Introduction to Sustainability Science (2025/2026: periode 3)

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Cursusdoel

After completing this course students are able to:
  1. Explain and discuss the key concepts and principles of sustainability science
  2. Apply methodologies and approaches used in sustainability science to address complex, interconnected issues, and to explore the relationships between human and natural systems
  3. Analyze complex sustainability challenges through an interdisciplinary lens.
  4. Critically assess real-world case studies and practical applications of sustainability
  5. Develop critical thinking skills regarding sustainability challenges and opportunities, and the identification of innovative solutions.
  6. Develop tools and skills that will enable future engagement with policymakers, communities, and businesses in advancing sustainability goals.
Description of assignment Assesses which learning goals?
Mid-term exam 1 - 3
Assignments and Case Studies 1 - 4
Group Project 5 - 6
Final Project and Presentation 3 - 6
Participation and Engagement 1 - 6

Vakinhoudelijk

Sustainable development deals with understanding dynamics in coupled social and natural systems with the goal to meet the needs of present and future generations and support equitable and just societies within planetary boundaries. As such, sustainability science is inherently value based, inter- and trans-disciplinary, forward-looking, and focused on identifying and solving current and future problems. This course introduces the concepts, theories and methodologies that are at the basis of this relatively young academic discipline. The conceptual basis for the course is Sustainable Development as seen from a socio-ecological systems lens, while covering the five Ps that are the basis of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, Partnership.

This approach requires an introduction into systems thinking, ecological systems, social systems (including population, governance, economy, politics, justice), and coupled socio-ecological systems.

Target audience
The course has a clear Science profile but is also attractive for non-Science majors. Students who have already taken the discontinued course UCSCIPHY01 Energy Systems & Sustainability are also welcome.


Format - to be developed

Werkvormen

UCU course

Toetsing

Participation and engagement

Verplicht | Weging 10% | ECTS 0,75

Assignments and Case Studies

Verplicht | Weging 20% | ECTS 1,5

Group Project

Verplicht | Weging 20% | ECTS 1,5

Final project and presentation

Verplicht | Weging 20% | ECTS 1,5

*midterm FEEDBACK*

Niet verplicht

Midterm exam

Verplicht | Weging 30% | ECTS 2,25

Ingangseisen en voorkennis

Ingangseisen

Er is geen informatie over verplichte ingangseisen bekend.

Voorkennis

No prior knowledge of physics or chemistry required.

Voertalen

  • Engels

Competenties

  • Academisch schrijven
  • Interdisciplinariteit
  • Kritisch lezen
  • Presenteren

Cursusmomenten

Gerelateerde studies

Tentamens

Er is geen tentamenrooster beschikbaar voor deze cursus

Verplicht materiaal

  • BOEK
    Bert de Vries' "Sustainability Science" (main textbook) (Cambridge Univ. Press).
  • READER
    Readings from academic journals and other sustainability reports.
  • DIVERSE
    Online sustainability tools and databases (e.g., Global Footprint Network, SDG Tracker)

Aanbevolen materiaal

Er is geen informatie over de aanbevolen literatuur bekend

Coördinator

dr. M. Barroso m.barroso@uu.nl

Docenten

dr. M. Barroso m.barroso@uu.nl
dr. ir. C.G.M. Klein Goldewijk C.G.M.KleinGoldewijk@uu.nl
F.A. van der Ploeg F.A.vanderPloeg@uu.nl

Inschrijving

Let op: deze cursus is niet toegankelijk voor studenten van andere faculteiten, bijvakkers mogen zich dus niet inschrijven.

Naar OSIRIS-inschrijvingen
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