Course syllabus - Sustainable technologies for climate transition

Objectives

The aim of the course is to give participants a deeper understanding of the role of environmental technology in the climate transition and, through challenge-driven and project-based teaching, to strengthen their ability to analyze, develop, and communicate sustainable technical solutions in collaboration with various societal actors.

Learning outcomes

1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of key concepts, methods, and applications in environmental engineering by identifying, explaining, and applying relevant techniques in relation to sustainable development and climate transition.
2. Design and justify environmental engineering measures based on current research and state-of-the-art technology, in collaboration with industrial, societal, or research-related partners.
3. Apply systems thinking to identify complex interrelations and consequences within environmental engineering challenges, and propose integrated solutions.
4. Analyze environmental engineering methods and solutions by assessing technical, environmental, economic, and societal dimensions.
5. Critically evaluate alternative solutions with consideration of sustainability, future perspectives, and ethical aspects.
6. Communicate and justify results, conclusions, and proposed solutions both orally and in writing to diverse audiences, and reflect on one's own learning process.
7. Work independently and collaboratively to address project-based challenges through effective teamwork, leadership, and reflective group dynamics.

Course content

The course explores the role of environmental engineering in the climate transition, with a focus on sustainable solutions in complex societal and industrial contexts. It begins by introducing key concepts and methods in environmental engineering, along with fundamental systems thinking, to establish a shared knowledge base. Participants then engage in project-based work on real-world challenges, individually and in groups, supported by mentors.

The course integrates elements of critical thinking, evaluation of solutions, collaboration with external stakeholders, and both inter- and intrapersonal competencies such as group dynamics and leadership. Communication and reflection are continuously practiced through documentation, presentations, and feedback. The course emphasizes developing the ability to analyze, formulate, and communicate environmental engineering solutions that are relevant, sustainable, and feasible.

Specific requirements

120 credits of which 90 credits engineering 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

PRO1, Project report, 12 credits, grade: Excellent (A), Very good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Sufficient (E), Insufficient, complementary work possible (Fx), Insufficient (F). Learning outcomes 1-7.

SEM1, Seminar, 3 credits, grade: Pass (G) or Fail (U). Learning outcomes 1-7.

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