Print Syllabus

Syllabus

TN0354 Sustainable technologies for low- and medium income countries, 7.5 Credits

Hållbar teknik för låg- och medelinkomstländer

Subjects

Technology Environmental Science Technology Environmental science

Education cycle

Master’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Single module	7.5	0101

Advanced study in the main field

Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Master’s level (A1N)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

- Knowledge equivalent to 120 credits in Technology/Technique and/or Natural science

- Knowledge equivalent to English 6 from Swedish Upper Secondary School

Objectives

The objective of the course is to provide knowledge and understanding of technologies for sustainable development and utilisation of renewable resources in low- and medium-income countries. The course focuses on production and processing of food and renewable energy. In particular, the course intends to prepare the students for working with technology transfer and development, e.g. in the context of exchange programs, field studies and consultancy.

After completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• identify socio-economic aspects of sustainable development in the context of low- and medium income countries;

• analyse flows of nutrient, water or energy resources in small-scale rural and urban contexts of low- and medium income countries, and

• propose methods for assessment and development of solutions for improved resource efficiency with an emphasis on the food system and required nutrient, water or energy resources.

Content

The course has a student-centered and participatory learning approach, based on case studies and group work to stimulate independent studies. The content covers general aspects of sustainable development and specific subject topics related to food, nutrient, water or energy resources.

General aspects of sustainable development in low- and medium income countries:

• Participatory research and methods for resource management,

• Socio-economic aspects of sustainable development, including resilience and gender

• Development of farming systems, technology transfer and mechanisation

Specific subject topics related to food, nutrient, water and energy resources:

Small-scale renewable energy technologies

• Renewable energy including wood fuel, charcoal, biogas, solar energy,

• Draught animals as source of power for e.g. transport, soil preparation, processing, irrigation

Small-scale technologies for productive waste and wastewater management

• Safe sanitation systems, including collection, transport and treatment

• Nutrient and water recycling, including e.g. dry urine, insect production or vermicomposting

Small-scale transport technologies, logistics and value chain management

• Low-carbon and Intermediate Means of Transport (IMT)

• Post-harvest technologies

• Rural logistics management

Small-scale technologies for water management

• Technologies for clean water supply and distribution

• Integrated approaches for water management and renewable energy

The course is scheduled for a limited number of seminars. These seminars are student-driven, organised in a flipped-classroom approach and treat specific themes; either the general aspects of sustainable development in low- and medium income countries, or the specific subject topics related to the resource flows. In the introduction, a case (e.g. a village) is presented and challenges and research questions identified in relation to the food system and nutrient, water and energy resource flows. In a project assignment, the students work in groups, focusing on different aspects of the case. First, theory and project plans are developed, presented and discussed in a seminar. Thereafter, the project work is implemented and presented. In the final stage of the course, mixed groups are formed to synthesise integrated solutions with a holistic approach of the aspects covered by the different groups.

Participation in the introduction, seminars and presentations is compulsory.

Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Formats and requirements for examination

The examination includes seminars, oral and written presentation of project assignment

Requirements for approved course include

• Approved oral and written presentation of project assignment

• Approved participation in seminars

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.

• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.

• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.

• For the examination of a degree project (independent project), the examiner may also allow the student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Responsible department

Department of Energy and Technology