Sustainable Development and Ethical ThinkingLaajuus (5 cr)

Objective

Upon completion of this course, the student
• is able to explain the core principles of sustainable development and to demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between ethics and sustainability in the context of electronics engineering
• is able to evaluate the environmental impact of electronics products and processes utilising life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies
• understands both social and environmental consequences of design choices and is aware of international and local regulations, standards, and certifications relevant to sustainability and ethics in electronics engineering
• is able to analyse sustainability initiatives within the electronics industry, identifying corporate social responsibility efforts and emerging green technology innovations.

The course includes Sustainability in the Urban European Context course content:

After completing the course, the student
• is aware of the planetary ecological boundaries, climate change and biodiversity loss
• understands the three dimensions of sustainable development as a systemic whole and can argue the interdependencies between them
• is aware of the European regulations related to digital and green transitions
• is able to identify the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals and how the goals are promoted within U!REKA cities
• is aware of the sustainability focus within U!REKA European University Alliance.

Content

• Introduction to sustainable development and ethical thinking
• Environmental impact of electronics
• Ethical and environmental considerations in engineering
• Sustainable supply chain and procurement
• Regulations and standards
• Sustainability in electronics industry

Sustainability in the Urban European Context:
• Awareness of the values and mindset behind the sustainability shift
• Sustainability: systemicity and the ecological planetary boundaries
• Ecological, social and economic sustainability
• EU regulations related to digital and green transitions
• Sustainable development in European cities, case studies

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student
• has achieved the objectives of the course to a satisfactory level
• is able to identify, define and use concepts and models in the subject area of the course
• understands the conditions and principles of the development of expertise
• has completed the learning tasks required for the course to the minimum standard
• has developed their competences in such a way that they will be able to complete their future professional studies and eventually work in the field.

The student
• understands what planetary boundaries mean and how the UN’s 17 SDGs are connected • is aware of the European regulations and standards related to the digital and green transitions
• is familiar with the green transition measures of at least one European city.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student
• has achieved the objectives of the course well, although there are still areas where knowledge and skills need to be improved
• has completed the learning tasks of the course at a satisfactory or good level
• has a good understanding of the concepts and models of the subject matter of the course and is able to carry out a reasoned analysis
• is able to apply what they have learned in learning and working situations
• understands the importance of expertise in the field and is able to analyse their own expertise.


The student
• understands what planetary boundaries mean and how the UN’s 17 SDGs are connected
• is aware of the European regulations and standards related to the digital and green transitions
• is familiar with the green transition measures of at least one European city.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student
• has achieved the objectives of the course with excellent marks
• has completed the learning tasks of the course at a good or excellent level
• has an excellent command of the concepts and models of the subject matter of the course
• is able to analyse clearly and reasonably and propose practical development measures
• has a good ability to apply what they have learned in learning and working situations
• is able to analyse their expertise in their field and their own development towards expertise.


The student
• understands what planetary boundaries mean and how the UN’s 17 SDGs are connected
• is aware of the European regulations and standards related to the digital and green transitions
• is familiar with the green transition measures of at least one European city.

Further information

XX00FW79 Sustainability in the Urban European Context