SCH-22806 Consumer and Technology

Course

Credits 6.00

Teaching methodContact hours
Lectures16
Problem-based learning21
Tutorial17
Course coordinator(s)ir. CAA Butijn
Lecturer(s)ir. CAA Butijn
dr. ir. LPA Steenbekkers
dr. S Wahlen
Examiner(s)ir. CAA Butijn

Language of instruction:

English

Continuation courses:

Thesis Consumer Technology and Product Use at SCH or FQD.

Contents:

The course Consumer and Technology concentrates on material processes in the household and their effects on consumers. Use and consumption are presented as a system in which material and immaterial resources (input) lead to consumer services (output) and undesired side-effects (side-put).
Attention is given to concepts of consumer technology, consumption strategies and quality of technical processes. Also consequences for sustainability, health and hygiene, technology assessment are studied. With respect to consumer technological research (both gamma and beta-gamma integrated) applied research and assessment models will be discussed.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of this course a student is expected to be able to:
- understand the functioning of the household as a consumption system with respect to technical and social elements;
- understand the interaction between the different elements of the previous system;
- relate the effects of the material processes in the household to health and the environment;
- draw up and execute a research investigating activities and motives within a specific field of activities in the household consumption system from the consumer perspective.

Activities:

During the lectures the following subjects will be discussed:
- concepts of consumer technology;
- household system and function fulfilment;
- effects of technical processes;
- health and hygiene;
- technology assessment. Next to this the students prepare a research proposal and do a research on one of the topics within the field of consumer technology.

Examination:

- written exam 50%;
- PO paper (group work) 50%.

Literature:

A reader will be available at the start of the course.

ProgrammePhaseSpecializationPeriod
Restricted Optional for: MMEManagement, Economics and Consumer StudiesMScB: Consumer Studies2MO
MinorPeriod
Compulsory for: WUCBHBSc Minor Consumer Behaviour2MO