Course syllabus

SEE140 Sustainable biomass supply lp2 HT24 (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 also 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 agricultural, forestry & aquatic production systems from different regional perspectives, and how these 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 fundamental knowledge on biomass production systems, ecological principles, and impacts on ecosystems from biomass production. This part includes around 12 lectures and a mandatory individual reading 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 reading assignment is given in a separate PM and in the lecture on November 4.

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 8.

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 full days.  

 

Teaching and Administration

Course leaders

• Christel Cederberg (CC), cederberg@chalmers.se, examiner, Physical Resource Theory, phone: 031-772 2218
• Ulrika Palme (UP), ulrika.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, Physical Resource Theory
• Linus Hammar, Environmental Systems Analysis
• Mairon Bastos de Lima, Stockholm Environmental Institute
• Ingrid Undeland, Livsmedelsvetenskap, Chalmers

 

Literature & Field Trips

Text book

• Fundamentals of Ecosystem Science by Kathleen Weathers, David Strayer and Gene Likens. 2021 Elsevier. Paperback ISBN: 9780128127629; eBook ISBN: 9780128127636 (2nd 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 reading assignment will be listed in “Reading Assignment 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 14, 8.30-17.00: Agriculture Day. Visit at Berte Qvarn and Berte Gård, Slöinge. Visiting modern oat and wheat mill and dairy farm. Learning about agricultural practices with focus on soils and crop rotations.
• Thursday November 28, 8.30-17.00: Forest Day.  Visit in growing forests guided by Derome company (morning) and thereafter visit at Värö Paper Mill (afternoon). 

 

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 must 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. The exam is given digitally through Inspera at campus.

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 14 and 28 will give one bonus point each.

The reading assignment is obligatory and gives one bonus point if passed. If well accomplished and with the participation in a discussion seminar, this assignment can give up to four bonus points (see the Reading Assignment PM).

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 (November 21)

The seven (7) potential bonus points are included in the 50 points for the exam. The actual exam can hence give a maximum of 43 points.