ECMM911 - Mathematics of Sustainability (2023)
MODULE TITLE | Mathematics of Sustainability | CREDIT VALUE | 15 |
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MODULE CODE | ECMM911 | MODULE CONVENER | Dr Markus Mueller (Coordinator) |
DURATION: TERM | 1 | 2 | 3 |
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DURATION: WEEKS | 11 | 0 | 0 |
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) | 5 |
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Environmental processes are continuously affected by human society which in return affects environmental processes. It is therefore important to develop approaches that lead to a sustainable interaction of humans and nature. In this module you will learn about quantitative approaches in environmental and sustainability science and how they can be used to enable processes that impact less on the environment. Your study will focus on three themes: life cycle analysis, sustainable resource management and limits to growth.
The aim of this module is to develop your understanding of the mathematical theory and its application to scientific problems concerning the environment and sustainable development. You will explore a variety of modelling approaches and methodologies around three themes covering environmental impact assessment of products and services, management of renewable resources, and limits to growth modelling.
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
Module Specific Skills and Knowledge
2. Develop models for sustainable management;
4. Use theory to draw conclusions about human-nature interactions;
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge
6. Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental concepts in analysing systems of human-nature interaction;
Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge
8. Communicate reasoning and solutions effectively verbally and in writing;
10. Demonstrate self-management and time-management skills.
The aim is to make sure the course content remains current and applicable to modern day environmental and sustainability science. The specific approaches and topics may vary over time. Each approach will be covered in three-week blocks in which a methodology and underpinning theory is first introduced and then analysed and applied through mini-project based work. Topics to be covered include:
- life cycle analysis;
- sustainable resource management;
- limits to growth.
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities | 38.00 | Guided Independent Study | 112.00 | Placement / Study Abroad | 0.00 |
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Category | Hours of study time | Description |
Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities | 11 | Formal lectures |
Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities | 3 | Student-led presentations |
Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities | 24 | Computer-based modeling workshops |
Guided Independent Study | 112 | Lecture & assessment preparation, computing, wider reading |
Form of Assessment | Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) | ILOs Assessed | Feedback Method |
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Workshops, 1 per approach | 3 workshops | 1-10 | Written and oral |
Coursework | 0 | Written Exams | 100 | Practical Exams | 0 |
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Form of Assessment | % of Credit | Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) | ILOs Assessed | Feedback Method |
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Coursework | 3x30 | Written report, worksheet or interactive presentation (web page, video, app, pod cast or “mark-up” document, etc.) for each topic | 1-10 | Written and oral |
Presentation | 10 | Oral presentation about one topic | 1-10 | Written and oral |
Original Form of Assessment | Form of Re-assessment | ILOs Re-assessed | Time Scale for Re-assessment |
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Coursework | Synthesis report (3000 words or equivalent) | 1-10 | Submit by end of August |
If a module is normally assessed entirely by coursework, all referred/deferred assessments will normally be by assignment.
If a module is normally assessed by examination or examination plus coursework, referred and deferred assessment will normally be by examination. For referrals, only the examination will count, a mark of 40% being awarded if the examination is passed. For deferrals, candidates will be awarded the higher of the deferred examination mark or the deferred examination mark combined with the original coursework mark.
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener
Reading list for this module:
Type | Author | Title | Edition | Publisher | Year | ISBN | Search |
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Set | Roe J., deForest R. and Jamshidi S. | Mathematics for Sustainability | Springer | 2018 | 978-3319766607 | [Library] | |
Set | Meadows D.H., Randers J. and Meadows D.L. | The Limits to Growth: The 30-year Update | Routledge | 2004 | 978-1844071449 | [Library] | |
Set | Deffeyes, K.S. | Beyond Oil: The View from Hubbert's Peak | Hill & Wang | 2006 | 978-0809029570 | [Library] |
CREDIT VALUE | 15 | ECTS VALUE | 7.5 |
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PRE-REQUISITE MODULES | None |
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CO-REQUISITE MODULES | None |
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) | 7 | AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING | No |
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ORIGIN DATE | Friday 12 July 2019 | LAST REVISION DATE | Wednesday 18 January 2023 |
KEY WORDS SEARCH | Environmental science, sustainability science, life cycle analysis, management strategies. |
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