English

If sufficient demand

An overall aim is to create an understanding of complex socio-ecological systems and the importance of multi-disciplinary efforts and how to deal with current and future uncertainties. Sustainable development in the course refers to the development at the global, regional and local levels as defined in the Brundtland Commission report ‘Our common future’, with the three pillars of environmental, social and economic sustainability.
The aim of part I of the course is to give PhD students in depth knowledge of sustainable development. This knowledge will increase the student’s ability to identify possibilities and risks associated with sustainability when developing products, processes and systems. The aim of Part II is that the doctoral student acquires knowledge specific to the student's research subject.

The course is divided into two parts. Part 1 consists of essential knowledge in sustainable development (5hp). Part 2 provides in depth knowledge in the doctoral student’s own discipline (2.5 hp). Part 1 is divided into modules. Some modules have online video-introductions, some have introductory seminars and others introductory reading materials and group discussions. Definition of sustainable development. History. Climate change and its effects. Planetary boundaries. Circular economy. Lice-cycle analysis. Food security. Social aspects. Health and Occupational Health. Sustainable city. Poverty. Complex systems. The designer/engineer and sustainable development. Part 2. A literature review of ongoing research in sustainability in relation to the student’s own discipline. Project work.

Acquired in depth knowledge on current issues related to sustainable development at the global, regional and local level. (Part 1)
Developed an understanding of humankind’s development and its impact on the natural environment. (Part 1).
Developed an understanding of complex systems and gained ability to critically assess alternatives from a multidisciplinary perspective. (Part 1)
Gained knowledge of current ongoing sustainability research in their own subject field. (Part 2)

Have the ability to discuss and reflect on the designer/engineer’s role in influencing sustainable development. (Part 1)
Be able to apply acquired knowledge in a project, from idea to a finished prototype. (Part 2)

• Developed an understanding of environmental, social and economic factors in relation to sustainable development.
• Have the ability to reflect on usage and the development of products, processes and systems.

Lectures

Seminars

Project

Self-study literature review

Introductions by teachers in the classroom and in online video's.

Written report

Written assignments

Miscellaneous

Active participation in introductions in lecture rooms, workshops and seminars.
Presentation of the literature review and project work.

Failed, pass

Accepted to PhD education at a technical faculty

Braungart, M. & McDonough, W.: Cradle to Cradle. Remaking the way we make things. VINTAGE, 2009. ISBN 9780099535478.

The course will include a variety of literature, from scientific journals to online video's.

The course will go ahead when there is enough interested PhD students. Maximum 20 participants. The course is planned to start January 2016.

IDE035F

 -11-12

FN3/Per Tunestål