Module Information

Module Identifier
BSM3430
Module Title
SUSTAINABILITY IN PRACTICE
Academic Year
2010/2011
Co-ordinator
Dr Dylan G Jones
Semester
Semester 2

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Case based practicals  Day practicals involving discussion, synthesis and report writing: * Solar power, Wind and Wave energy 10% * Composting, Sewage and land use 10% * Waste management 10% * Innovation, technology and solutions for a greener future 10% * communicating sustainability 10%  60%
Semester Assessment Targeted governmental report  Targeted governmental report discussing the relevance of one of the above issues (2500 words)  40%
Supplementary Assessment Resubmission of one or both assessments  100%

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students will:

  • have broad knowledge of issues relating man's impact on teh planet (both locally and at a global scale) and will use this background to synthesise and discuss specific issues.
  • be aware of an demonstrate an understanding of sustainability
  • be able to understand and deliver practical solutions to improve environmental efficiency at a local level (particularly in the business environment)
  • be able to confidently explain and communicate sustainable issues to the public with accuracy and clarity, both orally and in writing.

Aims

This module provides opportunity for skills training and experience in the practical aspects of sustainability. It involves visits to the nearby Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) site at Machynlleth and is taught in conjunction with CAT. It is relevant to a wide audience including other Masters degree schemes within AU.

Brief description

This module, which looks at the complexity of sustainable development. It starts by considering the problems of sustainability and then explores energy and resource use from the level of the individual up to global energy issues. Policy and trends in energy and resouce use are considered and a rational approach to the use of resouces is encouraged. The shift from pure environmentalism towards sustainable development and the importance of social justice and environmental economics is discussed. Specific solutions to resource use issues are then explored in more detail in the fields of energy, material use and water resources. Students will learn the potential and constraints of new and old technologies, and will consider the value of sustainable energy / natural resource use and the important related scientific issues. This module will also importantly provide students with enhanced confidence in the balanced and accurate communication of scientific issues.

Content

The module covers the environmental impact of man's activities on land, air and water. The pressures that lead to these impacts are explored and the role of social and economic aspects is included to give students a holistic understanding of sustainable development. Societal and global solutions are considered and practical advice is provided to encourage environmental efficiency in the home and work-place. The module therefore provides excellent vocational skills which bridge the important gap between theory and practice in the environmental sciences. Practical exercises and research skills are provided.

Students will research a topic from the course and produce a targeted 2500 word government-type report. Such a case study approach provides problem centred and solution-based learning.

Reading List

Recommended Text
Harland, E. (2002) Eco-renovation provided in pdf format pp 242 Green books publications Primo search Murray, R. (2002) Zero Waste Green provided in pdf format pp 211 Environmental Trust publications Primo search (2000) The Green office Manual provided in pdf format 2nd Edition, page 306 Earthscan publications Primo search http://cat.org.uk http://www.lsda.org.uk/Sustainable/Toolkit/

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7