Designing Environmental Studies in Sustainable Development, 7.5 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Course offered for

• Master´s Programme in Science for Sustainable Development
• Master's Programme in Science for Sustainable Development

Entry requirements

• Bachelor's degree equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen in one of the following areas: 
  - natural sciences, 
  - social sciences, 
  - humanities or
  - engineering
• 15 ECTS credits passed in Environmental Sciences, Sustainable Development or equivalent
• English corresponding to the level of English in Swedish upper secondary education (Engelska 6)
  Exemption from Swedish

Intended learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student at an advanced level should be able to:

• Formulate research questions and develop research designs, relating them to theory and methods within sustainable development.
• Critically reflect on research ethics and conduct assessments considering relevant societal and ethical aspects.
• Describe and apply research methods within sustainable development.
• Collect and analyze empirical data using scientific methods.
• Evaluate and critically discuss the possibilities and limitations of scientific methods.
• Communicate relevant knowledge within sustainable development orally and in writing.

Course content

The course covers research design from goal formulation to method selection and empirical material within environmental science. The course includes various central scientific methods for collecting and analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data, including their different strengths and weaknesses. The course also addresses and discusses research ethical considerations and good research practices. The course also includes how to write a scientific thesis and how to present research results orally and in writing.

Teaching and working methods

The instruction consists of lectures, seminars, workshops, group work, and written assignments individually and in groups. In addition to this, the student is expected to engage in self-study. 

Language of instruction: English.

Examination

The course is examined through:

• active participation in seminars and workshops, grading scale: Pass/Fail
• written group assignments, grading scale: Pass/Fail
• presentation of individual written assignment, grading scale: Pass/Fail
• opposition to individual written assignment, grading scale: Pass/Fail 
• individual written assignment, grading scale: EC

To obtain a Pass (E) final grade, a Pass grade is required in all components and at least an E on the individual written assignment. Higher grades are based on the individual written assignment.

Detailed information can be found in the study guide.

If special circumstances prevail, and if it is possible with consideration of the nature of the compulsory component, the examiner may decide to replace the compulsory component with another equivalent component.

If the LiU coordinator for students with disabilities has granted a student the right to an adapted examination for a written examination in an examination hall, the student has the right to it.

If the coordinator has recommended for the student an adapted examination or alternative form of examination, the examiner may grant this if the examiner assesses that it is possible, based on consideration of the course objectives.

An examiner may also decide that an adapted examination or alternative form of examination if the examiner assessed that special circumstances prevail, and the examiner assesses that it is possible while maintaining the objectives of the course.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course twice are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

Grades

Other information

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus. 

The course is conducted in such a way that there are equal opportunities with regard to sex, transgender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation and age.

If special circumstances prevail, the vice-chancellor may in a special decision specify the preconditions for temporary deviations from this course syllabus, and delegate the right to take such decisions.

Department