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Description
The extraction, processing, manufacturing, and use of materials underpin human prosperity. At the same time, these activities deplete natural resources and generate vast amounts of waste, which presents a threat to the natural environment and human well-being. In this course, students learn to analyse the challenges of production and consumption through a socio-economic systems perspective. This module introduces the life cycle of key materials and products, strategies for materials management, such as the waste hierarchy, resource efficiency, and the circular economy, and the social, environmental, and economic impacts of resource use and waste. Students learn to apply material flow analysis and become familiar with a range of other assessment methods. The course covers the role of waste regulation in waste management and the potential for waste prevention through systemic interventions. Students learn about the principles and benefits of technologies for waste management, including collection, treatment, recycling, composting, incineration, and landfill. Upon completion of the module, students will have a critical understanding of the challenges of waste and resource management and the potential for a circular economy.
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Learning Outcomes
Learning outcomes Level 6
Upon completion, you should be able to:
- Describe the extraction, use, and fate of major material categories and their role in society.
- Relate the concepts of the waste hierarchy, resource efficiency, and the circular economy.
- Compare the environmental, social, and economic impacts of resource use and waste.
- Apply material flow analysis and analyze the results from other assessment techniques.
- Analyze the role of government policy in shaping waste and resource management.
- Evaluate the nature and potential of waste prevention strategies.
- Evaluate the principles and merit of collection, treatment, recovery, and disposal practices.
Learning outcomes Level 7
Upon completion, you should be able to:
- Describe the extraction, use, and fate of major material categories and their role in society.
- Evaluate the concepts of the waste hierarchy, resource efficiency, and the circular economy.
- Evaluate the environmental, social, and economic impacts of resource use and waste.
- Apply material flow analysis and analyze the results from other assessment techniques.
- Evaluate the role of government policy in shaping waste and resource management.
- Evaluate the nature and potential of waste prevention strategies.
- Evaluate the principles and merit of collection, treatment, recovery, and disposal practices.
Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 8th April 2024.
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