Introductory description

ES2D9-15 Technology International Development

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Introduction: The nature of International Development and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Basic concepts: Frontier technologies; Development; Sustainability; Resilience; Innovation
The relationship between International Development, Disaster Management and Technology Management.

Current technologies: A round-up of technologies required for the provision and sustainable management of (i) Water and sanitation (ii) Inclusive, safe and resilient cities and human settlements (iii) Efficient transportation (iv) Affordable and reliable energy (v) Resilient infrastructures (vi) Climate change and (vii) Circular economy.

Technology choice: The use of economic and other criteria to choose and design technologies appropriate to their use and environment.

Case studies.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the relationship between international development and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a global context.
• Evaluate current technologies required for the provision and sustainable management of engineering infrastructures and services.
• Develop the skills and strategies needed to appropriately apply and critically analyse different technological choices based on economic, social, and environmental criteria.
• Develop innovation skills applicable to sustainable development and the ability to apply quantitative techniques where appropriate.
• Demonstrate effective communication to a technical and non-technical audience

Indicative reading list

“Sustainable Sanitation for All: Experiences, Challenges and Innovations”, 2016, ISBN-13: 9781853399282
“Technologies for Development: What is Essential?”, 2015, ISBN 3319162470
“Healthy Homes in Tropical Zones: Improving Rural Housing in Asia and Africa”, 2013, ISBN 3936681813
“Ten Frontier Technologies for International Development”, 2016, Institute of Development Studies, Brighton. https://www.ids.ac.uk/publications/ten-frontier-technologies-for-international-development/
“A better planet: 40 big ideas for a sustainable future”, 2019, New Haven: Yale University Press. ISBN 9780300246247.
"Enabling Innovation - A Practical Guide to Understanding and Fostering Technological Change", Douthwaite, B., 2002

Subject specific skills

1. Knowledge and understanding of the need for a high level of professional and ethical conduct in engineering and the use of technical literature, other information sources including appropriate codes of practice and industry standards
2. Knowledge and understanding of risk issues, including health & safety, environmental and commercial risk, risk assessment and risk management techniques and an ability to evaluate commercial risk
3. Knowledge of professional codes of conduct, how ethical dilemmas can arise, relevant legal and contractual issues.

Transferable skills

1. Communicate (written and oral; to technical and non-technical audiences) and work with others
2. Plan self-learning and improve performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD
3. Exercise initiative and personal responsibility, including time management, which may be as a team member or leader
4. Ability to formulate and operate within appropriate codes of conduct, when faced with an ethical issue
5. Appreciation of the global dimensions of engineering, commerce and communication
6. Be professional in their outlook, be capable of team working, be effective communicators, and be able to exercise responsibility and sound management approaches.