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Course syllabus - Environomical Pathway in Building Engineering and energy systems

Scope

7.5 credits

Course code

BTA315

Valid from

Spring 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, Building Engineering, Energy Engineering

School

School of Business, Society and Engineering

Ratified

2025-06-26

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 performanc

Specific requirements

15 credits in mathematics and 5 credits in programing. In addition Swedish B/Swedish 3 and English B/ English 6 are required. In cases where the course is given in English, exemption from the Swedish B/Swedish 3 is given.

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 a disability has the opportunity to submit a request for supportive measures during written examinations or other forms of examination, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Examinations at First-cycle and Second-cycle Level at Mälardalen University (2020/1655). It is the examiner who takes decisions on any supportive measures, based on what kind of certificate is issued, and in that case which measures are to be applied.

Suspicions of attempting to deceive in examinations (cheating) are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, and are examined by the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the Disciplinary Board considers the student to be guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Board will take a decision on disciplinary action, which will be a warning or suspension.

Grade

AF-skala