| CODE | DGP0961 | ||||||
| TITLE | Understanding the Challenges, Making a Difference | ||||||
| UM LEVEL | 00 - Mod Pre-Tert, Foundation, Proficiency & DegreePlus | ||||||
| EQF/MQF LEVEL | Not Applicable | ||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | Not Applicable | ||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Degree Plus Programme | ||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This DegreePlus unit introduces sustainability from environmental, social and economic perspectives. Through practical examples, discussions and case studies, participants will explore major global and local sustainability challenges and consider how individuals, organisations, technology and society can contribute to a more sustainable future. Indicative Content: 1. Introduction to Sustainability – sustainability, sustainable development, systems thinking and trade-offs; 2. Sustainable Development Goals – the UN SDGs and their relevance locally and globally; 3. Climate Change and Energy – climate change, carbon footprints, renewable energy, mitigation and adaptation; 4. Resources and Circular Economy – consumption, waste, recycling, reuse and life-cycle thinking; 5. Water, Food and Biodiversity – water resources, food systems, ecosystems and marine sustainability; 6. Sustainable Communities – transport, buildings, health, inclusion and quality of life; 7. Business, Technology and Innovation – sustainable business, green technologies, eco-design and greenwashing, ESG; 8. Sustainability in Action – individual and collective responsibility, policy, behavioural change and practical solutions. Maltese examples will be incorporated throughout, including water, waste, transport, construction, energy, tourism and the marine environment. Learning Outcomes By the end of the unit, participants should be able to: 1. Explain the concepts of sustainability and sustainable development and their environmental, social and economic dimensions. 2. Describe the purpose and scope of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 3. Identify some of the major environmental and societal sustainability challenges facing the world today. 4. Explain basic concepts associated with climate change, energy use, resource consumption, waste and the circular economy. 5. Appreciate the importance of biodiversity, ecosystems, water and food systems to sustainable development. 6. Recognise the connections between environmental sustainability, human wellbeing, inequality and social justice. 7. Apply basic concepts such as carbon footprint, life-cycle thinking and the waste hierarchy to everyday situations. 8. Critically evaluate sustainability claims and recognise potential examples of greenwashing. 9. Discuss the potential contributions of technological innovation, policy, organisations and behavioural change to sustainability. 10. Identify realistic actions that individuals, communities and organisations can take to improve sustainability. Teaching Approach Short presentations combined with discussions, case studies, group activities and practical exercises. No prior scientific, technical or economic knowledge is required. |
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| ADDITIONAL NOTES | This unit may not be offered if there are an insufficient number of applicants. | ||||||
| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | ||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Maria Attard Therese Bajada |
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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 2026/7. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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