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BSEN40790

Academic Year 2024/2025

Carbon & Sustainability (BSEN40790)

Subject:
Biosystems Engineering
College:
Engineering & Architecture
School:
Biosystems & Food Engineering
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
10
Module Coordinator:
Dr Sharon O'Rourke
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
Online
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module will introduce options for natural carbon sequestration in Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU) for climate change mitigation and sustainable development. A range of measures will be explored for inclusion in monetisation platforms and Monitoring, Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) protocols. As an example measure, soil organic carbon sequestration will be examined in detail for its dual benefit in sustainable soil management and contribution to national GHG cutting targets. The link between soil organic carbon and soil quality will be covered and the incorporation of carbon sequestration in Food Quality Assurance Schemes. Detailed study of soil organic carbon in MRV, carbon trading and climate action policy will be provided. Students will actively participate in the evaluation of other natural carbon sequestration measures, including negative emission technologies. Study of individual measures will move to nature-based solutions for the sustainable management and use of nature for tackling socio-environmental challenges. Nature-based solutions will be explored to address societal challenges such as water security, food security, human health, disaster risk reduction, biodiversity loss and climate change. Economic, social and environmental aspects of nature-based solutions for sustainable development will be studied.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students will be able to;
• Identify natural carbon sequestration and negative emission technology measures for climate change mitigation.
• Critically assess the viability of natural carbon sequestration and negative emission technology measures.
• Interpret monetisation platforms for natural carbon sequestration.
• Understand how natural carbon sequestration is reported in national GHG inventory.
• Assess the potential contribution of carbon sequestration in national mitigation targets.
• Understand the economic, social and environmental benefits of nature-based solutions for sustainable development.
• Identify nature-based solutions to address societal challenges; water security, food security, human health, disaster risk
reduction, biodiversity loss and climate change.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

150
Online Learning

100
Total

250

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
- This module will be delivered online with scheduled online lectures & tutorials. There will be an opportunity for class-based discussions at stages throughout the module. Recorded lecture materials will be accessible to students who are unable to attend scheduled lectures.
- Active student learning through a problem based learning assignment links the first three assignments (student report, seminar and group project; 50% of module grade).
- Independent learning using the SDG Academy resources and project on nature based solutions (50% of module grade).

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Individual Project: A problem-based learning project based on a self-selected topic. Students select either a natural carbon sequestration measure or a negative emission technology measure. Week 7 Graded No

30

 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Oral presentation of individual project (self-selected title: natural carbon sequestration measure/negative emission technology measure) to the class group. Week 8 Graded No

10

 No
Group Work Assignment: Completion of a group report: Implementation of a suite of natural carbon sequestration measures & negative emission technology measures to Ireland (problem-based learning). Week 10 Graded No

10

 No
Participation in Learning Activities: Completion of the EdX course in the Academy of Sustainable Development 'Nature-based Solutions for Disaster & Climate Resilience'. Certificate of completion can be submitted at any time in the module. Week 12 Pass/Fail Grade Scale Yes

30

 Yes
Assignment(Including Essay): Select a case study of a Nature-based Solution (NbS) that interests you, preferably in a region you are familiar with, and provide a 1-page report incorporating a number of key points. Week 12 Graded No

20

 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

For student reports feedback will be provided on a submitted draft, once the draft is submitted by the deadline provided. General feedback will be provided to the class ahead of group work to feed forward to the next assignment.

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