Course content

This course offers the possibility for PhD students to follow a customised design for sustainability course at ID. PD8301 is meant for those PhD students interested in doing a customised project. the content of the project is open for discussion in advance of acceptance into the course. Generally this will involve some individual discussion and tutoring, to arrive at a project description which is of mutual interest, to the PhD student and to the department, in particular the research agenda of the design for sustainability research group. This project is preferably in the form of a piece of original research or an extensive literature review, resulting in a paper that can be submitted for publication. Throughout the research, supervision in the form of discussion meetings is offered.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

The candidate

• has a deep understanding of the chosen field of study
• has explored and understood transdisciplinary boundaries between sustainable product design and the student's individual research interests.

Skills:

The candidate

• has experience with discussing and formulating a relevant research project related to sustainable product design
• is able to select, read, process and write relevant literature on sustainable product design.

General qualifications:

The candidate

• can independently execute a minor research project and organise supervision to the extent that it is needed
• has gained experience in scientific article writing

Learning methods and activities

Depending on the chosen subject and the number of participants; activities will largely consist of literature review, research activities and article writing, as well as discussion/seminar with supervisor or other relevant staff/students. A final presentation may be asked for. Given the low number of students expected to participate, the organisation of the course is very flexible and individually oriented, and will be discussed at the start of the project. To pass the course a score of at least 70 percent is required.

Recommended previous knowledge

Students have to be PhD students. Candidates should have an interest in themes related to design for sustainability and sustainable development.

Required previous knowledge

Students are engaged in a PhD project relevant to Design for Sustainability

Course materials

According to agreement between student and teacher.

Credit reductions