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701-1551-00L 3 Credits DR , SHE , MSC , NDS D-USYS , D-BIOL , D-ERDW , D-BAUG

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Sustainability Assessment

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Pius Krütli, Dr. Danny Nef

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:36:21

Abstract

The course deals with the concepts and methodologies for the analysis and assessment of sustainable development. A special focus is given to the social dimension and to social justice as a guiding principle of sustainability. The format of the course is seminar-like, interactive.

Objective

At the end of the course, students: - know core concepts of sustainable development, the concept of social justice in the context of sustainability, a selection of methodologies for the assessment of sustainable development - have a deepened understanding of the challenges of trade-offs between the different goals of sustainable development and their respective impacts on individual and societal decision-making

Content

The course is structured as follows: - overview of rationale, objectives, concepts and origins of sustainable development (ca. 15%) - overview of the concept of social justice as guiding principle of the social dimension of sustainability (ca. 25%) - analysis of a selection of concepts and methodologies to assess sustainable development in a variety of contexts (60%)

Resources

Lecture Notes

Handouts are provided

Literature

Selected scientific articles and book-chapters

General Information

Language: English
Levels: DR , SHE , MSC , NDS
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: oral 30 minutes

During the semester students are required to do mandatory assignments. Assignments include: preparation and execution of a presentation of one of the concepts/methodologies; preparation and execution of an exercise to allow the other students to deepen the stuff; a short profile paper of three pages of the selected concept/method. The assignment accounts for one third of the final grade.

Registration & Places

Max Places: 35

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	Sustainability Assessment	Fri 10:00-12:00 (ON LI NE)	2 h weekly

Offered In

Environmental Sciences Master
- Minors
  - Minor in Global Change and Sustainability
  - Minor in Transdisciplinarity for Sustainable Development
- Major in Environmental Systems Policy
  - Policy Engagement
Agricultural Sciences Master
- Minors
  - Transdisciplinarity for Sustainable Development
Atmospheric and Climate Science Master
- Minors
  - Minor in Global Change and Sustainability
Biology Teaching Diploma (Detailed information on the programme at: )
- Compulsory Elective Courses (Further course offerings from the category Educational Science are listed under "Programme: Educational Science for Teaching Diploma and TC".)
MAS in Sustainable Water Resources (The Master of Advanced Studies in Sustainable Water Resources is a 12 month full time postgraduate diploma programme. The focus of the programme is on issues of sustainability and water resources in Latin America, with special attention given to the impacts of development and climate change on water resources. The programme combines multidisciplinary coursework with high level research. Sample research topics include: water quality, water quantity, water for agriculture, water for the environment, adaptation to climate change, and integrated water resource management. Language: English. Credit hours: 66 ECTS. For further information please visit: )
- Elective Courses (Electives: 6 credits has to be achieved.)
Doctoral Department of Environmental Sciences (More Information at: )
- Environmental Sciences
  - Human-Environment Systems