Type of course

The course is mandatory for MSc students in biology on the Ecology and Sustainability specialization.

The course is available as a singular course.

Admission requirements

Local admission, application code 9371 - Master's level singular course.

Admission requires a Bachelor`s degree (180 ECTS) or equivalent qualification, with a major in biology of minimum 80 ECTS.

Recommended prerequisites: coursework in either ecology or sustainability science at BSc level.

Course content

In this course, we explore the causes and consequences of global ecological changes and the sustainability challenges that society is facing as a result of these changes. The course introduces students to sustainability science and some of the key concepts and ideas articulated in global environmental assessments (IPBES, IPCC and Arctic Council working groups) and environmental policies (the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, UN Convention of Climate Change, the Paris Agreement, and Convention on Biological Diversity and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework). We emphasize the need to understand interactions between ecological and social systems in the pursuit of addressing sustainability challenges. The aim is to integrate theory, practice and reflections. The course is divided into the following modules:

• Normative-thinking: This module will cover topics such as the concept of sustainability as a normative framework, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Planetary boundaries, and key international agreements and strategies, such as the Paris Agreement, International Panel of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), the Kunming-Montreal Agreement. Additionally, this module will delve into sustainability metrics, value assessments, and sustainability ethics.
• Systems-thinking: This module will  focus on the interconnectedness of socio-ecological systems and the complexities inherent in sustainability challenges.
• Futures-thinking: This module will cover climate resilience and adaptation, transformative change predictive models, exploratory and normative scenarios, and vision-building techniques to assess alternative futures and their implications for sustainability.

Objectives of the course

Knowledge and understanding:

• Can reflect upon the scientific ideas and practices of sustainability
• Summarize the human-induced changes of the global ecology, including the risks of surpassing thresholds defined as planetary boundaries.
• Explain the key concepts and ideas underlying the Paris Agreement and the International Panel of Climate Change, including strategies and actions for mitigating and adapting to climate change.
• Explain the key concepts and ideas underlying the Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework and the International Panel of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, including nature-based solutions for mitigating and adapting to climate change.
• Appraise the role of resilience of socio-ecological systems for sustainability.

Skills:

• Evaluate and compare different models, metrics and indicators of sustainability including relevant trade-offs and synergies between UN’s Sustainability Development Goals.
• Apply systems thinking by designing and selecting research methods for analyzing interactions between ecological and social systems to better understand the challenges of sustainability.
• Discuss and critically analyze strategies and actions to meet the goals set in the Paris agreement and the Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework, including the values and ethics underpinning these different choices.
• Identify drivers that erode or build resilience of socio-ecological systems.

Competence:

• Reflect on ethical perspectives of sustainability and UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
• Participate in science-policy dialogues relating to biological diversity, climate change and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
• Communicate sustainability science by using infographics, podcasts scientific blogs, oral presentations or other forms of dissemination.
• Work collaboratively by planning team meetings and deliverables by using a Gantt chart, assigning roles and tasks, apply code of collaboration, and evaluate the team and personal performance.
• Write short scientific essays about sustainability.

Language of instruction and examination

Teaching methods

We employ a diversity of teaching methods using online resources, readings and group activities combined with video and seminar for each module (300 hrs).

The time estimates are as follows: lectures - 34 hrs; preparations and participation in seminars work assignment for each module - 72 hrs; work assignments - 50 hrs; group exam and individual assignments are estimated to 75 hrs. The rest includes reading of syllabus associated with these activities

Information to incoming exchange students

This course is open for inbound exchange students who meet the admission requirements.

Do you have questions about this module? Please check the following website to contact the course coordinator for exchange students at the faculty: https://en.uit.no/education/art?p_document_id=510412