IRMGR40118 Adapting Technology to the Circular Economy (Autumn 2022)
Facts about the course
- ECTS Credits:
- 10
- Responsible department:
- Faculty of Computer Science, Engineering and Economics
- Campus:
- Fredrikstad.
- Course Leader:
- Torill Randi Meistad
- Teaching language:
- English.
- Duration:
- ½ year
The course is connected to the following study programs
Master in Green Energy Technology (Compulsory).
Lecture Semester
First semester (autumn).
The student's learning outcomes after completing the course
Knowledge:
The student
understands the background and consequences of the UN sustainability goals
understands how social sustainability may impact social issues both nationally and internationally
has knowledge of the EU strategy on Circular Economy
understands the principals of performing a Life Cycle Assessment for products
understands the basic principles of LEAN production
has knowledge about EUs Candidate list (REACH) for avoiding hazardous substances
has a theoretical knowledge on how to achieve optimal resource efficiency in a closed material loop
has basic knowledge in writing as an engineer and reporting on a business level
has basic knowledge of methods related to innovation and how to use these methods when working towards optimal resource efficiency in closed material loops.
Skills:
The student
can perform a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) using computer programs (SIMAPRO or similar)
can plan and write a report as a feasibility study on improvements in LCA phases from an environmental standpoint and from a logistical standpoint
can perform a LEAN analysis on material flows through the life span
can perform an ethical analysis of possible consequences of material supply-chains in regard to the UN sustainability goals
can analyze the business potential in identified possible improvements in the closed material loops
can lead innovation workshop with an industry partner on closed circuit technology and possibilities suggested in reports
can perform a substitution process to avoid hazardous substances in materials.
General competence:
The student
has a solid understanding on the challenges connected to resource scarcity on a global level
shows good cooperative skills in group work situations
can work in close interaction with an industrial partner, and understands their business and challenges
has an overall understanding on the ethical challenges regarding possible conflict between short term busyness goals and possible long term consequences of the lifecycle of new and innovative solutions.
Content
The subject introduces the student to the principals outlined in EU priority on the translation to a circular economy, and how this will be a key framework factor for future business. The subject offers theoretical education on basic tools, but will mainly be focusing on the business-report to the industry-partner, and the process leading to this report.
Keyword for content:
Adapting the UN sustainability goals in technology and business
LCA basic: Environmental indicators, phases in LCA (Life Cycle Assessment)
LCA tools: Benchmarking performance for product-phases
Ethical considerations regarding sustainability, utilization of hazardous substances, material supply-chains, and possible conflicts between short term busyness goals and possible long term consequences of the lifecycle of new and innovative solutions.
LEAN basic: Logistics, optimizing resource use
LEAN tools
Innovation tools
Writing business reports
Forms of teaching and learning
Lectures and guest speakers
Literature-study
Group work
Workshop with group members and supervisor
On the job observation ¿ industry partner
Workload
250-300 hours.
Coursework requirements - conditions for taking the exam
Approved pre-versions of business reports
Web-based test before assessment-start: Good to go?
5-7 small project assignments from each lecture, individual or groups
Examination
This exam consists of two parts:
Part 1: Individual oral examination, 30 minutes. Counts 50% of the final grade.
Part 2: Group (max. 5 students) or individual report from project assignment. Counts 50% of the final grade
Grades from A to F, where A is the best grade, E is the lowest passed grade, and F is failed.
Examiners
One internal and one external examiner.
Conditions for resit/rescheduled exams
If the student fails the written exam, they can re-take this exam maximum two more times. A resit will be arranged in January/February the following semester.
If the project report is graded as failed, the student will be given one more chance to improve the report.
Course evaluation
The course will be evaluated by a standardized electronic form.
Literature
The current reading list for AUTUMN 2022 can be found in Leganto.