Sustainability in the Urban European Context (1 ECTS)

Learning outcomes

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 Union 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

1. Awareness of the values and mindset behind the sustainability shift
2. Sustainability: systemicity and the ecological planetary boundaries
3. Ecological, social and economic sustainability
4. EU regulations related to digital and green transition
5. Sustainable development in European cities, case studies

Teaching methods

Self-directed learning on Moodle platform

Location and time

Online module, which must be completed between 8.1.2025 - 31.12.2025.

Learning materials and recommended literature

The material available on Moodle is produced by six U!REKA Higher Education and Worklife Alliance partners. The material is based on current research and cases submitted from each national context.

Alternative completion methods of implementation

no alternative completion methods

Internship and working life connections

Collaboration with City of Espoo

Exam dates and retake possibilities

Exams are computer-assessed as part of the moodle during the implementation period.

International connections

This course is a U!REKA co-created module produced by six U!REKA Higher Education and Worklife Alliance partners.

Student workload

27 hours of work consisting of lecture powerpoint and video materials, learning tasks, and automated topical quizzes.

Content scheduling

The course is self-study during the implementation period; 1.8.2025 - 31.12.2025.

Assessment methods and criteria

Automated exams and completion of assignments in Moodle.

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

Evaluation scale

Hyväksytty/Hylätty

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

See the assessment criterion at the 'pass' level.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

See the assessment criterion at the 'pass' level.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

See the assessment criterion at the 'pass' level.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

assessment criterion at the 'pass' level.

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