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Course syllabus - Sustainable Production and Consumption

Scope

7.5 credits

Course code

MTK331

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

2025-12-18

Literature lists

Course literature is preliminary up to 8 weeks before course start. Course literature can be valid over several semesters.

    • Ratified date: 2023-02-21
    • Latest update: 2025-05-27

    Reference literature

    Owen, David.

    The Conundrum: how scientific innovation, increased efficiency, and good intentions can make our energy and climate problems worse.

    ISBN: 9781921942648

    LIBRIS-ID: 13419011

    URL: Bibliotekets e-bok/Library e-book

    Brunswick, Scribe Publications, 1 online resource (193 p.)

    Other materials

    Articles and more will be provided through Canvas.

Objectives

The purpose of the course is to understand the concept of Sustainable production and consumption, how it can be implemented in the context of sustainable development and how the impact of production and consumption can be evaluated.

Learning outcomes

After completion of the course should the course participant be able to:

  1. Explain the rise of mass consumption in the historical context.
  2. Explain and compare the role and responsibilities of the consumer and other key players in production and consumption.
  3. Describe and evaluate consumption categories, patterns and lifestyles and their environmental impact.
  4. Define the concept of sustainable consumption and production and discuss its role in sustainable development.
  5. Identify and value aspects of equity related to consumption.
  6. Classify and distinguish different models and principles that contribute to resource efficiency and sustainable development.
  7. Select and use indicators to assess resource efficiency and sustainability.
  8. Develop and value measures that contribute to solve current global challenges.

Course content

The course provides an overview of today's consumption from a historical context, including consumption categories, pattern and lifestyles and roles and responsibilities in production and consumption. Moreover, the concept of Sustainable production and consumption is discussed in the context of sustainable development and resource efficiency. Indicators are used to assess measures towards resource efficiency and sustainability.

Specific requirements

120 credits of which 90 credits 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

HEM2, Take-home examination, 1,5 credits, grade: Pass (G), Fail (U). Learning outcome: 1-7.

INL1, Assignment, 3 credits, grade: Excellent (A), Very good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Sufficient (E), Insufficient, complementary work possible (Fx), Insufficient (F). Learning outcome: 1-6.

PRO1, Project Report, 3 credits, grade: Excellent (A), Very good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Sufficient (E), Insufficient, complementary work possible (Fx), Insufficient (F). Learning outcome: 7-8.

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