Syllabus 2010/2011 FMI110

Syllabus academic year 2010/2011
(Created 2010-07-25.)

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

FMI110

Credits: 7,5. Grading scale: TH. Cycle: A (Second Cycle). Main field: Technology. Language of instruction: The course will be given in Swedish. Optional for: RH4, W4ms. Course coordinator: Charlotte Malmgren, charlotte.malmgren@miljo.lth.se, Environmental and Energy Systems Studies. Prerequisites: One of the course FMI065, FMIF05, FMIF01, FMIF10 or GEMF01. Recommended prerequisits: Minimum 130 credits within the program. Assessment: Continuous assessment is made during presentations and discussions, written assignments and active participation in seminars. The written project is also presented orally. The final grade is based on the project and the written exam, which account for 50% each. Participation in seminars and exercises is mandatory. Home page: http://www.miljo.lth.se.

Aim
The general aim of the course is that the students should acquire deeper knowledge about Environmental Management Systems (EMS), get practice in introducing Environmental Management Systems, be stimulated to discuss and reflect on the possibilities and limitations of Environmental Management Systems, and train their critical thinking and writing abilities.

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

Be able to describe the aim, development, scope and methods of the Environmental Management Systems standards ISO14001 and EMAS, and how they are interpreted.
Be able to describe and discuss prerequisites of and forms for the implementation of ISO 14001 in companies and organizations.

Skills and abilities
For a passing grade the student must

Show ability to independently structure and build up an Environmental Management System, through the preparation of an environmental handbook.
Show ability to participate in the introduction, operation and internal audit of ISO 14001.
Be able to critically evaluate methods and possibilities within Environmental Management Systems from a systems perspective.

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

Be able to critically evaluate the possibilities and limitations of Environmental Management Systems as a tool for sustainable development.

Contents
The history of Environmental Management Systems, Environmental Management Systems as a basis for preventive action; the contents of the Standard EN ISO 14001 and EMAS. The introduction and implementation of ISO 14001: environmental policy, planning, implementation and operation, checking, management review, etc.

Environmental legislation relevant for Environmental Management Systems. Certification; examples from companies and organizations.

Literature seminars are aimed at a critical analysis of Environmental Management Systems.

Instruction consists of lectures, seminars and exercises.

Literature
Brorson T, Larsson G: Environmental management. Stockholm: EMS AB 2006. ISBN 978-91-631-9881-6.
The standard ISO 14001:2004.
Articles and reports.
The literature list is established each year. Due to the rapid development within the field, this list, valid this year, can be subject to changes.