What will I learn on this module?
This module will develop your understanding of the fundamentals of sustainable and ethical development for engineering practitioners, requiring your consideration of role and responsibility of the engineer within society. You will explore the fundamentals of sustainable development as they relate to decision making in engineering, for example consideration of; legislation, economics, energy, materials, environment and society.
During your study you will consider the challenges engineering activities present society and the future of our planet and seek solutions through the use of various techniques and tools such as the triple bottom line, stakeholder analysis, the circular economy, carbon footprint, material and energy supply chains and risk, the ethics of sustainable development and software tools for eco audit and life cycle assessment.
You will learn how to present a rational argument for sustainable solutions using both qualitative and quantitative data sources and tools using a wide range of published literature and also from your own experience.
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn through participation, actively engaging in open discussion and development of the various options that may be available to the engineering practitioner within the case studies presented. You will do this by the application of the techniques and tools introduced at the start of the module within short lectures which are then illustrated by ‘real world’ examples. Seminars will follow during which you will be expected to contribute short presentations and engage in class discussions.
Your participation in an active learning environment will enable you to evaluate your new knowledge through prepared and self-directed case studies. You will follow guided tutorials during software training workshops to investigate the role the eco-audit and life cycle assessment software may contribute to decision making.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
In addition to direct contact with the module team during lectures, seminars and laboratories you will be encouraged to explore your own curiosity which may be discussed with tutors by making direct contact with the module team either via email or the open door policy operated throughout the programme. During timetabled classes and through the eLP you will be regularly referred to supporting resources including relevant texts, student software downloads and relevant multimedia materials.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)
What will I be expected to achieve?
You will be able to:
Knowledge & Understanding:
MLO1. Critically define aspects of sustainable development pertinent to engineering practice,
MLO2. Critically appraise data obtained through a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
MLO3. Apply ethical judgement to demanding situations at the interface between society and technology.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
MLO4. Recognise professional obligations to society and the environment.
How will I be assessed?
Summative Assessments
Coursework (40% of module mark, 3000 words) which will consist of a small group component and a larger individual component. Feedback given to you individually in class within 20 working days of submission. This assessment will assess, in part or in full, MLOs1, 2, 3 and 4.
Coursework (60% of module mark, 5000 words) which will consist of a small group component and a larger individual Feedback given to you individually in class within 20 working days of submission. This assessment will assess, in part, MLOs2, 3 and 4.
Formative Assessments
Formative feedback will be provided during seminar and workshop contact, peer feedback will be obtained in seminar sessions. Written formal feedback will be provided on first assessment (carrying 40% weightage) to inform the subsequent work and assessment (carrying 60% weightage).
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
The modern World is facing many challenges as a result of the actions of mankind including the unsustainable use of energy derived from fossil fuels. This module explores the fundamentals of sustainable and ethical development for engineering practitioners, considering of role and responsibility of the engineer within Society. The module will consider the fundamentals of sustainable development as they relate to decision making in engineering, for example consideration of; legislation, economics, energy, materials, environment and society.
The challenges engineering activities present Society and examined and ethical solutions for the future of our planet are sought through the use of various techniques and tools such as the triple bottom line, stakeholder analysis, the circular economy, carbon footprint, material and energy supply chains and risk. A rational argument for sustainable solutions will be presented using both qualitative and quantitative data sources and tools using a wide range of published literature and also from students’ own experience.
Course info
Credits 20
Level of Study Postgraduate
Mode of Study 1 year full-time
3 other options available
Department Mechanical and Construction Engineering
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses starting in 2023 are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but may include elements of online learning. We continue to monitor government and local authority guidance in relation to Covid-19 and we are ready and able to flex accordingly to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with additional restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors, potentially to a full online offer, should further restrictions be deemed necessary in future. Our online activity will be delivered through Blackboard Ultra, enabling collaboration, connection and engagement with materials and people.
Full time Courses starting in 2023 are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but may include elements of online learning. We continue to monitor government and local authority guidance in relation to Covid-19 and we are ready and able to flex accordingly to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with additional restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors, potentially to a full online offer, should further restrictions be deemed necessary in future. Our online activity will be delivered through Blackboard Ultra, enabling collaboration, connection and engagement with materials and people.
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