Transdisciplinary course on sustainability sciences

This course is organised by 3 CIVIS member universities: The University of Bucharest, Sapienza Università di Romà and Stockholm University. 

The course is for students who gravitate towards building knowledge in sustainability studies, who seek a course that feeds their passion for conserving the environment and natural resources, combating climate changes, etc.

The course is organised into 6 modules that provide a clear path for students to progress. It will provide students with the opportunity to extend their theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of sustainability sciences.

The course is designed with particular reference to the following SDGs of the UN Agenda 2030: SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation; SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy; SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities; SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production; SDG 13 - Climate Action; SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. 

Main topics addressed

Introduction to the Transdisciplinary Course on Sustainability Science (2 hours)

Module 1. Energy-environmental sustainability (1 ECTS):

• Sustainable development in the decarbonization process
• Hydrogen generation from non-edible waste bioresources

Module 2. Raw materials and recycling (1 ECTS):

• Urban mining and sustainable use of resources
• Biodiesel manufacture by chemical and bio-catalysis
• Plant and soil resources and their recycling in agricultural systems

Module 3. Sustainable mobility (1 ECTS):

• Policies and measures for sustainable mobility
• Transportation system efficiency: Spatial representation of mobility degrees in urbanized areas
• Journal Club: A transdisciplinary Case Study – part I

Module 4. Hydroclimatology (1 ECTS):

• Water Cycle and Climate Change
• Sustainable flood risk management and adaptation to climate change
• The impact of drought and extreme events in drylands

Module 5. Ecosystem services and sustainable cities (1 ECTS):

• Urban and peri-urban forests to improve environmental quality and human wellbeing
• Principles of ecosystem-based approach in planning sustainable cities
• Protected Areas and their Ecosystem Services and Functions

Module 6. Environmental law and ethics (1 ECTS):

• The law of sustainable development in the European Union
• Environmental Ethics: from Theory to Practice
• Journal Club: A transdisciplinary Case Study – part II

Learning outcomes

In the present society, it is essential to spread the culture of sustainable and responsible development as stated in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN Agenda 2030 and by recent EU Strategies including that for Biodiversity to 2030: “Bringing nature back into our lives”. In fact, it is necessary to put an end to the loss of biodiversity and to preserve and enhance the processes that characterise the functioning of ecosystems and the set of goods and services provided by natural resources for human health and well-being.

Furthermore, development-oriented research towards sustainability can offer new job opportunities, through the innovation of processes and products and the creation of new skills, enhancing the Human Capital and, thus, giving impetus to a circular economy.