Course syllabus

Miljösystemanalys: Miljökonsekvensbeskrivning
Environmental Systems Studies: Environmental Impact Assessment

FMIN10, 7,5 credits, A (Second Cycle)

Valid for: 2012/13
Decided by: Education Board 2
Date of Decision: 2012-03-16

General Information

Elective for: L4-fr, V4
Language of instruction: The course will be given in Swedish

Aim

The general aim of the course is that students should acquire knowledge about the use of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in planning and decision-making, that they should be stimulated to discuss the possibilities and limitations of EIA, and that they should be trained in critical thinking.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• Be able to describe the aims, development, scope and methods for Environmental Impact Assessment from a national perspective.
• Be able to analyse critically the possibilities and limitations of Environmental Impact Assessment as a tool in the quest for sustainable development.
• Be familiar with the conditions and forms for a systematic use of Environmental Impact Assessment in the Swedish planning and decision-making system, and be able to contribute to a discussions of these matters.

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• Be able to apply different methods of Environmental Impact Assessment.
• Be able to contribute to the performance of parts of an Environmental Impact Assessment, making use of his/her own specialist knowledge.
• Be able to analyse critically Environmental Impact Assessment, it's strengths and weaknesses.

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• Show ability to reflect on his/her learning process.

Contents

The course highlights how Environmental Impact Assessment has developed and is used in Sweden as a tool to provide the general public and decision makers with a preliminary assessment of probable effects on health, environment and society of alternative actions, related to decisions regarding legislation, aims/policy, programmes and projects/activities.

The course discusses the prerequisites and forms for using EIA in connection with projects and EIA in the Swedish planning and decision-making system. The course also deals with assessment of environmental impacts of certain plans and programmes: Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA).

The instruction consists of lectures, seminars, simulation, role-play, practical exercises in Environmental Impact Assessment and quality control, possibly a field trip. By taking part in the completion of parts of an Environmental Impact Assessment and by critically analyzing existing EIAs, the course participants are acuainted with different methods and with the strengths and weaknesses of EIA as a method.

Examination details

Grading scale: TH
Assessment: A written examination. Several assignments or a project are required. They should be performed individually or in small groups and presented both orally and in writing. Participation in seminars, presentations and study visits is mandatory.

Admission

Admission requirements:

• GEMF01, FMI031, FMIF15 or VTVA05
• FMI031 Environmental Science, Especially Environmental Chemistry or FMIF15 Environmental Science or VTVA05 Sustainable Construction

Required prior knowledge: Minimum 130 credits within the program.
The number of participants is limited to: No
The course overlaps following course/s: FMI085

Reading list

• Kjellander, C, Hedlund, A: MKB – introduktion till miljökonsekvensbeskrivning. Studentlitteratur , 2007.
• Handbok med allmänna råd om miljöbedömning av planer och program. Naturvårdsverket , 2009.
• Wallentinus, H-G (red.): : MKB. perspektiv på miljökonsekvensbeskrivning. Studentlitteratur , 2007.
• Articles and reports.
• Glasson, J, Therivel, R, Chadwick A: Introduction to environmental impact assessment. Routledge , 2005. Reference.
• The reading list is established each year. Due to the rapid development within the field, this list, valid this year, can be subject to changes.

Contact and other information

Course coordinator: Charlotte Malmgren, charlotte.malmgren@miljo.lth.se
Course homepage: http://www.miljo.lth.se