Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE SPI5601

 
TITLE Introduction to Sustainable Development

 
UM LEVEL 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course

 
MQF LEVEL 7

 
ECTS CREDITS 5

 
DEPARTMENT Spatial Planning and Infrastructure

 
DESCRIPTION This study-unit is aimed at familiarising students with the concept of sustainable development and the principles which need to be adopted to ensure the sustainability of actions. In particular the unit will aim to demonstrate the environmental, economic and social impacts that affect the sustainability of our communities with particular focus on sustainable infrastructure. This unit introduces concepts related to social, economic, environmental, technological, political and moral reforms that are necessary for development to become more sustainable.

Study-unit Aims

The aims of this study-unit are to:

1. familiarise students with the historical development of sustainable development theory;
2. familiarise students with sustainable development programmes in the local context;
3. enable students to assess issues in a multidisciplinary framework;
4. explore specific issues within a sustainable development perspective.

Learning Outcomes

1. Knowledge & Understanding:
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of sustainability;
- develop an understanding of international goals and local perspectives;
- place sustainable development in the context of public policy particularly in the various fields related to infrastructural development.

2. Skills:
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- assess the impacts of initiatives from an economic, social and environmental angle;
- gain an insight of the skills required of sustainable development professionals by government, industry and community groups;
- overcome the divide that separates scientific and technical issues from social and economic issues.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings

Proposal for the Sustainable Development Strategy - December 2006
Review of the EU Sustainable Development Strategy (EU SDS) − Renewed Strategy
Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development: Our Common Future (Brundtland Commission)
Agenda 21
Understanding Sustainable Development - Blewitt J
An Introduction to Sustainable Development - Rogers P

 
ADDITIONAL NOTES Pre-requisite Qualifications: Bachelor degrees in Engineering, Geography, Science, Management or any related subject.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Research Paper Yes 30%
Examination (2 Hours) Yes 70%

 
LECTURER/S Kevin Gatt

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit