Environmental Science MA, Integrated Environmental Assessment, 7.5 Credits

Aim

To transform the world towards a future society that can be sustained within planetary boundaries requires an integrated assessment of the situation of today, environmentally and socially - the drivers and pressures on environmental and social systems, impacts from changes and human responses to the situation. This course introduces integrated environmental assessment for this purpose. The course also deepens the understanding of the dynamics of human-environmental systems and how systems understanding can help untangle the sometimes ‘wicked problem’ of sustainable development.

Course objectives

After completion of this course the student should be able to:
1. Demonstrate understanding of complex interaction within the human-environment system
2. Demonstrate insights into the variety of perspectives on sustainable development and sustainability science and the variety of contexts for its design, implementation and evaluation in particular situations
3. Analyze reasons for slow societal action through applying Integrated Environmental Assessment tools such as the D-P-S-I-R framework
4. Apply systems thinking and systems modeling to approach wicked problems (as e.g. moving the human society toward sustainable development).
5. Identify and process scientific resources of information and demonstrate scientific communication skills.

Content

The course is an introduction to advancements within Sustainability Science and focuses on tools for Integrated Environmental Assessment to support decision making for sustainable development within societies.

Entry requirements

Degree of Bachelor of at least 180 Credits (180 ECTS) or equivalent, with at least 30 Credits (30 ECTS) in Environmental Science, Environmental Technology or Environmental Engineering.

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Teaching form

The course is based on lectures, seminars, computer labs, and fieldwork.
Tuition is both campus-based and web-based.
All course activities are performed in English.
Participation in fieldwork is mandatory for all students.

Examination form

F100: Field project, 1.5 Credits
Grade scale: Fail (U) or Pass (G)
Written report

P100: Project 1, 1.5 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. Fx and F represent fail levels.
Written report - DPSIR

P210: Project 2, 1.0 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. Fx and F represent fail levels.
Written report - Impact Strategy

P220: Project 2, 0.5 Credits
Grade scale: Fail (U) or Pass (G)
Oral presentation - Impact Strategy

P300: Project 3, 1.5 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. Fx and F represent fail levels.
Written report - Ecological Modelling

W100: Web examination, 1.5 Credits
Grade scale: Fail (U) or Pass (G)

The examination of the course includes modelling assignments, written reports, presentations, and quizzes.
Grading criteria for the subject can be found at www.miun.se/gradingcriteria.
The examiner has the right to offer alternative examination arrangements to students who have been granted the right to special support by Mid Sweden University’s disabilities adviser.

Examination restrictions

Students registered on this version of the course syllabus have the right to be examined 3 times within one year according to the specified examination forms. Thereafter the examination form is in according to the current course syllabus.

Grading system

Seven-grade scale, A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. Fx and F represent fail levels.