The Science Behind Sustainability

Overview

The modern world has created a number of issues that humans have never seen before; a world population of 8 billion, over 50% of the population living in cities and a reliance on international trade and economy - all of which have been developed and continue to develop using technology and ideals that can be traced back to the start of the industrial revolution, 300 years ago. Through this course the learner will research some concepts behind the modern approach to sustainability by looking at topics such as waste and resources, energy and our management of our most precious natural resources, our land, water and air. We will look at renewable energy technologies, water treatment, agriculture and urban infrastructure to highlight some of the issues and technologies that may help us as we transition to a sustainable urban population. There will be an emphasis on developing skills in researching relevant, quality data through our understanding of the main influencers and developments in modern sustainable thinking.

Programme

Unit 1: An Introduction to Sustainability. In this unit we will look at our modern understanding of sustainability and the issues and impacts of our current levels of resource use.

Unit 2: Carbon – How We Stopped Worrying and Learned to Love Fossil Fuels. In this unit we will examine the role of fossil fuels in the creation of our modern society, the production of energy and our society’s dependence on fossil fuels as an energy source.

Unit 3: Energy – Renewing Our Vows. A review of renewable energy technology and resources, their benefits and impacts and how we can renew our commitment to developing a safe, productive and secure world for future generations.

Unit 4: Resources – From Raw Material to Stuff This unit will bring the learner closer to the idea of what a resource is by examining where they come from, how they are processed and the products created.

Unit 5: Water – Water, Water Everywhere… Really? An introduction to water as a scarce commodity and natural resource, necessary for all living organisms and the economy.

Unit 6: Transport – We Are Getting There An overview of modern transport technology and its impacts on nature, society and the economy, including food miles, international trade and the use of delivery services in the modern UK.

Unit 7: Waste & Resource Efficiency An overview of waste and the waste hierarchy. Where does our waste come from and why do we produce so much?

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Understanding of the current levels of resource use and their impacts on individuals’ rights.
2. Developing and analytical view of resource use in manufacturing and production.
3. Developing a critical analysis of the learner’s role in the modern world of resource consumption at a local, national and international level.
4. Developing desktop research skills and an understanding of quality information and reference sources.

 Assessments

1. Written assessment - 20%
2. Written Analysis - 80%

Reading Suggestions

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course. 

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements. 

What Do I Need?

As this is an online course, you would need the following:

• Internet access
• Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also be of benefit
• Use of the Chrome web-browser where possible.