Course syllabus

Miljösystemanalys: Miljökonsekvensbeskrivning
Environmental Systems Studies: Environmental Impact Assessment

FMI085, 15 credits, A (Second Cycle)

Valid for: 2015/16
Decided by: Education Board C
Date of Decision: 2015-04-15

General Information

Elective for: L4-fr, W4-ms
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 in planning and decision-making, that they should be stimulated to discuss the possibilities and limitations of Environmental Impact Assessment, and that they should train their skills in critical thinking, in identifying and defining a problem and in writing scientific reports and papers.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

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 Environmental Impact Assessment of effects from projects, EIA in the Swedish planning and decision-making system. The course also deals with assessment of environmental effects 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, the writing of a paper, study visits/field work. Part of the course content is discussed at literature seminars. By taking part in the completion of an Environmental Impact Assessment, the course participants train both their ability to plan and perform a group project and the use of different methods in EIA. The individual paper comprises the application of EIA/SEA-related issues to deepen the knowledge within a more restricted field.

Examination details

Grading scale: TH
Assessment: Continuous assessment of the student’s work is made during exercises, seminars, discussions, and presentations, as well as in a written paper discussed at the final seminar. A small written exam at mid-term. For the paper to be graded, the course director should have been able to follow the working process. Participation in seminars, presentations and study visits is mandatory. The final grade is based half on the individual paper and seminar and half on the Environmental Impact Assessment report and individual quality assessment.

Parts
Code: 0114. Name: Examination Part 1.
Credits: 9. Grading scale: UG. Assessment: Approved exercizes and written assignments including EIA report
Code: 0214. Name: Examination Part 2.
Credits: 6. Grading scale: UG. Assessment: Approved report and critical discussion

Admission

Admission requirements:

Required prior knowledge: Minimum 130 credits within the program.
The number of participants is limited to: No
The course overlaps following course/s: FMIN10, TFRN55

Reading list

Contact and other information

Course coordinator: Charlotte Malmgren, charlotte.malmgren@miljo.lth.se
Course coordinator: jamil Khan, jamil.khan@miljo.lth.se
Course homepage: http://www.miljo.lth.se
Further information: Examination outside the course period can be arranged in accordance with the exam schedule.