Introduction to Sustainability Science
Beschrijving
Course goals
- Explain and discuss the key concepts and principles of sustainability and sustainable development;
- Apply the principles of systems thinking to address interconnected issues and to explore the relationships between human and natural systems;
- Identify disciplinary and interdisciplinary contributions when addressing complex sustainability challenges;
- Understand and employ basic methodologies and approaches central to sustainability science to discuss current sustainable development issues;
- Critically assess simple real-world sustainability case studies and discuss possible integrated solutions;
- Understand and develop basic tools and skills necessary to engage with different stakeholders towards the advancement of sustainability goals.
| Description of assignment | Assesses which learning goals? |
| First written exam Second written exam Group project: report and presentation Class participation |
1-4 1-4 4-6 1-6 |
Content
Sustainable development deals with understanding dynamics in coupled social and natural systems with the goal to meet the needs of present and future generations and support equitable and just societies within planetary boundaries. As such, sustainability science is inherently value-based, inter- and trans-disciplinary, forward-looking, and focused on identifying and solving current and future problems.
This course aims to introduce students to the concepts, theories and methodologies that are at the basis of this relatively young academic discipline. It explores the interdisciplinary nature of sustainability, integrating ecological, social, and economic perspectives to address the pressing global challenges of the 21st century. The course will equip students with basic tools to understand, analyze, and contribute to solutions for achieving sustainability at local, regional, and global scales.
Target audience
The course has a clear Science profile but is also attractive for non-Science majors. Students who have already completed UCSCIPHY01 Energy Systems & Sustainability are also welcome.
Format
Classroom meetings are dedicated to lectures and discussions based on advance reading of textbook chapters or handout materials, problem solving sessions, and oral presentations.
The last four weeks of the course are dedicated to group projects, where students develop a comprehensive plan to address a specific sustainability issue (e.g., sustainable urban development, renewable energy transition) based on course materials and literature research. The outcome of the project is presented as an oral communication and written report.
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