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

Independent study material available in LEARN. Students are expected to research relevant literature and websitesindependently to complete assignments.

Study forms and methods

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.

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

Voluntary (but recommended) webinars (all times Finnish time)
1.9.2020 at 12-14
8.9.2020 at 12-14
22.9.2020 at 12-14
29.9.2020 at 12-14
6.10.2020 at 12-14
13.10.2020 at 12-14

Assignments due (possible changes announced in Learn)
A1-1: 7.9.2020 at 8:00
A1-2: 7.9.2020 (part 1)/14.9.2020 (part 2)
A1-3: 14.9.2020 at 8:00
A2-1: 28.9.2020 at 8:00
A2-2: 28.9.2020 at 8:00
A3-1: 12.10.2020 at 8:00
A3-2: 26.10.2020 at 8:00
A3-3: 12.10.2020 at 8:00
A4-1: 26.10.2020 at 8:00
A4-2: 26.10.2020 at 8:00

Student workload

5 ECTS equals about 135 hours of student work
Assignments

A1-1-3, A2-2, A3-1-3, A4-1-2 are individual assignments
A2-1 is a group assignment
See course description in Learn for more details.

Course part description

Course consists of four sections. All sections have to be completed to pass the course.
Section 1: Introduction
Section 2: Natural resources: our one planet
Section 3: Maintaining value: the shift from linear to circular economy
Section 4: Conclusions

Further information

Studies are carried out using the Xamk Learn platform "Introduction to Circular Economy (AUTUMN 2020)"
https://learn.xamk.fi/course/view.php?id=2069
Webinars will be arranged in TEAMS. Links to TEAMS webinars will be added in LEARN

Evaluation scale

1-5

Assessment methods and criteria

All assignments and exams have to be accepted in order to receive a passing grade.
• Grade 1: 50-59 points
• Grade 2: 60-69 points
• Grade 3: 70-79 points
• Grade 4: 80-89 points
• Grade 5: 90- points
There is no exam and the grade is determined based on assignments.
Delayed submission reduces points.