ENVR07049 2020 Sustainable Futures

General Details

Full Title
Sustainable Futures
Transcript Title
Sustainable Futures
Code
ENVR07049
Attendance
N/A %
Subject Area
ENVR - Environmental Science
Department
ESCI - Environmental Science
Level
07 - NFQ Level 7
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
Start Term
2020 - Full Academic Year 2020-21
End Term
2021 - Full Academic Year 2021-22
Author(s)
Declan Feeney, Frances Lucy, Ann-Marie Duddy
Programme Membership
SG_SECOL_B07 202000 Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with Ecology SG_SECOL_H08 202000 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science with Ecology SG_SECOL_C06 202000 Higher Certificate in Science in Environmental Science with Ecology
Description

In this Module we explore the concept of sustainability and the challenge of building a sustainable society. The module will focus specifically on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The student will participate in small interdisciplinary groups to address current environmental problems.  Group work will facilitate the understanding of key issues from a variety of perspectives and trans-disciplinary approaches will be explored to address specific sustainability challenges.

 

 

 

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;

1.

Recognise the inter‑relatedness of different disciplines in addressing sustainability issues.

2.

Identify individual and group learning needs and develop solutions.

3.

Participate in and contribute to team based activities.

4.

Communicate sustainability issues to a scientific/non‑scientific audience

5.

Identify the role of the individual in achieving sustainable futures.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

During the delivery of this module, self‑learning is encouraged among students through the use of comprehensive on‑line resources.  Regular summative presentations are used to promote engagement with the module, monitor progress and provide feedback. This approach enables the student to take timely corrective action, to achieve the required standard.

 

Module Assessment Strategies

Assessments relate to the learning process and product  

Process may include vlogs and action plans.

Product may include presentations, report and learning portfolio

Students are given precise instructions at the beginning of the 10 day academy outlining the particular sustainability issue, the marking scheme attached to the exercise, the product mark and expected presentation format.

Repeat Assessments

The students will be allowed to repeat any element of failed within the duration of the summer academy or by a deadline agreed by the Module lecturers.

Indicative Syllabus

Background

  • This Module is delivered during the Mid-Sweden Summer University which takes place each August for a period of two weeks.  The Summer university is rotated between the Summer University Partners and may take place in Sweden, Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland or France.
  • Students work in teams (max 8 per team) and are assigned a project at the beginning of the Module.
  • Typical projects are based on a particular aspect of sustainability and relate to the UN sustainability goals (SDGs) 

A typical example of a project is 'Fight or Flight' where a team investigates the issue of flooding and how best to address it within a specific region or regions. The solutions must be based on the Sustainability Pillars (Economic, Environment and Social)

 

LO#1 Recognise the inter-relatedness of different disciplines in addressing sustainability issues

-Sustainable Development Goals

-Sustainability Pillars and inter-relatedness between them

 

LO #2 Identify individual and group learning needs and develop solutions 

-Teams will be provided with relevant core information in relation to their chosen project

-They will then identify gaps in their knowledge and research this information under supervision.

 

LO#3 Participate and contribute to team based activities

-Presentations will be provided to the groups to assist them to work in multi-disciplinary teams.  Typical presentations will cover ''Team building and group dynamics', 'The challenge of communication in multi-cultural teams', ' Working in multi-disciplinary teams' etc

LO#4 Communicate sustainability issues to scientific/non-scientific audience

-The teams will also be coached to produce video learning logs, presentations and learning portfolios.

LO#5 Identify the role of the individual in achieving sustainable futures

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coursework & Assessment Breakdown

Coursework & Continuous Assessment
100 %

Coursework Assessment

Title Type Form Percent Week Learning Outcomes Assessed
1 Mini group presentations Coursework Assessment Group Project 20 % OnGoing 1,2,3,5
2 Vlog Practical Group Project 20 % OnGoing 1,2,3,4,5
3 Final presentation Coursework Assessment Group Project 40 % End of Term 1,2,3,4,5
4 Learning Portfolio Coursework Assessment Individual Project 20 % End of Term 1,2,5

Full Time Mode Workload


Type Location Description Hours Frequency Avg Workload
Problem Based Learning Computer Laboratory Team based learning workshops 30 Once Per Module 2.00
Lecture Tiered Classroom Guest lectures 7.5 Once Per Module 0.50
Off-Site Activity Offsite Facility Site visit 7.5 Once Per Module 0.50
Independent Learning Not Specified Self-directed learning 30 Once Per Module 2.00
Total Full Time Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 3.00 Hours

Required & Recommended Book List

Recommended Reading
20/12/2018 Introducing Environment Oxford University Press

Module Resources

Journal Resources

Not required

URL Resources

UN Sustainable Development Goals

http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/

 

EU and UN Development Goals

https://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/policies/sustainable-development-goals_en

 

The EU Agenda for Sustainable Development

https://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/policies/european-development-policy/2030-agenda-sustainable-development_en

 

UN Development Goals Final Report

http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/sdgoverview/mdg_goals.html

 

EU Intercultural Dialogue

https://ec.europa.eu/culture/policy/strategic-framework/intercultural-dialogue_en

Other Resources

Access to computer labs

Access to toolmaking facilities/engineering stores