Key Concepts in Environmental Science and Policy , 10.0 credits

Entry requirements

Basic eligibility for courses at the research education level is granted to those who have:

• Obtained a degree at an advanced level,
• Completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits (ECTS), including at least 60 ECTS at an advanced level, or acquired equivalent knowledge in some other way.

Specific information

This is a mandatory course in the environmental science research education program.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student is expected to demonstrate

Knowledge and understanding of

• Interdisciplinary environmental science with a focus on sustainable development concepts and practices.

Skills and abilities to

• Critically assess how key environmental science concepts are used in various scientific practices and discussions, as well as in policy discussions.

Evaluation capability and scientific approach

• Reflect on trends, controversies, and interpretation of a selection of key concepts in interdisciplinary environmental research with a focus on sustainable development.

Contents

The course focuses on concepts central to environmental science analysis and societal dialogues in natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities, as well as in public debates on sustainability. The students will explore the historical development, definition, and application of these concepts and analytical approaches in science and politics. By applying an interdisciplinary approach, the course will examine the interplay of natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.

Educational methods

Literature seminars, lectures, and the writing of individual essays.

During seminars, a critical discussion is held on central concepts and various analytical methods. The seminars will be used to discuss the assigned reading of literature, and understanding and assessing the strengths and weaknesses of concepts in relation to scientific and political analysis and dialogues.

Examination

Participants at the seminars must demonstrate that they have read and reflected on the literature through active oral participation, including submitting a short reflection on the literature before each seminar. Participants must also write a final essay. Each participant has access to 0.5 hours of supervision during writing the final essay.

The assessment will be based on both the quality of the final written essay and active participation and interaction during presentations.

All teaching components in the course are mandatory, and attendance is required.

There is an opportunity for re-examination of mandatory components following the course after a discussion with the course coordinator. Participation in the re-examination is offered at a later event. The scope of re-examination shall be the same as in the ordinary examination.

A student who has failed twice in the examination of the course or part of the course has the right, upon request, to have another examiner during the new examination opportunity, unless there are specific reasons against it.

Grading

Course literature

The course literature is provided in advance before it is offered.

General information

If the course ceases or undergoes significant changes, normally, examination is offered according to this course plan at a total of three times within/in connection to the two terms that follow.

For information about the course, please contact mailto: susanne.eriksson@liu.se