Introductory description

This practical, interdisciplinary module is designed to provide a bridge between the theoretical knowledge of sustainable development principles and techniques, and the application of this knowledge to ‘real world’ situations and applications. This is accomplished by engaging students in small-scale, community-based projects, within the University campus and its locality, concentrating upon interventions within the natural and built environment.

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.

The syllabus follows 5 x 2 week themes for realising sustainable development within a local context, which shape the structure of weekly learning and activities.

I. Local Context and Assessment:

• Understanding site context;
• Environmental Impact Assessment;
• Baseline Habitat Assessment;
• Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM);
• Site Mapping Skills (GIS, etc).
  II. Natural Environment
• Develop a more nuanced understanding of Biodiversity (building on GD105);
• Environmental Designations and Protection;
• Biodiversity action plans (building on GD105);
• Water, drought and flooding (building on GD105).
  III. Built Environment:
• Design and Planning;
• Construction, Materials and Methods;
• Energy and thermal performance;
• Environmental/Passive Design.
  IV. Biophilia:
• Ecosystems Services (building on GD105);
• Natural Capital (building on GD105);
• Health, Well-being and Nature;
• Green Infrastructure.
  V. Interventions:
• Co-benefits;
• Adaptive Pathways;
• Towards sustainable development.

Learning outcomes

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

• Evaluate the different local and national policies relating to sustainable development practice.
• Articulate the complexities and trade-offs necessary for sustainable development implementation.
• Demonstrate practical knowledge, skills and a nuanced appreciation of local sustainability challenges.
• Design and implement appraisal and assessment techniques for sustainable development.
• Articulate different perspectives for realising sustainable development, and in doing so identify potential co-benefits and collaborative solutions to local problems.
• Reflect critically and mediate the interests of different professions, interests and real-world stakeholders.
• Design, justify and promote transformative interventions into local environmental systems that enhance sustainability.

Research element

Research skills are embedded into the teaching strategy of the module. Students are expected to read and critically analyse scholarly papers written from a variety of perspectives and, on this module, to undertake primary and secondary research related to their chosen project

Interdisciplinary

This is an optional module on the Global Sustainable Development course which adopts an interdisciplinary approach spanning the arts, humanities, social and natural sciences fields in order to engage with the major global challenges facing contemporary society, explore these 'big problems,' from a variety of perspectives and consider a range of possible solutions. Specifically, this module aims to equip students with advanced knowledge of various cross-disciplinary theories and empirical evidence on the determinants of inequalities, its consequences, and people’s attitudes to them.

International

This is an optional module on the Global Sustainable Development course which offers a unique trans-disciplinary and international learning experience that allows students to achieve breadth and depth of knowledge.

Subject specific skills

Ability to:
critically assess and analyse sustainability issues that need to be addressed, including real-life examples
use and apply established frameworks and methodologies for analysing the impact(s) of a behaviour or process
generate and evaluate different models of sustainable development to assess their likely impact
actively implement or contribute to changes that promote sustainable development within the scope of own learning experience
engage with real-life problems relevant to sustainable development
use historical knowledge and an understanding of the consequences of past actions to envision how futures may be shaped
identify the importance of empowering individuals and organisations to work together to create new knowledge
employ leadership for sustainable development by challenging assumptions and negotiating alternatives to unsustainable current practices
identify the opportunities to support and develop a progressive and resilient culture that encourages citizens, professions and institutions to put learning into practice

Transferable skills

Written communication skills
Oral communication skills
Working with others
Problem solving, analysis and appraisal
Information technology
Numeracy
Research across various disciplines
Peer review