In this course, you will be introduced to the concept of sustainable development and how it has evolved to what it currently means - a holistic, ongoing process to tackle environmental, social, and economic challenges of human development. You will also be introduced to the impacts that human activities have had on the environment.
The course is available to study both remotely and locally at learning centres in various locations around Sweden, where you can study together with your study group and attend lectures online.
Information per course offering
Choose semester and course offering to see current information and more about the course, such as course syllabus, study period, and application information.
Course syllabus as PDF
Please note: all information from the Course syllabus is available on this page in an accessible format.
Headings with content from the Course syllabus AL101V (Autumn 2022–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )
Content and learning outcomes
Course disposition
Course consists of recorded lectures with corresponding assignments for examination. The course is digital and "self paced".
The course is available to study both remotely and locally at learning centres in various locations around Sweden, where you can study together with your study group and attend lectures online.
Course contents
In this course, you will be introduced to the concept of sustainable development and how it has evolved to what it currently means, a holistic ongoing process to tackle the environmental, social, and economic challenges of human development. You will learn about key concepts describing sustainable development, such as the three pillars, and different indicators for sustainable development. You will be introduced to the underlying reasons behind the environmental challenges that we face today, for instance, climate change and ocean acidification. Throughout the course, different frameworks to describe sustainable development will be discussed, including normative approaches.
Intended learning outcomes
After successful completion of this course you will have learned:
• a broad overview of the history of sustainable development and current environmental challenges
• global approaches to drive the sustainable development forward
• the main arguments of why there is an urgency for sustainable development and barriers to implementing sustainable solutions
• a holistic approach to sustainable development
• how to identify the environmental impacts of human society and states and trends of the earth
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
Completed upper secondary education including documented proficiency in English.
Equipment
Computer with internet access
Literature
Outlined in Course PM
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
P, F
Examination
INLA -
Assignment,
0.5 credits,
grading scale: P, F
INLB -
Assignment,
0.5 credits,
grading scale: P, F
INLC -
Assignment,
0.5 credits,
grading scale: P, F
INLD -
Assignment,
0.5 credits,
grading scale: P, F
INLE -
Assignment,
0.5 credits,
grading scale: P, F
INLF -
Assignment,
0.5 credits,
grading scale: P, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination
No information inserted
Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination
All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.
Further information
Course room in Canvas
Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas. A link to the course room can be found under the tab Studies in the Personal menu at the start of the course.