Course syllabus for Urban metabolism and resources

Course syllabus adopted 2024-02-12 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameStädernas resursomsättning
  • CodeACE155
  • Credits7.5 Credits
  • OwnerMPIEE
  • Education cycleSecond-cycle
  • Main field of studyCivil and Environmental Engineering
  • DepartmentARCHITECTURE AND CIVIL ENGINEERING
  • GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language English
  • Application code 27118
  • Block schedule
  • Open for exchange studentsYes

Credit distribution

0119 Written and oral assignments 3 c
Grading: TH		 3 c
0219 Project 4.5 c
Grading: TH		 4.5 c

In programmes

Examiner

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Eligibility

General entry requirements for Master's level (second cycle)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Specific entry requirements

English 6 (or by other approved means with the equivalent proficiency level)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Course specific prerequisites

BSc in Natural Sciences, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Environmental Engineering or equivalent.

Aim

The aim of the course is for students to acquire basic knowledge in sustainable resource use and in the corresponding principles for the development of urban systems including the water and transport systems, urban resource use and waste production. The knowledge will be applied to assess cities' resource utilization, critically examine technical systems, and identify key aspects with regard to resource utilization and environmental impact, as well as propose the necessary measures to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and to meet challenges of global urbanization, resource scarcity and environmental impact.

Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)

  • explain critical aspects of sustainable development for urban areas with focus on environmental impacts and resource constraints;
  • study urban systems, including water and transportation systems, and resource flows to identify eventual problems in relation to sustainable development;
  • suggest improvements to technical systems, technology, resource management and lifestyles that may enable efficient resource use, mitigate climate impacts and prevent pollution;
  • simulate, predict and evaluate the effect of suggested improvements in urban systems on resource flows and the environmental impact.

Content

The following topics are included in the course: sustainable infrastructures, built environment, water and transportation systems; urban resource consumption and management; circular economy and industrial symbiosis. The following methods will be applied among others: material flow analysis and urban water metabolism modelling.

Organisation

The course topics are explored through lectures and readings; seminars and laboratory works for learning modelling and assessment tools; group projects and a written individual assignment.

Literature

Study materials will be made available on the course webpage.

Examination including compulsory elements

The final grade is based on the written report and oral presentation/opposition of the group project and on the written individual assignment. Mandatory attendance applies to laboratory works, consultations with teacher in group projects and for the final presentation of group projects.

The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers on educational support due to disability.