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Syllabus:

Sustainability Science, 15 credits

Swedish name: Hållbarhetsvetenskap
This syllabus is valid: 2027-08-30 and until further notice
Course code: 5MI00F
Credit points: 15
Education level: Second cycle
Main Field of Study and progress level: Environmental Science: Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Grading scale: Three-grade scale
Responsible department: Department of Ecology and Environmental Science
Established by: Prefekt vid Institutionen för ekologi, miljö och geovetenskap, 2026-08-24

Contents

The course presents key concepts and central theory formation in the field of sustainability science from an interdisciplinary perspective. The course begins with a critical analysis of the concept of sustainable development, after which several central themes such as resilience, risk analysis and natural resource problems are addressed. The course is divided into two modules that run parallel in time.

Module 1 Sustainability science - theory, 10.0 credits
Through literature studies and literature seminars, the student becomes familiar with central theoretical frameworks in the field of sustainability science.

Module 2, Sustainability science - project, 5.0 credits
Project work where the students can apply their knowledge in sustainability science.

Expected learning outcomes

After completion of the course, the student should for the grade "Pass" (G) be able to:

Module 1 Sustainability science - theory, 10.0 credits
ELO 1 - Analyse and define the concept of sustainable development and describe the development of the field of sustainability science
ELO 2 - Analyse scientific theories that relate to sustainability science
ELO 3 - Independently identify relevant literature that deals with scientific theory formation in the field of sustainability science
ELO 4 - Actively contribute relevant viewpoints in scientific discussions

Module 2, Sustainability science - project, 5.0 credits
ELO 5 - In collaboration with others, plan and carry out a scientific study in the field of sustainability science
ELO 6 - In collaboration with others report orally and in writing a scientific study in the field of sustainability science in a structured way that follows academic standards

After the course, for the grade "Pass with distinction" (VG), the student should be able to:
Module 1 Sustainability science - theory, 10.0 credits
ELO 7 - Actively contribute relevant viewpoints with logical and communicative precision in scientific discussions
ELO 8 - Evaluate and problematize scientific theories that relate to sustainability science

Required Knowledge

180 ECTS credits containing 90 ECTS credits, including a bachelor thesis, in environmental science, environmental and health protection, earth science / physical geography, biology or sustainability science. English 6/level 2.

Form of instruction

The teaching includes lectures, seminars, workshops, and student projects. The course is based on the principals of "challenge-based learning".

Examination modes

The examination takes place in the form of a written examination and oral presentation. Module 1 is examined through individual written assignments and seminars. Module 2 is examined through oral and written presentation of the project work. For module 1, one of the grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Well Passed (VG) is given. For module 2, one of the grades Fail (U) and Pass (G) is given. The entire course is given one of the grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Well Passed (VG). For the grade passed, all FSRs for the grade Passed must be met. For the grade Well Passed, it is also required that all FSRs for the grade Well Passed are met. Grades for the entire course are only given when all mandatory modules have been completed and approved. Students who have passed an exam may not take a new exam for a higher grade. Students who fail an exam have the right to take a new exam. A student who has passed two tests for a course or part of a course without a passing result, has the right to have another examiner appointed, unless there are special reasons against it (HF chapter 6, § 22). The request for a new examiner is made to the head of the Department of Ecology & Environmental Science (EMG).

For students who have a recommendation of support for students with disabilities the examiner may decide on individual adaption of examination modes set out in the course syllabus. Individual adaption of examination modes must always be considered based on the student's specific needs and the framework of the intended learning outcomes in the course syllabus. For more information, see Procedure for support for students with disabilities and Rules for grades and examination.

Crediting
Students have the right to have their previous education or equivalent knowledge and skills acquired in the profession tested whether it can be credited for the corresponding course at Umeå University. Application for credit is submitted to the Student Centre / Examinations. For more information on credit transfer available on Umeå University's student web, www.student.umu.se, and the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 6). A refusal of accreditation may be appealed against (Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 12) to the University Appeals Board. This applies to the whole as well as part of the application if accreditation is refused.

Transitional provisions

Rules for grades and examination govern what applies regarding retakes when a course has been discontinued or a syllabus has undergone major changes.

Literature

The literature list is not available through the web. Please contact the faculty.