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Course syllabus - Environomical Pathway in Building Engineering and energy systems

Scope

7.5 credits

Course code

BTA315

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)

Energy Engineering, Building Engineering, Environmental Engineering

Organisation

Department of Engineering Sciences

Ratified

2025-06-26

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.

Objectives

The Environomical Pathway in Building Engineering course aims to provide students with an advanced understanding of the intersection between economic, environmental, and engineering aspects in sustainable building development. This course will equip students with the ability to critically assess and optimize building designs for minimal environmental impact while ensuring economic feasibility. Key topics include life cycle assessment (LCA), life cycle cost (LCC), circular economy principles, and climate adaptation in the built environment.

Learning outcomes

  1. Analyze and apply principles of environmental sustainability, life cycle thinking, and circular economy in building engineering.
  2. Evaluate the role of urban planning in promoting resource-efficient, low-carbon, and climate-resilient built environments.
  3. Conduct environmental impact assessments (LCA) for buildings, incorporating energy performance, emissions, and resource efficiency.
  4. Assess the economic feasibility of sustainable building projects through cost-benefit analysis and risk assessment.
  5. Develop sustainable renovation and retrofitting strategies for existing buildings to enhance energy performance, reduce carbon footprint, and extend building lifespan.

Course content

The course integrates economic and environmental perspectives into building engineering, focusing on sustainable practices and decision-making strategies. Students will explore concepts such as life cycle assessment, resource efficiency, circular economy, and digitalization in sustainable building design. Practical case studies will be used to apply simulation tools and economic evaluation frameworks to assess building performance.

Specific requirements

15 credits in mathematics and 5 credits in programing. 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

Written examination (TEN1), 3 credits, grades Excellent (A), Very good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Sufficient (E), Insufficient, complementary work possible (Fx), Insufficient (F). Learning outcome: 1 and 2.
Project report (PRO1), 4.5 credits, graded: Fail (U) or Pass (G). Learning outcome: 3, 4, 5.

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