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

All sections consist of a theory part and assignments.
Main topics are covered in weekly online lectures, but students are expected to search for information independently.
No specific textbook is required, but good information sources include the websites of Ellen MacArthur foundation, Sitra, UN and the EU website for circular economy. More detailed information is given on lectures.

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 nat-ural resources?
• What are the advantages of shifting from linear to circular economy?

RDI and work-related cooperation

None

Timing of exams and assignments

No exam.
Assignment due dates announced in the beginning of the course.
Please note late submission reduces points.

International cooperation

None

Student workload

135 h (5CU), divided as follows:
• 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

Course part description

Part 1: introduction to CE
Part 2: Natural resources: our only planet
Part 3: Maintaining value; the shift from linear to circular economy
Part 4: Conclusions

Further information

Main topics are covered in weekly online lectures. Attendance to these is optional, but highly recommended as they are likely to help you complete the course assignments. Lectures are recorded, when possible, and the recordings added on Learn. Please note that a lecture is cancelled if there are fewer than 5 participants, in which case no recording is made either.

Schedule added on learn.

Evaluation scale

1-5

Assessment methods and criteria

Completing the course requires studying the theory material and completing the given assignments. All assignments are evaluated and influence the course grade. The maximum amount of points for each assignment is indicated in the instructions. The course grade is determined by the sum of points collected 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