Environmental problems and the protection of ecosystems

Content scheduling

The course consists of two parts:
-Basics of sustainable development (independent online study)
-Environmental problems and protection of habitats (taught by Anu Vehmaa and Piia Leskinen)

Learning outcomes (Environmental problems and protection of habitats), 4 ECTS
-The student is familiar with the history of environmental protection and the main environmental problems
-The student understands the basic principles and fundamentals of environmental protection

Learning outcomes (Basics of sustainable development), 1 ECTS
-The student is able to identify key sustainability challenges, their causes, and their diverse impacts on the environment and society
-The student can describe the roles of different institutions and actors in sustainability policy and in promoting sustainability transitions
-The student is able to identify the different dimensions of sustainable development, related key concepts, and sustainability goals
-The student can distinguish between different perspectives, as well as value and interest conflicts related to sustainability issues and solutions
-The student is able to reflect on their own lifestyle and consumption choices, as well as professional practices, from the perspectives of responsibility and sustainable development

Content
The course consists of teacher-led introductory lectures, independent assignments, workshops, and learning materials produced by students. The basics of sustainable development are studied independently online.

Student's use of time and effort

The average student workload for the course is 135 hours (5 ECTS × 27 hours/ECTS = 135 hours).

The workload is approximately distributed as follows:
Independent study of the Basics of Sustainable Development module: 27 hours
Teacher-led sessions (9 × 2 h = 18 h) and related pre- and post-assignments (9 × 2 h = 18 h): total 36 hours
Workshop-style teacher-led sessions on environmental chemicalization (2 × 2 h), including preparatory work and reflection: 14 hours
Preparation of learning materials in small groups: approximately 48 hours
Revision of the course content for the final exam: approximately 10 hours

Teaching methods

The scope of the course is very broad, which means that individual topics can only be covered to a limited extent. The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of the wider subject area and to offer opportunities for students to deepen their understanding through independent study.

The course includes a 1 ECTS module on the Basics of Sustainable Development, which students complete independently using online materials. Otherwise, the course consists of teacher-led sessions, independent assignments, workshops, and the production of course materials by students working in small groups.

Alternative ways of completing the course

The course can be completed elsewhere, and a sufficiently similar course of an appropriate level may be transferred to the student’s study record through recognition of prior learning. Such cases are assessed individually in agreement with the teacher.

Exam schedule

At the end of the course, a final exam will be held on the date indicated in the schedule during week 50. After this, two resit exam sessions will be arranged. Further details concerning the exam times, locations, and registration procedures will be provided at the beginning of the course.