ÖS0002, Qualified Internship for Sustainable Development, 30.0 Hp
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Syllabus

Finalized by: Programnämnden för utbildning inom skog (PN-S), 2021-11-17
Valid from : Spring semester 2026 (2026-01-19)

Level

Second cycle (A1F)

Grading Scale

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.

Course language

English

Entry Requirements

Objectives

Upon completion of an internship, the student will be able to

• identify and describe/explain how the work with sustainable development is applied in different ways to a workplace
• analyze and discuss conditions for sustainable development at place of internship, and relate this to examples from relevant research
• explain and reflect on the internship organization’s role in society and its connection to global sustainable development
• suggest measures aiming to support organization’s sustainable development
• evaluate his/her own subject competence and its relevance to sustainable development.

Content

The student shall during 16 weeks (minimum) participate in a full-time internship, with an appointed supervisor within a host organization. The work/tasks during the internship must have a clear relation to global sustainable development and train the student to work independently and in cooperation with others. The student shall during the time at the host organization have time to observe, interact and reflect upon relevant global sustainability issues while also taking part in the organization’s activities. Prior to and during the internship, a set of relevant articles or book chapters shall be read. Part of the literature is pre-defined for all course participants, and part of the literature shall be specific and decided by the academic supervisor in collaboration with the host supervisor and the student.

During and after the internship period, the student summarizes his / her experiences and reports these in the form of a logbook, midterm report and final report, as well as conversations with the academic supervisor. A midterm report serves as an account for the ongoing readings, journal keeping and reflections concerning the roles and responsibilities in the organization. The written report must contain a presentation of the internship, a general description of the assignments and reflections on the course objectives related to the current literature and an analysis of the role of the sub-unit where the student is doing his/her internship in the organization with reference to sustainable development. A more comprehensive final written report and an oral presentation must be completed and presented by the end of the internship.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

To complete the course the student has to fulfill - active participation at the workplace during the whole internship - approved written assignments (logbook, mid-report and final report), and - approved oral presentation.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of forest bioeconomy and technology

Supplementary information

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
Single module	30.0	0101

Other Information

The course is applied for at the regular time for course applications (spring and autumn). The start period for practice takes place after agreement with the course leader. Students are admitted with conditions until prerequisites are met. The prerequisites, apart from prerequisites, are that there is an internship and that an academic supervisor is appointed. The student is responsible for finding an internship and an academic supervisor. Supervisors/examiners/course leaders can be helpful if possible. On-site supervision is decided jointly by the internship organization's representative and the student and is governed by an agreement between the host organization's representative, academic supervisor and the course leader. The internship's activities must be relevant to sustainable development and SLU's core business.

Before the internship period, a number of reading material are selected as background material and references for the assignments in consultation with the academic supervisor. The written report must contain a presentation of the internship, a general description of the assignments and reflections on the course objectives related to the current literature.

Templates for agreement, grading criteria and requirements for the course can be found on the course's canvas page. The student should contact the course director at an early stage to facilitate the choice of literature and supervisor.

Students are strongly encouraged to contact the course leader well in advance before the internship is expected to initiate, as the course leader will need to sort out details in terms of approriate internship, readings and approve of academic supervisors.

SLU is environmentally certified according to ISO 14001. Many of our courses address knowledge and skills that contribute positively to the environment. To further strengthen this, we have specific environmental goals for education. Students are welcome to suggest measures in the course design and implementation that lead to environmental improvements. For more information, see SLU’s website, www.slu.se. SLU is also a PRME-certified university, Principles for Responsible Management Education (http://www.unprme.org/).