Text

Course syllabus - Sustainable Cities

Scope

7.5 credits

Course code

BTA226

Valid from

Autumn semester 2026

Education level

First cycle

Progressive Specialisation

G2F (First cycle, has at least 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements)

Main area(s)

Building Engineering

Organisation

Department of Engineering Sciences

Ratified

2025-12-18

Literature lists

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

Objectives

The course aims to provide students with an interdisciplinary understanding of sustainable urban development in an era of climate change, digitalization and social challenges. By combining theoretical perspectives and practical methods, students develop the ability to analyze, evaluate and propose strategies for how cities can become more sustainable, resilient and inclusive – locally and globally.

Learning outcomes

After passing the course, the student should be able to:

  1. Describe the ecological, economic, social and political dimensions of sustainable urban development, and explain central theories and concepts related to urbanization, governance, resilience and justice in a digitalized world.
  2. Describe and compare the role of cities in local and global sustainability challenges, including the transition towards climate-neutral and energy-efficient urban systems.
  3. Design and justify strategies or solutions for sustainable and resilient urban development, where social, ecological and technological innovation interact.
  4. Critically evaluate theories, plans and scientific perspectives within urban sustainability research, and reflect on their consequences for local and global contexts.

Course content

The course introduces and deepens the understanding of sustainable cities from an interdisciplinary perspective. The focus is on how ecological, social, economic and technological dimensions interact in urban development. Central themes include the drivers of urbanization and its connection to climate, energy, mobility and infrastructure, as well as the social dimensions of urban development such as segregation, gentrification, justice and security. The course also highlights the role of cities in global sustainability challenges through comparisons between Swedish, Nordic and international examples from both the Global North and the Global South. Furthermore, the relations between cities and rural areas are addressed, with a particular focus on resource flows of food, water and energy and their importance for a sustainable transition.

Specific requirements

75 credits from an engineering programme including 7,5 credits in BIM in Building or equivalent.

Examination

PRO1, Project report, 4 credits, grade Pass (G), Fail (U). Learning objectives 2, 3 and 4.

TEN1, Written Examination, 3.5 credits, grade 3, 4 or 5. Learning objectives 1, 2 and 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

Grading scale: 5, 4, 3

Interim Regulations and Other Regulations

4 credits with the course Urban Planning (BTA136)