Introduction to circular economy (5 cr)

Objective

You understand the sustainable use of diminishing natural resources and the need to allocate them efficiently. You understand circular economy as a tool for achieving sustainability and the new business opportunities the transition to circularity may create. You are familiar with the obstacles to the transformation from linear to circular economy and with the ways these may be overcome.

Content

What are linear and circular economy models and what do they mean in terms of natural resources? What are the advantages of shifting from linear to circular economy?

Evaluation

Students can
use professional vocabulary systematically.
look for information in the key information sources of the field.
work as team members in a goal-oriented way.

Course material

Material in Learn

Study forms and methods

You understand the sustainable use of diminishing natural resources and the need to allo-cate them efficiently. You understand circular economy as a tool for achieving sustainability and the new business opportunities the transition to circularity may create. You are familiar with the obstacles to the transformation from linear to circular economy and with the ways these may be overcome.
We’ll be looking for answers to these questions:
• What are linear and circular economy models and what do they mean in terms of natural resources?
• What are the advantages of shifting from linear to circular economy?

RDI and work-related cooperation

None

Timing of exams and assignments

Announced in the beginning of the course

International cooperation

International CE policy discussed

Student workload

Online lectures 14 h. Self study material about 21h.
• Section 1 assignments about 15h
• Section 2 assignments about 35h
• Section 2 assignments about 35h
• Section 4 assignments about 15h
Overall about 135 h.

Course part description

• Section 1: Introduction: what is circular economy?
• Section 2: Natural resources: only one planet
• Section 3: Maintaining value: the shift from linear to circular economy
• Section 4: Conclusions

Further information

Attendance on online lectures is optional, but recommended. Lectures will be recorded (when possible) and recordings added on Learn.

Evaluation scale

1-5

Assessment methods and criteria

The course grade is based on the collected points as follows:
• Grade 1: 50-59 points
• Grade 2: 60-69 points
• Grade 3: 70-79 points
• Grade 4: 80-89 points
• Grade 5: 90- points
Please note that late submission reduces points (-1p/day).