Entry requirements

A Bachelor's degree of at least 180 credits. Participation in Introduction to Sustainable Development 5 credits, Natural Resources and Sustainable Development 10 credits, Society and Environment 10 credits as well as Futures Studies: Exploring Sustainable Futures 5 credits. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Learning outcomes

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

• Examine the interplay between water, energy, and food systems in the context of sustainable development and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• Explain the concepts of energy security, water security, and food security, and analyze their interconnections within the framework of sustainable development.
• Analyze synergies and trade-offs among energy, water, and food systems through the lens of security, using real-world case studies. 
• Apply qualitative and quantitative methods to evaluate synergies and trade-offs between energy, water, and food systems.
• Demonstrate academic writing skills by developing a structured, coherent, and evidence-based scientific report.

Content

This course explores the intricate interplay between water, energy, and food systems within the broader framework of sustainable development and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Students will critically examine the synergies and trade-offs among these systems through the lens of security, using real-world case studies. By employing both qualitative and quantitative methods, the students will assess the interdependencies and potential conflicts between water, energy, and food systems. The course emphasizes the development of academic writing skills, enabling students to write structured, evidence-based scientific reports that demonstrate their ability to synthesize complex interdisciplinary insights. Additionally, students will engage in effective communication of their progress and findings through presentations.

Instruction

Lectures, guest lectures, seminars, project work

Assessment

Indivudial written exercises (3*2 credits), active participation in seminars (3*2 credits), written and oral presentation of project work including opposition (3 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.