Module Details

Module Code: INTR6011
Title: Sustainable Development
Long Title: Principles of Sustainable Development
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2011/12 ( September 2011 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5213 - Interdisciplinary Engineering
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module introduces sustainable development (sustainability) as an integrated consideration of environmental, economic and social issues.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe the three pillars of sustainable development
LO2 Discuss the interdependencies of elements of an ecosystem.
LO3 Discuss international examples of sustainable development programmes in different countries or regions.
LO4 Critically assess the achievement of sustainability in a community, region or country.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Fundamentals of sustainable development
Pillars of sustainability. Examples of threatened areas, resources, biosystems. Examples of failed societies. Climate change as an example of systemic change: causes, impacts, responses. Significance for energy systems.
Ecosystems / ecology
Interaction between elements of an ecosystem. Interaction between ecosystems. The role of energy. Major elemental cycles. Threats, changes and damage to global and regional systems.
Indicators of sustainability
Frameworks for measuring sustainability: pressure - state - response; driving forces - pressure - state - impact - response. Bellagio principles. Extension of sustainability assessment to institutional (governance) indicators, themes and sub-themes. National performance.
Ireland's performance
National sustainable development plan. Measuring progress. Comparison between plan and performance. Comparison with international plans and performance.
Sustainable communities in the 21st century
Communities as systems: energy, food, waste management, economic structure, social balance, interactions with other systems. Local Agenda 21.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 15
Timing Week 3 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Discuss an example of a failed or severely threatened system or society.
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 2
Assessment Description
Scope and significance of ecosystems
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 10 Learning Outcomes 3,4
Assessment Description
Critical assessment of a region or nation's sustainability programme, with further reference to Ireland
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 40
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Review of module content
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Topics will be presented and discussed in an interactive manner to engage the student. Every Week 3.00 3
Tutorial Contact Students will present and discuss their findings from reading assigned material Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Students are required to examine specified information sources and prepare summaries for their own use and sharing with others. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Students will reflect on their learning by free reading Every Week 1.00 1
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Mulder, K. (Ed). (2006), Sustainable development for engineers, Greenleaf Publishing Ltd, UK, [ISBN: 978-1-874719-19-9].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Godfrey Boyle (Editor), Bob Everett (Editor), Janet Ramage (Editor). (2003), Energy Systems and Sustainability (Paperback), Oxford University Press, [ISBN: ISBN-10: 0199261792].
  • United Nations, Dept of Economic & Social Affairs. (2007), Indicators of Sustainable Development: guidelines and methodologies, 3rd. United Nations, [ISBN: 978-92-1-104577-2].
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
  • Comhar. (2007), Counting what counts: a review of sustainable development indicators for Ireland.
  • Comhar. (2006), Conference proceedings: Towards sustainability in the National Development Plan 2007 - 2013.
  • Comhar. (2007), SWOT analysis of the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan 2007 - 2020.
  • Comhar. (2002), Principles for sustainable development.
  • Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government. (2002), Making Ireland's Development Sustainable.
  • Doran, P., Comhar. (2007), Research Project: sustainable consumption & production - the state of the art.
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_EBENS_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Building Energy Systems 3 Mandatory
CR_ESENT_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Sustainable Energy Engineering 3 Mandatory