Course syllabus adopted 2024-11-11 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).
Overview
- Swedish nameGrön cement
- CodeTRA450
- Credits7.5 Credits
- OwnerTRACKS
- Education cycleSecond-cycle
- DepartmentTRACKS
- GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail
Course round 1
- Teaching language English
- Application code 97236
- Minimum participants8
- Open for exchange studentsYes
Credit distribution
Module | Sp1 | Sp2 | Sp3 | Sp4 | Summer | Not Sp | Examination dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0124 Project 7.5 c Grading: TH | 3.8 c | 3.7 c |
In programmes
Examiner
Arezou Baba Ahmadi- Associate Professor, Building Technology, Architecture and Civil Engineering
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
In addition to the general requirements to study at the first-cycle level at Chalmers, necessary subject or project specific prerequisite competences (if any) must be fulfilled. Alternatively, the student must obtain the necessary competences during the course. The examiner will formulate and check these prerequisite competences. The student will only be admitted in agreement with the examiner.Interest and understanding of basic natural sciences (e.g. physics, geology, chemistry) at high-school level.
Aim
The course provides a platform to work and solve challenging cross-disciplinary authentic problems from different stakeholders in society such as the academy, industry or public institutions. Additionally, the aim is that students from different educational programs practice working efficiently in multidisciplinary development teams.The aim of this course is to guide students through the evolution of cement, from ancient techniques to cutting-edge modern low-carbon innovations, with a focus on reducing the environmental impact of cement production. Emphasizing on active learning, the course offers various hands-on activities, including literature reviews, modeling, and experimental work, allowing students to tailor their learning experience in their own level and background knowledge.
Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)
- master problems with open solutions spaces which includes to be able to handle uncertainties and limited information.
- lead and participate in the development of new products, processes and systems using a holistic approach by following a design process and/or a systematic development process.
- work in multidisciplinary teams and collaborate in teams with different compositions
- orally and in writing explain and discuss information, problems, methods, design/development processes and solutions
- Discuss the history and evolution of cement production: This includes historical development of cement production, recognizing its significance and the pressing need for sustainable change.
- Explore pathways to carbon neutrality in cement production (towards green cement): This includes innovative solutions aimed at achieving carbon neutrality in cement production, focusing on practical and impactful strategies.
- Practice sustainable practices in green cement production in active learning-based teaching environment:
- Develop and practice research-oriented approaches in cement production scale as well as, concrete and structural production level, towards carbon neutrality, through narrow reading, modelling or experimental work.
Content
Sustainable transformation of cement production and usage by drawing on historical lessons and exploring innovative approaches. It emphasizes the importance of reducing binder and concrete usage to lower the environmental impact of construction. The course will delve into the use of Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) as alternatives to traditional cement, which can significantly cut down carbon emissions. Additionally, it highlights the role of recycling and circular economy principles in creating more sustainable practices within the cement industry. Together, these elements aim to equip students with the knowledge and tools to contribute to greener construction practices. Figure below conceptualizes the course content.Organisation
The course is run by a teaching team.The main part of the course is a challenge driven project. The challenge may range from being broad societal to profound research driven. The project task is solved in a group. The course is supplemented by on-demand teaching and learning of the skills necessary for the project. The project team will have one university examiner, one or a pole of university supervisors and one or a pole of external co-supervisors if applicable.
The course is organized over a semester (LP3 and LP4), divided into modules that last approximately five weeks each. Each module begins with a week of background lecture organized during lunch hours, followed by 4 weeks dedicated to independent work on the project work in relation to the lectures. During these weeks students engage in individual activities, such as literature review, simulation or experimental work, with opportunities for weekly Q&A sessions to clarify concepts. The module concludes with a seminar day featuring expert lectures and student presentations, along with a submission of the individual task report. This structure ensures a balanced mix of theoretical learning, practical application, and ongoing support throughout the course.
Literature
With input from the teaching team, students will develop the ability to identify and acquire relevant literature throughout their projects.The literature in this course is mostly review articles and classic articles which either reflects a general overview of a broad topic or functions as a summary of a very fundamental and theoretical background knowledge.
Examination including compulsory elements
The course will have mini-project work. The project work will be individual based, but to facilitate a group activity a few smaller individual works will be the basis of a larger project work which a group will present.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.