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SD1000 What is Sustainable Development?

Academic year

2025 to 2026 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 A Vradis

Dr A Vradis
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

The module provides an introductory overview to the core societal and environmental challenges of the 21st Century and of the solutions that are a core part of Sustainable Development. Students explore the broad definitions of Sustainable Development (contextualising it in historical and conceptual terms), consider their multiple disciplinary facets and interpretations, and then interrogate critically the different approaches and meanings involved in the SD discourse. Overall, the aim is to foster critical analysis of the principles, practice and plurality of Sustainable Development, and thereby - ultimately - contribute to the evolution of innovative, interdisciplinary thinking and action necessary for moving towards more sustainable futures.

Assessment pattern

100% continual assessment.

Re-assessment

100% continual assessment.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

3 x 1-hour lectures (x 10 weeks), 1-hour tutorials (x 4 weeks)

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.

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.