58勛圖

SD1000 Sustainable Development: tackling global challenges

Academic year

2026 to 2027 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

20

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 7

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

Lecture Tue, Wed, Thu 9am

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr K J Fredricks

Dr K J Fredricks
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Team taught

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module considers the contemporary challenges that we face at global and local scales. Sustainable Development is a concept and suite of practices that have been designed to tackle these challenges. We will explore the history of this idea and its meanings for contemporary society and for environmental management. We will critically assess different approaches to Sustainable Development, including policy frameworks such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and will interrogate the philosophies around sustainability transitions in different contexts. We will explore the actions required to achieve sustainable futures, drawing on local exemplars of innovation for sustainability. Lectures, field classes and small group work support learning. Students will develop skills in critical thinking, communicating for different audiences and reporting and synthesising data.

Assessment pattern

100% continual assessment.

Re-assessment

100% continual assessment.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

3 x 1hr lecture (x10 weeks), 1 x 1 hr tutorial (x4 weeks), 1 x 1 hr project session (x4 weeks), 1 x field class (approx. 4 hrs).

Scheduled learning hours

37

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

154

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.