402-0742-00L Energy and Environment in the 21st Century (Part II)
Semester | Spring Semester 2018 |
Lecturers | M. Dittmar |
Periodicity | yearly recurring course |
Language of instruction | English |
Courses
Number | Title | Hours | Lecturers | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
402-0742-00 V | Energy and Environment in the 21st Century (Part II) | 2 hrs |
| M. Dittmar | |||
402-0742-00 U | Energy and Environment in the 21st Century (Part II) | 1 hrs |
| M. Dittmar |
Catalogue data
Abstract | Despite the widely used concepts of sustainability and sustainable development, one remarks the absence of a scientific definition. In this lecture we will discuss, based on the natural laws and the scientific method, various proposed concepts for a development towards sustainability. |
Objective | A scientifically useful definition of sustainability? Unsustainable aspects of our lifestyle and our society? (unsustainable use of ressources, environmental destruction and climate change, mass extinctions etc) How long can humanity continue on its current unsustainable path, what are the possible consequences? Historical examples of society collapse. What can we learn from them. Existing Gedanken models/experiments (like Permaculture) promise to transform the human society into the direction of sustainability. If these ideas would theoretically transform our global society into a sustainable one, what are the large scale limitations and why do we not yet follow these ideas? |
Content | Introduction ``sustainability" (24.2.); Population Dynamik (3.3.); finite (energy)-resources (10.3.); waste problems (17.3.); water, soil and industrial agriculture (24.3.); biodiversity (31.3.); (un)-sustainable development (7.4./28.4./5.5); example for sustainable systems (12.5./19.5.); human nature, Ethics and earth-care(?) (26.5./2.6.) |
Lecture notes | Web page: Link |
Literature | for example: Environmental Physics (Boeker and Grandelle) A prosperous way down: Principles and Policies (H. Odum and E. Odum) |
Prerequisites / Notice | Basic knowledge of the ``physics laws" governing todays energy system and it use to deliver ``useful" work for our life (laws of energie conservation and of the energy transformation to do work). Interest to learn about the problems (and possible solutions) related to the transition from an unsustainable use of renewable and non renewable (energy) resources to a sustainable system using scientific method. |
Performance assessment
Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again) | |
Performance assessment as a semester course | |
ECTS credits | 6 credits |
Examiners | M. Dittmar |
Type | session examination |
Language of examination | English |
Repetition | The performance assessment is offered every session. Repetition possible without re-enrolling for the course unit. |
Mode of examination | oral 20 minutes |
Additional information on mode of examination | Language of examination: English or German / Prüfungssprache: Deutsch oder Englisch |
This information can be updated until the beginning of the semester; information on the examination timetable is binding. |
Learning materials
Main link | ``Entwicklung zur Nachhaltigkeit" Moeglichkeiten und Grenzen |
Recording | Grundlagen für den Weg in die Nachhaltigkeit |
Learning environment | Literatur |
Documents | Weiterfuehrende Vortraege und Publikationen |
Literature | weiterfuehrende Literatur |
Only public learning materials are listed. |
Groups
No information on groups available. |
Restrictions
There are no additional restrictions for the registration. |