Environmental Issues
Miljöfrågor i ett internationellt perspektiv

TFRF56, 7.5 credits, G2 (First Cycle)

Valid for: 2026/27
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering LTH
Decided by: PLED W
Date of Decision: 2026-02-09

General Information

Main field: Technology Depth of study relative to the degree requirements: First cycle, has at least 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English

Aim

The student should, after the course, have acquired knowledge about international and global environmental issues from a sustainability perspective, knowledge about how these issues are viewed and managed in society, and knowledge about methods and instruments on the international arena for reducing environmental problems.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• Be able to describe some international and global environmental issues, their local, regional and global dimensions/implications from several perspectives: natural sciences, technological and social.
• Be able to describe the theoretical basis for the concept of sustainable development, and contribute to a critical discussion of the concept in concrete cases.
• Be able to describe and discuss international politics and policy-making, and implementation of policies at national and local levels.

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• Be able to summarize and evaluate scientific literature within the field of the course.
• Be able to formulate a relevant study problem that is followed up in an analysis.
• Be able to write a well-structured paper in English, with a satisfactory use of relevant sources.
• Be able to independently gather and critically evaluate information.

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• Be able to identify and discuss environmental ethics issues.

Contents

The focus is on international and global environmental issues, related to sustainable development. The issues are presented in lectures and/or seminars and through the literature: the concept of sustainable development; climate change; environmental impacts in connection with the use of natural resources; energy, water, land, solid waste. Other aspects are consumption patterns and the environment, environmental economics, the role of international institutions, policy making, cultural and ethical aspects on environment and sustainable development

Examination details

Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5) - (Fail, Three, Four, Five)
Assessment:

Two mandatory discussion seminars based on the course book. One project work, carried out in a group. The project work is presented as a written paper and discussed in a seminar. For approval the work process of the students should be able to follow. Written examination. The final grade is based on a joint assessment of the group project and the exam. Participation in seminars, presentations and study visit are mandatory.

The examiner, in consultation with Disability Support Services, may deviate from the regular form of examination in order to provide a permanently disabled student with a form of examination equivalent to that of a student without a disability.

Modules
Code: 0120. Name: Environmental Issues.
Credits: 7.5. Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5).

Admission

Admission requirements:

• Minimum 90 ECTS credits.

Reading list

• Articles and reports available on Canvas.
• Hedenus, Fredrik, M. Persson, F. Sprei: Sustainable Development : Nuances and Perspectives. Lund : Studentlitteratur, 2022.
• Please contact the course responsible teacher for information about additional course material. All course material will be available on Canvas.

Contact

Course coordinator: Jamil Khan, jamil.khan@mljo.lth.se
Course coordinator: Nelly Garcia Gonzalez, nelly.garcia_gonzalez@miljo.lth.se
Examinator: Jamil Khan, jamil.khan@miljo.lth.se
Examinator: Nelly Garcia Gonzalez, nelly.garcia_gonzalez@miljo.lth.se
Course homepage: https://www.tos.lth.se/english/education/undergraduate-education/