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: 08.01.2025 - 14.02.2025
Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):
Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Anna Klemettinen, 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:
- Learning diary (40%)
- Project and presentation (60%)
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
valid for whole curriculum period:
Prerequisites
valid for whole curriculum period:
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals
3 Good Health and Well-being
7 Affordable and Clean Energy
9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
10 Reduced Inequality
11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
12 Responsible Production and Consumption
13 Climate Action
14 Life Below Water
15 Life on Land
FURTHER INFORMATION
Further Information
valid for whole curriculum period:
Teaching Language: English
Teaching Period: 2024-2025 Spring III
2025-2026 Spring IIIRegistration:
Maximum 60 students. The course is mandatory for students of the Creative Sustainability programme. If fewer than 60 places are taken by students of Creative Sustainability, the remaining places will be allocated to students from other programs, with those taking Creative Sustainability as a minor prioritized. These students will be selected on the basis of their field of study to ensure that we are able to create multidisciplinary teams for group working.
A course implementation may be cancelled if the number of students enrolled to the course implementation does not meet the required minimum of five students. In the case of cancelled course implementations, the students enrolled to them must be provided with an alternative way of completing the course or be advised to take some other applicable course.