Foundations in Sustainable Solutions
| Module title | Foundations in Sustainable Solutions |
|---|---|
| Module code | BEP2002 |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 30 |
| Module staff | Dr Edvard Glucksman (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 | 6 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 30 |
|---|
Module description
This is the first of two modules in the ‘With Proficiency in Sustainable Solutions’ pathway, designed to empower you as a catalyst for positive change in our complex world. This module equips you with deep insights into the interconnected nature of sustainability challenges, the innovative skills to develop groundbreaking solutions, and the professional acumen to lead, collaborate, and communicate effectively in diverse environments. Prepare to tackle critical global issues, create meaningful impact, and spearhead the transition towards a fairer, greener, and healthier future.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module lays a robust foundation in the key concepts, principles, and frameworks essential for guiding sustainable solutions. You will learn to analyse complex sustainability challenges through a systems thinking perspective, gaining a holistic understanding of their interconnected nature. The module offers first-hand experience in engaging with sustainability issues from various disciplinary angles, emphasising the principles and practice of challenge-based learning to develop your competencies as a changemaker.
Leveraging the university as a living lab, this module encourages you to explore the workings of your own institution. Adopting a ‘sustainability by default’ mindset, you will identify key impact areas, explore collaborative opportunities, and connect with global networks of best practice. This approach not only enhances your practical skills but also prepares you to lead and innovate in the field of sustainability.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Analyse complex sustainability challenges from a systems thinking perspective
- 2. Examine the sustainability performance of complex institutions.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Understand the complexities of leadership for driving change within sustainability challenges.
- 4. Apply the principles and practice of challenge-based learning.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Engage in collaborative action to develop sustainable solutions and to communicate them effectively.
Syllabus plan
The academic content of this module includes:
- Defining the landscape: Introduce the core concepts of systems thinking for sustainability, as a foundational tool for understanding the interconnectedness of global challenges.
- Change agents and key competencies: Introducing the concept of a change agent and discussing the key competencies necessary for driving sustainability transformations.
- Understanding stakeholder perspectives: Engage with different stakeholder perspectives, encouraging critical thinking and empathy in understanding the needs of diverse stakeholders.
- Integrating entrepreneurship and sustainability: Explore the intersection of entrepreneurship and sustainability, highlighting the role of innovation and entrepreneurial skills in developing sustainable solutions.
- Tools and technologies for sustainable solutions: Explore the role of digital technologies and tools in facilitating the development and implementation of sustainable solutions.
- The university as a ‘living lab’: Examine the multi-faceted approach that a university takes as a force for positive change in sustainability.
- Healthy communities and action: Explore the relationship between action, environment and human health.
- Communication and advocacy for sustainable solutions: Equip students with the skills to effectively communicate the value and impact of sustainable solutions to diverse audiences.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 44 | 256 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Guided independent study | 40 | Recorded lectures, multimedia and relevant reading. |
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 34 | Flipped classroom workshops to support each key subject area. |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities | 10 | Interdisciplinary tutorials. |
| Guided independent study. | 216 | Group and individual work on assignments. |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group in-class presentations | 5 minutes with additional Q&A | 2, 3, 5 | Written and oral feedback |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group Sustainability Audit | 20 | 1,500 words equivalent | 2, 3, 5 | Written |
| Individual Opinion Piece | 20 | 1,500 words equivalent | 1, 4, 5 | Written |
| Individual E-Portfolio | 60 | 2,500 words equivalent | 1, 3, 4 | Written |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group Sustainability Audit | Individual Sustainability Audit (20%, 1,500 words equivalent) | 2, 3, 5 | Referral/deferral period |
| Individual Opinion Piece | Individual Opinion Piece (20%, 1,500 words equivalent) | 1, 4, 5 | Referral/deferral period |
| Individual E-Portfolio | Individual E-Portfolio (60%, 2,500 words equivalent) | 1, 3, 4 | Referral/deferral period |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you have been deferred for any assessment you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 40%
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Basic reading:
- Budak A, Becoming a Changemaker
- D’Amato D, Toppinen A, Kozak R: The Role of Business in Global Sustainability Transformations
- Jackson MC: Critical Systems Thinking and the Management of Complexity
- Robetson M: Sustainability - Principles and Practice
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
Other resources:
- The Parliamentarians’ Guide to Climate Change (University of Exeter, 2024)
| Credit value | 30 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 15 |
| Module pre-requisites | None. |
| Module co-requisites | None. |
| NQF level (module) | 5 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/02/2025 |
| Last revision date | 01/02/2025 |
