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

After successful completion of the course, the student is able to:

  • Understand the principles of sustainability impact assessment and its environmental and social dimensions.
  • Utilise life cycle assessment and ecodesign strategies to mitigate impacts of manufacturing, use, and end-of-life of products.
  • Perform assessments and argue for sustainability of products, materials, and services.

Credits: 2

Schedule: 09.01.2025 - 23.01.2025

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Tatu Marttila

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:

    This workshop course introduces students to the assessment of ecological and social impacts of materials, products and systems, and familiarizes students with the principles of the eco-auditing process. Students will also learn to use the Granta EduPack tool (on Aalto computers) to support this assessment. Outcomes include a small assessment exercise and report.

Assessment Methods and Criteria
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Course is assessed as Pass/Fail. Students must participate to lectures, produce an assessment, and deliver the project report.

Workload
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Completion by participation in teaching:  includes participation in 3x afternoon sessions, readings + assessment exercise and report.

    Study methods:
    • Lectures and the supporting readings
    • Tutored and independent work on assessment supported with Granta Edupack program
    • Assessment exercise and reporting

    Overall workload 2 ECTS = 54 hours

    • Lectures 12 h
    • Independent work 24 h
    • Project report 16 h
    • Self reflection 2 h

DETAILS

Study Material
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Main readings: Mike Ashby (2013) Materials + Environment. ISBN 978-0-12-385971-6. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780123859716/materials-and-the-environment

Substitutes for Courses
Prerequisites
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals

    9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

    12 Responsible Production and Consumption

    13 Climate Action

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Teaching Language: English

    Teaching Period: 2024-2025 Spring III
    2025-2026 Spring III

    Registration:

    Registration for courses Sisu. Mimimum number of students 10, maximum 30.

    The order of priority for admitting students:

    1. Creative Sustainability major students;
    2. Creative Sustainability minor students;
    3. Department of Design masters students;
    4. Students for whom the course is part of his/her major's or programme's alternative studies and has been scheduled in the student's PSP (HOPS) for the current academic year;
    5. All other master students