Course scope

2 credits. Short and intensive course to enable rapid skills development.

Course content

• Introduction to CSR and sustainability regulations - Overview of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and EU regulations affecting sustainability reporting.
• Financial Reporting Directive (FRD) - Review of the Directive and its link to sustainability reporting.
• CO₂ budgeting and SBTi (Science Based Targets initiative) - Practical tools to calculate and communicate your organization's climate impact.
• GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) - How to use GRI standards to create a transparent and credible sustainability report.

Structure of the course

The course is conducted online to enable participation regardless of geographical location. Flexible approach with the possibility to combine the course with work.

Who is the course for?

The course is aimed at economists who need to develop skills in sustainability reporting, including those seeking reskilling to meet new labor market demands.

Sustainability Reporting in Professional Life for Scientists

This course provides the basics of sustainability reporting and prepares participants to deal with today's sustainability reporting requirements, with a focus on relevant regulations and tools.

Course scope

2 credits. Short and intensive course to enable rapid skills development.

Course content

• Introduction to CSR and sustainability regulations - Overview of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and EU regulations affecting sustainability reporting.
• Financial Reporting Directive (FRD) - Review of the directive and its link to sustainability reporting.
• CO₂ budgeting and SBTi (Science Based Targets initiative) - Practical tools to calculate and communicate your organization's climate impact.
• GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) -How to use GRI standards to create a transparent and credible sustainability report.
• Economics for scientists. Basic economic concepts for scientists working with sustainability issues.

Structure of the course

The course is conducted online to enable participation regardless of geographical location. Flexible approach with the possibility to combine the course with work.

Who is the course for?

The course is aimed at scientists who need to develop skills in sustainability reporting, including those seeking reskilling to meet new labor market demands.

The energy transition: renewable energy and microgrids

The energy transition is changing the way we produce and consume energy. Increased penetration of renewable energy sources and technologies such as bidirectional charging for electric vehicles (V2G, V2H, V2L) are creating new opportunities for local microgrids and energy storage. The course explores how these changes affect the electricity grid, community development and the growing dependence on private actors.

Course scope

3 credits, part-time (20 %).

Course content

• Energy transition: Background and future challenges.
• Renewable energy: Introduction to solar, wind and other renewable energy sources and their role in the electricity grid.
• Energy storage: Energy storage technologies, including battery technology and its application.
• Microgrids: Local networks focusing on private initiatives and their role in future energy supply.

Contents

• The electricity grid: Current structure and future visions.
• Renewable energy sources: their integration in the electricity grid.
• Energy storage: Technologies and their importance.
• Grid integration: Opportunities with microgrids and decentralized energy production.

Who is the course for?

The course is at a basic level and is aimed at professionals and individuals who want to understand the technologies and societal developments required for the green transition.

Battery Safety and Toxicity: From Value Chain to Aging Batteries

The course provides a basic understanding of battery safety issues and toxicity along the battery value chain. Participants will also gain insight into life cycle assessment and management of ageing batteries, with a focus on practical and project-based learning formats.

Course scope

1-2 credits, 20 % study rate

Course content

• The battery value chain: from upstream to downstream processes
• Aging batteries: How batteries change over time and the risks involved.
• Toxicity: Focus on materials and their impact on environment and health.
• Safety aspects: Risk assessment and management of batteries at different stages of their life cycle.
• Life cycle assessment: Environmental and sustainability perspectives.

Course structure

• Part-time: The course is conducted digitally at a distance for maximum flexibility.
• Online group meetings: Opportunity for interactive learning and discussion.
• Project-based learning: Participants work on their own projects to apply the course content.
• Written reflection: Each block ends with written reflections on key learnings.
• No final exams: The focus is on the learning process and practical application.

Who is the course aimed at?

• Transportation sector: Management of batteries in vehicle fleets and electrified transport.
• Automotive: Safety and sustainability issues in the automotive industry.
• Energy production: Integration of battery solutions in energy systems.
• Construction sector: Specifically for companies working with solar cells and battery storage.