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

Understand the scientific principles and the ecological consequences of material flows
Understand policy and technology drivers of material circulation
Understand the consequences of material selection and design for the circulation and recovery of materials
Are able to prioritize activities and develop solutions for circular economy and the bioeconomy

Credits: 5

Schedule: 12.01.2022 - 18.02.2022

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Mark Hughes

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):

Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):

Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    The use of materials by humans is having a profound and transformative effect upon the biosphere and yet is an integral part of the global economy and society. The course aims to consider how we might rethink our use of materials in the context of sustainable development.


    We will explore the nexus between materials and sustainability, adopting a systems thinking approach to materials cycles. We will look at how the use of material and the choices we make in their selection, and the design of materials and products, affect sustainability. We will look at how we can improve resource efficiency and will explore the limits to this. We will look at material flows and the stakeholders involved in often highly complex value chains.

Assessment Methods and Criteria
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    • Attendance and participation (20%)
    • Learning diary (40%)
    • Project and presentation (40%)

Workload
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    • Lectures/seminars/workshops: 10-25 h
    • Group work: 60-70 h
    • Independent work: 50-55 h

DETAILS

Study Material
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    • Ashby, M.F. Materials and Sustainable Development (available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780081001769/materials-and-sustainable-development)
    • Hill, Callum. An Introduction to Sustainable Resource Use (https://books.google.fi/books/about/An_Introduction_to_Sustainable_Resource.html?id=__--J-WzykwC&redir_esc=y
    • Other to be announced in class

Substitutes for Courses
Prerequisites
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals

    9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

    11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

    12 Responsible Production and Consumption

    13 Climate Action

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Teaching Period:

    2020-2021 Spring III

    2021-2022 Spring III

    Course Homepage: https://mycourses.aalto.fi/course/search.php?search=CHEM-E2205

    Registration for Courses: In the academic year 2021-2022, registration for courses will take place on Sisu (sisu.aalto.fi) instead of WebOodi.

    The course is mandatory for students of Creative Sustainability