Print Course syllabus
Course syllabus - Circular Economy in Context of Environmental Engineering
Scope
2.5 credits
Course code
MTK335
Valid from
Autumn semester 2026
Education level
Second cycle
Progressive Specialisation
A1N (Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements)
Main area(s)
Environmental Engineering
Organisation
Department of Engineering Sciences
Ratified
2021-01-20
Revised
2025-11-03
Literature lists
Course literature is preliminary up to 8 weeks before course start. Course literature can be valid over several semesters.
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Books
An Introduction to Waste Management and Circular Economy
URL: Link
Articles
Solid waste technology and management (Volumes 1 & 2)
Chapter 3: LCA of Waste Management Systems
ILCD handbook-general guide for life cycle assessment-detailed guidance
p. 1–417
Assessing the environmental footprints and material flow of 2,3-butanediol production in a wood-based biorefinery
URL: Link
A biorefinery platform to valorize organic fraction of municipal solid waste to biofuels: An early environmental sustainability guidance based on life cycle assessment
URL: Link
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Other materials
No course book is used, relevant literature is distributed in CANVAS during the course.
Objectives
The purpose of the course is to provide in-depth knowledge about the important aspects of the circular economy concept and where the challenges, barriers and limitation are. The focus is on how the concept of circular economy can contribute to solve current environmental challenges related to the use and waste management of important global resources. Mitigation measures will be analyzed and discussed regarding their environmental impact and circularity.
Learning outcomes
After completion of the course the student shall be able to:
- Explain the concept of circular economy and understand its role for sustainable development.
- Distinguish the concept of circular economy from other related schools of thought.
- Compare and investigate different measures to reduce the impact of current environmental challenges related to the use and waste management of important global resources.
- Evaluate the environmental impact and assess the circularity of proposed measures.
Course content
The course addresses the circular economy concept and its challenges, barriers and limitations in the context of environmental engineering. In addition, the course deals with how circular economy can contribute to solve current environmental challenges related to the use and waste management of important global resources.
Specific requirements
120 hp including 90 hp engineering and/or natural science. In addition, Swedish course 3 or Swedish level 3 and English course 6 or English level 2 are required. For courses given entirely in English exemption is made from the requirement in Swedish course 3 or Swedish level 3.
Examination
Home examination (HEM1), 1 credit, grades Excellent (A), Very good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Sufficient (E), Insufficient, complementary work possible (Fx), Insufficient (F), (Learning outcome: 1)
Assignment (INL1) 1 credit, grades Excellent (A), Very good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Sufficient (E), Insufficient, complementary work possible (Fx), Insufficient (F), (Learning outcomes: 2, 3, 4)
Seminar (SEM1) 0.5 credit, grade Pass (Learning outcomes: 2, 3, 4)
A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding disability study support, can request adaptions for the examination. It is the examiner who takes decisions on any adaptions, based on the certificate and other conditions.
Grade
AF-skala
Interim Regulations and Other Regulations
Overlap 2,5 credits with MTK316 Circular economy and environmental engineering