ESA-10309 Environmental Sciences and Society

Course

Credits 9.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch

Contents:

This course offers an introduction to the environmental sciences and to the characteristics of environmental issues. Different environmental themes are explained like energy efficiency, sustainable agriculture, biomass energy and adaptations to climate change. It builds on the courses that were given in the first year. Students learn that environmental problems can be studied from different perspectives. The course focuses on interactions between science and society to come up with feasible solutions for different environmental problems. Excursions to different companies will illustrate practical pilot projects on innovations in energy efficiency, sustainable agriculture, biomass energy and adaptations to climate change.

Learning outcomes:

After the course the students are expected: - to have upgraded their competencies in group work, presentation of study results, and application of tools in environmental assessments;
- to demonstrate detailed understanding of the linkage between economic developments and the effects on the environment;
- to have the knowledge, tools and skills to describe and analyze the innovations in energy efficiency, sustainable agriculture, biomass energy and climate change adaptations;
- to be able to explain their choices within their BMK-program.

Activities:

Attend lectures and seminars, search relevent publications, study and discuss literature. Contribute to group work and exercises. Participate in excursions. Write individual and group papers. Write a study plan.

Examination:

Based on participation in all activities, and on individual and group products. At the end an exam is scheduled.

Literature:

A course manual and start literature is available.