Course syllabus adopted 2024-02-14 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).
Overview
- Swedish nameCirkulär ekonomi
- CodeTEK680
- Credits7.5 Credits
- OwnerMPTSE
- Education cycleSecond-cycle
- Main field of studyEnergy and Environmental Systems and Technology
- DepartmentTECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT AND ECONOMICS
- GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail
Course round 1
- Teaching language English
- Application code 28120
- Maximum participants90 (at least 10% of the seats are reserved for exchange students)
- Block schedule
- Open for exchange studentsYes
Credit distribution
Module | Sp1 | Sp2 | Sp3 | Sp4 | Summer | Not Sp | Examination dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0119 Examination 7.5 c Grading: TH | 7.5 c |
|
In programmes
- MPAEM - MATERIALS ENGINEERING, MSC PROGR, Year 2 (elective)
- MPDES - INDUSTRIAL DESIGN ENGINEERING, MSC PROGR, Year 2 (elective)
- MPMAR - MARITIME MANAGEMENT, MSC PROGR, Year 2 (elective)
- MPPEN - PRODUCTION ENGINEERING, MSC PROGR, Year 2 (elective)
- MPSES - SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS, MSC PROGR, Year 2 (elective)
- MPTSE - INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY, MSC PROGR, Year 1 (compulsory elective)
- MPTSE - INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY, MSC PROGR, Year 2 (elective)
Examiner
Maria Ljunggren- Associate Professor, Environmental Systems Analysis, Technology Management and Economics
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
Master-level knowledge equivalent to at least 7,5 credits in environmental science, environmental engineering or sustainable development. The course VMI010 Environmental systems analysis is recommended.Aim
The course aims to provide students with an understanding of the potential benefits as well the drawbacks of a more resource-efficient and circular economy. Departing from that current and projected societal use of natural resources causes several different problems, the course investigates different circular strategies and critically examines their potential to mitigate these problems. Drawing from multiple disciplines, including sustainability sciences, engineering and management, students gain knowledge on visions for and underlying theory of a circular economy as well as on systemic methods and tools for examining resource use and designing and appraising circular solutions.Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)
Describe historic and future projections of natural resource use and associated societal problems
Describe different visions and motives for a circular economy.
Account for and define circular economy and circular strategies, their potential benefits and limitations to mitigate societal material resource problems.
Account for actors, their options, drivers and barriers for adopting circular strategies.
Select and use methods and tools to examine, design and assess material resource use and circular strategies.
Account for criticism against the circular economy and examine its relevance in a given context.
Contribute to a multi-person project in which circular solutions are designed and assessed.
Communicate orally and in writing the knowledge and skills acquired.
Describe different visions and motives for a circular economy.
Account for and define circular economy and circular strategies, their potential benefits and limitations to mitigate societal material resource problems.
Account for actors, their options, drivers and barriers for adopting circular strategies.
Select and use methods and tools to examine, design and assess material resource use and circular strategies.
Account for criticism against the circular economy and examine its relevance in a given context.
Contribute to a multi-person project in which circular solutions are designed and assessed.
Communicate orally and in writing the knowledge and skills acquired.
Content
A more circular economy is advocated as an essential contribution to a more sustainable, low carbon, resource-efficient and competitive economy. Strategies to use less, longer and again over the full life cycle - from design and production to use, reuse, repair, remanufacturing, repurposing and recycling - are suggested to maintain the value of products and materials for as long as possible. This potentially creates new opportunities and challenges for consumers, businesses, authorities and governments.The course aims for students to develop a broad understanding of why societys current and projected material resource use is problematic and how and to what extent such problems could be mitigated by a more circular economy. The course does not focus on any particular resources, product groups or materials nor sectors or actors, but uses theoretical and real-world examples to illustrate concepts, theory and methods. It is organized in four themes:
1. Material resource systems presents current and projected use of natural resources and materials in society as rationales for changing societys natural resource and material use.
2. Circular strategies, methods and tools defines and explains circular strategies, such as use extension, reuse, repair, remanufacturing, repurposing and recycling. It also selects and applies systems-based methods and tools for examining, designing and assessing circular strategies and combinations thereof.
3. Actors in circular economy deals with drivers and barriers to adopt circular strategies as well as common differences in perspectives on and criticism against the circular economy.
4. Circular case study allows students to apply and synthesize the knowledge gained by examining, designing and assessing self-selected products in a group project.
Note that this is not a course in economics. Instead, economy refers to judicious use of resources as in the original meaning of the term.
Organisation
The course is comprised by a series of lectures given by lecturers from various disciplines and by invited guests from business and authorities. There are several stand-alone exercises as well as shorter ones integrated in the lectures. A larger project is conducted in multi-person groups formed by the teachers. Attendance at certain compulsory activities is required to pass the course.Literature
The literature is a collection of scientific articles and reports available electronically at Chalmers library, through google scholar or at the course website. All lectures slides (including guests) are part of the course requirements.Examination including compulsory elements
The examination comprises of an individual written exam and written and oral presentation of the group project. The final course grade is determined by the sum of the exam and the group project results. All compulsory elements must be completed to pass the course.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.