MX0130, Environmental and animal ethics, 7.5 Hp
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Syllabus

Finalized by: PN-NJ, 2025-04-23
Valid from : Spring semester 2027 (2027-01-18)

Level

First cycle (G1N)

Main field of study

Environmental Science, Animal Science

Grading Scale

5 / 4 / 3 / U

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

Swedish

Entry Requirements

Objectives

The course intends to give the participants an overview of questions in environmental and animal ethics with special focus on their relevance in agriculture and forestry. On completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Account for central problems in environment and animal ethics
• Describe central concepts and theories in the environmental ethics and animal ethics
• Reflect on and analyse the strengths, weaknesses and problems of these concepts and theories
• Discuss environmental and animal ethics problems in particular in relation to agriculture and forestry
• Formulate one’s own position on a problem in environmental or animal ethics and argue for said position

Content

• During the course, questions are discussed against the background of different ethical outlooks and in the context of SLU’s area of activity This context is clarified by means of guest lectures or study visits. In the course, the ability to conduct critical discussion is also trained, for example through seminars and written exercises.

• Environment and animal ethics concern questions about how humans should relate to nature and animals. This course covers central concepts for the discussion about human stewardship and sustainable use of biological natural resources. Examples of such questions are: Do nature or ecosystems have intrinsic value? Do animals have rights, and if so, how can they be interpreted? Is it ethically acceptable to raise animals for meat production? Can giving up great environmental value for economic gain be justified? Is it morally right to patent crops in developing countries? Do we have duties to future generations? A perspective from the history of ideas on the environmental and animal ethics debate is also introduced.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

Passed written examination, passed active participation in seminars with completed preparatory assignments. Compulsory components: Seminars including written preparatory assignments.

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

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Crop Production Ecology

Supplementary information

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
Single module	7.5	0301

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.