Course syllabus

Course-PM

SEE140 Sustainable biomass supply lp2 HT22 (7.5 hp).

The course is offered by the departments of Space, Earth and Environment (SEE) and Technology Management and Economics (TME).

Purpose

The course aims at giving up-to-date scientific knowledge in ecology and agriculture, forestry and aquatic production systems for food, fuels, chemicals and materials. The course includes an orientation in ethical and economic principles that provide the fundaments to sustainable development, as well as in relevant methods and tools for analysing biomass production systems, including sustainability standards and certification systems.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing the course, the students should be able to:

• Account for agriculture, forestry & aquatic production systems from different regional perspectives and how the systems affect land, water and other resources
• Describe fundamental ecological principles that are important for ecosystem functions to support biomass production.
• Explain the potential impacts of biomass production systems on biodiversity and the state of ecosystem services, including major biogeochemical cycles.
• Reflect on valuation of ecosystems and their services/contributions from different ethical and economic perspectives.
• Account for relevant methods and tools, and their use for assessing biomass production systems including standards and governance.
• Appraise options for future biomass production systems, including novel methods and technologies.

Pre-knowledge requirement

Basic university level knowledge in environmental sciences or chemical/biological engineering 

Course content and organization

The course is divided into three parts:

1 – Basic scientific knowledge

The first part gives basic knowledge on biomass production systems, ecological principles, and impacts on ecosystems from biomass production. This part includes around 12 lectures and a mandatory individual hand-in assignment which aims to deepen the understanding of two essential course topics. This is done by examining and evaluating a scientific article, and peer-reviewing another student’s work. Instructions on the hand-in assignment is given in a separate PM and in the lecture on November 1.

2 – Methods for sustainable assessment of biomass production

Part two of the course deals with methods for assessing and valuating biomass production from a broad sustainability perspective, including quality standards and certification schemes for bio-based products. This part includes lectures and a mandatory exercise in environmental ethics.

3 – Group project work to assess future or novel biomass production systems/approaches

In the third part, the students apply the knowledge they have acquired in a case study that focus on finding sustainable solutions for biomass production systems under likely future scenarios. The students work with the cases in groups of three to four students and their work is presented in a written report and an oral presentation. The latter also includes an exercise in reviewing the work of another group, including leading the discussion after their presentation. Information on the project work is given in a separate PM and on November 12.

The societal interest of bioeconomy and increased use of sustainably produced biomass is large and growing. An important feature of the course organization is therefore to provide the students with a close interaction with relevant industries and society. The course includes two field trips in two separate days and a number of guest lectures and visits from industry and organisations.

Teaching and Administration

Course leaders

• Christel Cederberg (CC), cederberg@chalmers.se, examiner, Physical Resource Theory, phone: 031-772 2218
• Ulrika Palme (UP), palme@chalmers.se, Environmental Systems Analysis, phone: 031-772 8607

Administration

• Caroline Sartorato Silva Franca (CF), caroline.franca@chalmers.se, Physical Resource Theory, phone: 076-898 3668

Additional teachers from Physical Resource Theory

• Göran Berndes
• Sebnem Yilmaz Balaman

Guest lecturers

• Mairon Bastos de Lima, SEI
• Erik Hjärtfors, Wood design
• Ingrid Undeland, Livsmedelsvetenskap, Chalmers
• Simon Johansson, Nordic Seafarm
• Eliina Brinkman, Nudie Jeans

Literature & Resources

Text book

• Fundamentals of Ecosystem Science by Kathleen Weathers, David Strayer and Gene Likens. 2013 Elsevier. ISBN: 978-0-12-088774-3 (1^st edition)

Scientific papers and reports

• Additional papers (to the textbook) will be provided in some lectures and made available at the course home page
• A selection of scientific articles to choose for the individual hand in assignment will be listed in “Hand-in-PM” and made available at the course home page
• Specific readings for getting started with the projects will be supplied by the teachers/supervisors. The groups are expected to find additional readings on their respective topics.

Field trip

• Thursday November 10, 8.30-17.00: Forest Day. Forestry in practice with Derome (morning) and Värö Paper Mill (afternoon).
• Thursday November 24, 8.30-17.00: Agriculture Day. Visit at Berte Qvarn and Berte Gård, Slöinge. We will look at oat and wheat mill, dairy farm, agricultural practices with focus on soils and crop rotations.

For students that cannot join field trips, an alternative exercise will be prepared.

Examination

The course is examined through two activities accredited a total of 80 points according to the table below. To pass the course, a student has to collect a minimum of 50 % of the maximum points in total, a minimum of 50% of the maximum points on the exam and a minimum of 60% of the maximum points on the project. To achieve grade 4, 70 % is needed and for grade 5, 85 % of the maximum points.

Activity                Maximum points     Required for pass

Exam                 50                           50 %

Project               30                          60 %

 

Bonus points

As we see field trips as important, the study visits on November 10 and 24 will give one bonus point each.

The hand-in assignment is obligatory, but if well accomplished (see PM for the hand-in assignment) gives one bonus point.

The ethics exercise gives one bonus point. Please note that to participate in this exercise you must also be present at the lecture the same day (17 November)

The four potential bonus points are included in the 50 points for the exam. The actual exam can hence give a maximum of 46 points.