APMA507-What is Sustainability?- CPD

Module Provider: School of Agriculture, Policy and Development
Number of credits: 0 [0 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Caroline Rymer
Email: c.rymer@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This distance learning module aims to encourage students to critically analyse what is meant by ‘sustainability’, and the various frameworks that can be used to assess the sustainability of a particular system. A series of topics will be introduced using online interactive exercises and discussion fora. 

Aims:

To investigate in depth the issues associated with ensuring a system is ‘sustainable’, and develop means of assessing the sustainability of a system. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, students will be able to:

• critically evaluate the various definitions of the term ‘sustainability’


• select appropriate frameworks for the assessment of sustainability


• critically evaluate the sustainability of particular systems. 

Additional outcomes:

• use appropriate tools to identify reliable information and literature on a given topic


• communicate research findings clearly

Outline content:

Topics within this module include:

• Definitions of sustainability and frameworks of assessment


• Issues and scoping


• Ethical measures of sustainability


• Economic measures of sustainability


• Environmental measures of sustainability

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Each topic will be introduced with some interactive online material.  There will be a series of online discussion fora and exercises.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

There is no assessment on this module.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

There is no assessment on this module.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

There is no assessment on this module.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

There is no assessment on this module.

Reassessment arrangements:

There is no assessment on this module.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 30 March 2023