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.

Students will be introduced to the UN sustainable development goals and what it means in reality in the module. Challenges people face around the globe would be discussed with a focus on developing countries. Technologies that can be used to prevent or minimise the impact of the challenges will be examined. This would cover Civil, Mechanical, Electrical and Agriculturally inclined technologies. The students would then be placed in groups where they would choose a particular challenge and design a solution for it. Students would also be encouraged to participate in competitions nationally or internationally organised around problem-based learning.

Key elements of the syllabus are:

1. The nature of International Development and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
2. Introduction to the problem-based design challenge and the case study.
3. Concepts and technologies for water supply and wastewater management; sanitation and solid waste management; built environment and transportation; land and environmental management; sustainable agriculture; renewable energy; Wireless and Digital Communications.
4. Principles of engineering communication.
5. Participation in a national or international competition ( this is an optional add-on based on the availability of competition, slots and student interests)

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.