GEOG10150 Introduction to Sustainability

Academic Year 2021/2022

This module introduces the principles of sustainability and its measurement, and provides a broad overview of the major sustainability challenges in water, climate, energy, food and pollution. As part of the module students define sustainability and how it is measured using the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Students also investigate how sustainable development can be promoted at local, regional and national level across different economic sectors (e.g. agriculture, energy generation, urban growth, industry).

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
• Consider the principles, terminology and main issues of sustainability and its importance to human society
• Discuss the development and implementation of sustainability indicators to measure progress in achieving sustainable development
• Evaluate how to apply the principles of sustainability across a range of sectors of environmental management, climate, energy, transport and economics.

Indicative Module Content:

*Introduction to the Module.
*Introduction to the concept of sustainability, sustainable development and its practical implications
*Understanding natural systems, environmental processes
*Understanding the Anthropocene .
*Measuring SDGs
*Sustainability Planning; National, Local, Regional
*Renewable Energy Planning
*Global Climate Change and Green House Gasses
*IPCC: evidence for climate change and climate action plans
*Green Buildings
*Indoor environmental quality
*Food and Agriculture
*Water: Sources and consumption
*Sustainable Transport Policy and Planning
*Sustainability Economics: Challenges and Economics

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

20
Tutorial

20
Autonomous Student Learning

60
Total

100
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Thus module consists of lectures interspersed with active-based learning in small group tutorials, with key topics of sustainability explored through enquiry and problem based learning approaches. The module also encourages group work and collaboration allowing creative solutions to sustainability challenges to be identified. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: Assessment will be based on completion of seven tutorials where the student will work independently or in small groups to complete the topic. Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded Yes

35
Essay: Essay (1000 word) on a topic relating to the measurement of sustainability across a sector of choice. Week 9 n/a Graded Yes

25
Multiple Choice Questionnaire: MCQ Exam covering material across the Trimester. End of trimester MCQ n/a Graded Yes

40

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be given after each tutorial submitted as part of the Contours Assessment. The Essay in Week 9 will re returned and feedback given before the Week 12 End of Trimester MCQ Exam

Name Role
Professor Jacky Croke Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Tasman Crowe Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Ainhoa Gonzalez Del Campo Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Shane Mc Guinness Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Tobi Morakinyo Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Lisa Ryan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Andrew Woods Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Kate Barones de Smeth Tutor