ENVR07049 2021 Sustainable Futures
Full Title
Sustainable Futures
Transcript Title
Sustainable Futures
Code
ENVR07049
Attendance
N/A %
Subject Area
ENVR - Environmental Science
Department
ESCI - Environmental Science
Level
07 - Level 7
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
€
Start Term
2021 - Full Academic Year 2021-22
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Ann-Marie Duddy, Declan Feeney, Frances Lucy
Programme Membership
SG_SECOL_B07 202100 Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with Ecology
SG_SECOL_H08 202100 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science with Ecology
SG_SECOL_C06 202400 Higher Certificate in Science in Environmental Science with Ecology
SG_SECOL_H08 202400 Bachelor of Science (Honours) 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 seminars and resources. Regular formative exercises and 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, along with other online resources and action plans.
Product may include presentations, report and learning portfolio
Students are given precise instructions at the beginning of the 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 Sustainable Futures Summer University which takes place each year for a period of two weeks with a number of on-line seminars prior to the event. 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 | Online | 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 1.00 Hours
Required & Recommended Book List
Recommended Reading
20/12/2018 Introducing Environment Oxford University Press
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