Entry requirements

A Bachelor's degree of at least 180 credits. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate proficiency in different perspectives of sustainable development;
• Explain key environmental science concepts related to sustainable development;
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of the natural science processes that shape and reshape coastal areas;
• Describe the different actors in the coastal zone, their specific interests, and common areas of conflict;
• Identify and demonstrate an understanding of different approaches to interdisciplinary work and futures thinking;
• Plan, carry out, and present a project assignment.

Content

This course introduces different perspectives on sustainability, interdisciplinary approaches, and futures thinking. It presents various ways of defining the coast, examines how the coast functions as a nexus between land and sea, and provides a basic understanding of the natural science processes that shape and reshape coastal environments. The course addresses coastal challenges and values, and covers key environmental science concepts including resilience, social‑ecological systems, ecosystem services, systems thinking, and biodiversity. Excursions to coastal areas, including simple fieldwork, are part of the course. The course consistently addresses the diverse academic backgrounds of the students and ensures that all students acquire the necessary basic knowledge needed within the program.

Instruction

Lectures, workshops, excursions, exercises, project work, and group work

Assessment

Written assignments and oral presentations, both individually and in groups (5 credits), as well as active participation in exercises, excursions, and workshops (5 credits).

Other regulations

If special circumstances exist, the examiner may make exceptions to the stated form of examination and allow an individual student to be examined in an alternative manner. Special circumstances may, for example, include a recommendation for targeted pedagogical support from the university’s coordinator for students with disabilities.