Course syllabus - Introduction to Planetary Boundaries

Objectives

The objective of the course is to introduce students to the fundamental concepts of environmental engineering within the framework of planetary boundaries, equipping them with scientific, technical, and ethical foundations to analyze and address sustainability challenges. Students will develop essential skills in material and energy balances, systems thinking, and sustainable solutions, preparing them for further studies and professional roles in environmental engineering.

Learning outcomes

1. Describe the concept of planetary boundaries and its significance for global sustainability and key areas of environmental engineering.
2. Distinguish between ecological (outer) boundaries and social (inner) boundaries, and explain their interdependence from an environmental engineering perspective.
3. Articulate the scope, roles, and responsibilities of environmental engineers in addressing sustainability challenges.
4. Define and use basic concepts from physics, chemistry, and biology as they relate to environmental systems and processes.
5. Write and solve mass and energy balances for simple environmental systems, using correct units and dimensional analysis and interpret the results of these calculations in the context of environmental impact and sustainability.
6. Demonstrate the ability to present and discuss information, problems, and solutions in speech and writing, and in dialogue with different audiences.
7. Demonstrate the ability to identify, formulate, and deal with issues both autonomously and collaboratively and creatively using a holistic approach.
8. Demonstrate the ability to identify the need for further knowledge and undertake ongoing development of skills.

Course content

This course provides an introduction to the discipline of environmental engineering through the lens of the planetary boundaries framework. Students will explore the fundamental concepts that define environmental engineering, with a particular emphasis on the interconnectedness of ecological (outer) and social (inner) boundaries and their significance for global sustainability. The course introduces the principles of material and energy balances, including the conservation laws of mass and energy and modelling as foundational tools for analyzing environmental systems. A core component of the course is the development of basic knowledge in chemistry, biology, and physics, tailored to their application in environmental engineering. In addition, the course covers the fundamentals of green energy technologies and the principles of sustainability, highlighting their roles in maintaining planetary boundaries and supporting sustainable development. Students will examine the responsibilities of environmental engineers, including ethical, societal, and occupational health and safety considerations, and reflect on the impact of technology on society and the environment. Throughout the course, students will engage in collaborative and independent problem-solving, develop skills in presenting and discussing environmental issues with diverse audiences, and practice systems thinking and holistic approaches to analyzing and evaluating technological solutions. The course also fosters the ability to identify knowledge gaps and encourages ongoing professional and personal development in the field of environmental engineering.

Requirements

Basic eligibility and Physics 2, Chemistry 1, Mathematics 3c or Mathematics D Or: Physics level 2, Chemistry level 1, Mathematics - Further level 1c

Examination

OBN1, Compulsory attendance, 0,5 credit, grade: Pass (G) or Fail (U). Learning outcome: 1-5 and 7.

TEN1, Written examination, 4 credits, grade: Excellent (A), Very good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Sufficient (E), Insufficient (F). Learning outcome: 1-5 and 7.

SEM1, Seminar, 3 credits, grade: Pass (G) or Fail (U). Learning outcome: 1-3 and 6-8.

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