Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

As an outcome of the course, the student will achieve understanding of the large scale systemic principles and the multi-dimensional interdependencies of sustainability.

The student will learn to define and discuss the key concepts related to systems thinking in the context of sustainable living environment.

The student will get skills to apply systems thinking in the context of sustainable living environment.

Credits: 5

Schedule: 27.10.2020 - 02.12.2020

Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Katri Pulkkinen, Aija Staffans

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Aija Staffans

Contact information for the course (valid 22.10.2020-21.12.2112):

Alpo Tani, alpo.h.tani@aalto.fi

Tom Mantell, thomas.mantell@aalto.fi


CEFR level (applies in this implementation):

Language of instruction and studies (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):

Teaching language: English

Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Theoretical foundation for the large scale systemic principles and the multi-dimensional interdependencies of sustainability.

    Complex adaptive systems and the key concepts related to systems thinking in the context of sustainable living environment. Applying systems thinking in the context of sustainable living environment.

  • Applies in this implementation:

    The course addresses socio-ecological systems and changes in system over time. It introduces theoretical foundations of the large scale systemic principles and multi-dimensional interdependencies of sustainability. Key notions are derived from complex adaptive systems and transition theories. These concepts and systems thinking are used to analyse design approaches towards circular economy and sustainable living environments and to learn to anticipate unintended consequences of sustainability solutions.

    - Lectures

    - Peer-to-peer teaching

    - Readings: Readings are used throughout the course to support classroom activities and final assignment.


Assessment Methods and Criteria
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Lectures, peer teaching, learning diaries, selected readings and other methods. Some practical applications from the field of living environment will be included to the course program, when possible. Evaluation criteria will be specified during the course..

Workload
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    The cource work consists of lectures, peer teaching and other exercises and individual work.  

DETAILS

Study Material
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    The literature of the course will be specified during the course. Some readings will be given as a pre-task to the course.

Substitutes for Courses
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Maa-78.3330 Urban Systems

Prerequisites
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    No prerequisites

SDG: Sustainable Development Goals

    3 Good Health and Well-being

    10 Reduced Inequality

    11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

    12 Responsible Production and Consumption

    13 Climate Action

    17 Partnerships for the Goals