Introductory description

This module requires students to engage actively in understanding the real-life application of the theories they studied in their other first year modules. The module aims to provide students with opportunities to examine in depth the Economic, Environmental and Social arguments that have been advanced in relation to sustainable transport. In this respect the module’s aims align with the QAA’s advice that: “Pedagogical approaches that are particularly effective in the context of education for sustainable development tend to have an authentic aspect, enabling students to relate their learning to real-life problems and situations”. In groups led by an academic supervisor, each group of 4-5 students will formulate one question for in-depth investigation to produce an output (the format of which can vary) and a presentation by poster to a public forum.

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.

Case studies on sustainable transport will include:

• International best practices in sustainable transport - UK transport with a focus on HS2 - Coventry
• Warwick University and its masterplan
  Other sessions will cover research skills.

Learning outcomes

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

• By the end of the module, all students will be able to demonstrate the following abilities: -- to develop research questions that deconstruct problems related to sustainable development and transport; -- to design a research strategy utilising the most appropriate methods to answer research questions and test hypothesis; -- to discriminate between different types of evidence, and to evaluate them using scientific criteria; -- to deploy a range of intellectual arguments to formulate a coherent and convincing critique; -- to undertake field research including: archival searches, conducting interviews, managing focus groups; -- demonstrate grounded knowledge and understanding of the Economic, Social and Environmental arguments surrounding the problem of sustainable transport.

Research element

Research skills are embedded into the teaching strategy of the module.
Students are expected to develop research questions that deconstruct a major problem and undertake field research including: archival searches, conducting interviews, managing focus groups

Interdisciplinary

This is a core 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.

International

This is a core 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
Information technology
Numeracy
Research across various disciplines
Peer review