course-details-portlet

TIØ4300 - Environmental Science, Ecosystem Services and Sustainability

About

Examination arrangement

Examination arrangement: Aggregate score
Grade: Letter grades

Evaluation Weighting Duration Grade deviation Examination aids
Group Assignment 20/100
School exam 80/100 3 hours E

Course content

The course provides an overview of a number of sustainability challenges we face today with particular emphasis on climate change, resource consumption and loss of biodiversity. Core topics in the course are ecological sustainability, ecosystem services and the effects of human intervention in ecosystems through land use, climate change, pollution, the dispersal and concentration of environmental toxins, the management of natural resources and relocation and loss of species. To understand cause and effect, the course covers topics as the structure and function of ecosystems, energy and material flows, production and biogeochemical cycles. The importance of biological diversity is at the core. Furthermore, the course covers a number of key international conventions and environmental legislation, national and global frameworks for assessment, reporting and follow-up environmental performance, and key institutions such as the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) and The International Resource Panel (IRP).

Learning outcome

The course is primarily developed for the engineering and technology master programmes including MIHMS and MHMS study programmes, but is also suitable for students within other study programmes. The course will provide knowledge about environmental challenges that can result from land use, resource and energy use, what effects this has on biological diversity, resource availability and climate change and what can be done to reduce these effects. The course have a particular focus on the dilemmas we as a society face.

The course will provide general knowledge about ecology, ecological sustainability, the importance of ecosystem services and human use of land and natural resources to ensure welfare. The course provides a general introduction to environmental policy and sustainable development. Knowledge of national and global environmental status, biodiversity, climate and climate risk, pollution, environmental toxins, land use, resource management and the spread of species. Knowledge of international initiatives and conventions, models and indicator systems for the integration of ecological knowledge, driving forces, management and green production systems.

Through the project work the students will learn to apply knowledge about ecological sustainability, planetary biophysical boundaries, ecosystems services and values associated to technology, business and companies in a selected case. The students will work in groups and learn how to identify, analyze, assess and evaluate ecological sustainability related to technology, business and/or social development and presenting this to the other students. The students get insight in the possibilities of conflicts in achieving the different sustainability goals.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, elective tests, discussions on specific topics and written exercise. The exercise is compulsory and done in groups.

Compulsory assignments

  • Oral presentation

Further on evaluation

The group-based exercises are compulsory and count 20% of the final grade. There is a compulsory presentation of the group work. The final exam is a written exam and counts 80% of the final grade. If there is a re-sit examination, the examination form may change from written to oral. For grade improvements, both the group-based exercises and the written exam must be re-taken.

Required previous knowledge

No specific requirements.

Course materials

A literature list is handed out in the beginning of the course.

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From To
SIS1084 7.5
BI2081 4.0 AUTUMN 2020
More on the course

No

Facts

Version: 1
Credits:  7.5 SP
Study level: Second degree level

Coursework

Term no.: 1
Teaching semester:  AUTUMN 2024

Language of instruction: Norwegian

Location: Trondheim

Subject area(s)
  • Environmental and Resource Engineering
  • Industrial Ecology
  • Natural Resources Management
  • Environmental Management
  • Work Environment and Safety
  • Environmental Science
  • Technological subjects
  • Economics
Contact information
Course coordinator:

Department with academic responsibility
Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management

Timetable

List view
Calendar view

Examination

Examination arrangement: Aggregate score

Term Status code Evaluation Weighting Examination aids Date Time Examination system Room *
Autumn ORD School exam 80/100 E INSPERA
Room Building Number of candidates
Autumn ORD Group Assignment 20/100 INSPERA
Room Building Number of candidates
Summer UTS School exam 80/100 E INSPERA
Room Building Number of candidates
  • * The location (room) for a written examination is published 3 days before examination date. If more than one room is listed, you will find your room at Studentweb.
Examination

For more information regarding registration for examination and examination procedures, see "Innsida - Exams"

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