Environmental Issues
Miljöfrågor i ett internationellt perspektiv

FMIF20, 7.5 credits, G2 (First Cycle)

Valid for: 2024/25
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering LTH
Decided by: PLED W
Date of Decision: 2024-02-12
Effective: 2024-05-08

General Information

Main field: Technology Depth of study relative to the degree requirements: Second cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Mandatory for: MHET1
Elective mandatory for: MLIV1
Elective for: E4, MPRR2, RH4
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 written and individual assignments that are discussed at seminars: a text on sustainable development and a book review. A project is carried out in groups and presented in a paper, which is discussed at a seminar. In order to obtain a passing grade on the projects, it should be possible to observe the students' working process. A written exam. The final grade of the course is based on the results of the individual assignments, the group project and the written exam. The individual assignments must be passed to take the exam. Participation in seminars, presentaions and study visits is 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: 0111. Name: Environmental Issues.
Credits: 7.5. Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5).

Admission

Admission requirements:

• Minimum 90 ECTS credits.

Reading list

• The reading list is revised each year. Due to the rapid development within the field, this list can be subject to changes.
• Individually chosen literature (book).
• Articles and reports.
• M. Mulligan: An Introduction to Sustainability. Environmental, Social and Personal Perspectives. Routledge, 2017. Second edition. Main book.
• N. Middleton: The Global Casino: An Introduction to Environmental Issues. Routledge, 2019. 6th edition. Alternative book.

Contact

Course coordinator: Eugène Petelin, eugene.petelin@miljo.lth.se
Course coordinator: Jamil Khan, jamil.khan@miljo.lth.se
Course administrator: Petra Malmquist, petra.malmquist@miljo.lth.se
Course homepage: https://www.tos.lth.se/english/education/undergraduate-education/