Conceptualizing and Modeling Human-Environmental Systems

Faculteit Science and Engineering
Jaar 2019/20
Vakcode WMEE19001
Vaknaam Conceptualizing and Modeling Human-Environmental Systems
Niveau(s) master
Voertaal Engels
Periode semester II b
ECTS 5
Rooster rooster.rug.nl

Uitgebreide vaknaam Conceptualizing and Modeling Human-Environmental Systems
Leerdoelen At the end of the course, the student is able to:
1) gain an understanding of coupled human-natural systems and their value for analyzing current environmental problems from the local to the global level
2) understand and apply some extensively used quantitative tools for analyzing human-environment interactions
Omschrijving This course will enable students to carry out research projects, which integrate environmental and economic aspects of sustainability. Through lectures, group discussion, and hands-on computer sessions, the class will familiarize students with some extensively used quantitative tools for analyzing human-environment interactions. By the end of the semester you should have some understanding of a number of currently used approaches, software packages and tools for analysis within the fast-growing field of Ecological Economics and Energy Economics. On successful completion of the class you will have demonstrated the ability to apply and critically discuss a number of the widely used tools in the sustainability discourse such as index number calculations and decomposition analysis (IPAT and KAYA), the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC), environmental input-output analysis, and integrated assessment models (IAMS), frequently used by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Uren per week
Onderwijsvorm Hoorcollege (LC), Opdracht (ASM)
(Lectures (concepts and applications, 40h), Assignments (80 h) and Self Study (20h).)
Toetsvorm Opdracht (AST)
(Over the course of the term there are 4 assignments (research reports each 1,500 words plus calculations submitted separately). If they fail one, they have to do a repair assignment.)
Vaksoort master
Coördinator Prof. Dr. K.S. Hubacek
Docent(en) Prof. Dr. K.S. Hubacek ,Dr. Y. Shan, PhD.
Verplichte literatuur
Titel Auteur ISBN Prijs
Excel (software)
Software: any freely available multi-criterial decision aid software. I will provide links but students can use any other they find.
Book (chapters): to be defined and will be available in the library. Electronic copies of journal articles.
Entreevoorwaarden No prior knowledge required.
This course is a new elective for the Master EES.
The maximum number of students for this course is 15.
The course is suitable for students with economics, environmental sciences and geography backgrounds.
The course will also supply skills related to writing academic papers and specifically with writing a masters thesis.
The course unit prepares for master projects in the second year.
Opmerkingen Pass mark:
Over the course are 4 assignments. All of them have to be >5.5. If they fail one, they can do a repair assignment (handing in in the resit week of 2B) for which they receive a pass or fail. If they fail 2 or more, the full course has to be repeated next year.
Assignments will be graded on the following criteria: content, presentation, organization, clarity and execution/results. Must include proper and consistent citations and references.
A penalty of 5% per day will be deducted for late submissions.
Opgenomen in
Opleiding Jaar Periode Type
MSc Energy and Environmental Sciences  (Electives) 1 semester II b keuze