Environmental problems and the protection of ecosystems (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Content scheduling

The course consists of three parts: Ecotoxicology (taught by Piia Leskinen), Basics of Sustainable Development (studied independently online), Environmental Issues and Habitat Protection (taught by Anu Vehmaa).

Learning Objectives (Ecotoxicology and Environmental Issues and Habitat Protection), 4 credits:
-The student understands the history of environmental protection and the most significant environmental issues.
-The student masters the basics and principles of environmental protection.

Learning Objectives (Basics of Sustainable Development), 1 credit:
-Identify key sustainability challenges, their causes, and their diverse impacts on the environment and people.
-Describe the roles of different institutions and actors in sustainability policy and promoting sustainability transitions.
-Recognize the various dimensions of sustainable development and the key concepts and sustainability goals associated with them.
-Distinguish between different perspectives and value and interest conflicts related to sustainability issues and solutions.
-Reflect on their lifestyle and consumption choices, as well as the practices of their professional field, from the perspectives of responsibility and sustainable development.

Content
The course consists of teacher-led introductory lectures and learning materials produced by the students themselves. The basics of sustainable development are studied independently online.

Objective

- The student knows the history of environmental protection, and is familiar with central environmental problems.
- The student understands the principles of environmental protection.
- The student understands the basics of sustainability

Content

The course consist of lectures lead by lecturer and learning material produced by students themselves.

Materials

The course materials are collected on the course's Itslearning platform. There is a wide range of literature and online materials available for studying the topic, including videos, podcasts, and various text-based news and articles. The materials are primarily supplementary, and the most essential materials for completing the course are created by the teacher and student small groups.

Teaching methods

The course covers a very broad range of topics, which means that each topic can only be covered to a limited extent. The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of the broader subject area and to offer opportunities for students to delve deeper into the topic through their own study.

The course includes a 1-credit module on the Basics of Sustainable Development, which students study independently using materials from Its. Otherwise, the course is divided into teacher-led lessons and the production of course materials by students in small groups. The learning methods emphasize learning critical information retrieval and collaboration. The content remains largely theoretical, but the importance of applying knowledge also emerges in the independent work on course materials. The approach to addressing environmental issues is solution-oriented. In their own work, students focus on learning critical information retrieval and creating learning materials for others. One of the learning methods of the course is learning by teaching. The course also offers interactive learning opportunities both in classroom/auditorium settings and online environments.

Exam schedules

At the end of the course, a final exam will be held at the scheduled time on xx.12.2025. After that, two retake exam sessions will be organized (January 2026 and February 2026). The exact dates (times) and locations of the exams, as well as the registration process for them, will be discussed at the beginning of the course and at the start of the final exam.

Pedagogic approaches and sustainable development

Sustainable development is a theme that runs throughout the entire course. In the presentation of environmental issues, ecological sustainability and its significance are understood as recognizing the limits set by nature. Often, the nature of an environmental problem also includes the jeopardization of social sustainability, which becomes apparent in various environmental issues. Additionally, the increase in various costs and the reduction in economic activity caused by these problems illustrate economic sustainability through the topics discussed.

Completion alternatives

It is possible to complete the course elsewhere and have a sufficiently similar and equivalent course recognized in your own academic record. These cases are handled individually with the teacher.

Student workload

The student's average workload for the course is 135 hours (5 credits * 27 hours/credit = 135 hours).

The work is roughly divided as follows:

-Independent study of the Basics of Sustainable Development module: 27 hours.
-Teacher-led lessons (9 sessions * 2 hours = 18 hours) and related pre- and post-assignments (9 sessions * 3 hours = 27 hours). Total: 45 hours.
-Workshop-style teacher-led section on environmental chemicalization (3 hours), including pre-session work and reflection (10 hours). Total: 13 hours.
-Compiling learning materials in small groups: approximately 40 hours.
-Reviewing the course topics for the final exam: approximately 10 hours.

Evaluation methods and criteria

Assessment consists of teacher-evaluated substantive knowledge focused on environmental issues and their solutions, as well as individual assessments of the work done by students in groups.

The course begins in week xx, during which the course schedule and procedures will be reviewed. Teacher-led lessons are held weekly, and the group work portion is distributed throughout the semester according to the groups' plans. The course ends with an exam on xx.12.2025. The retake exam sessions are on xx.1.2026 and xx.2.2026.

Failed (0)

Substantive Knowledge:
The student does not understand the causes and significance of the most significant environmental issues. The student does not grasp the mechanisms and methods for addressing environmental problems.

Group Work Skills:
The student does not complete the tasks agreed upon within the group and, therefore, does not contribute to achieving the group's common goals.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

Substantive Knowledge:
The student understands the causes and significance of the most significant environmental issues. The student is able to grasp the mechanisms and methods for addressing these environmental problems.

Group Work Skills:
The student completes only the most essential tasks agreed upon within the group (perhaps after several reminders). The student works as part of the group towards common goals, but their collaboration is modest and not self-directed.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

Substantive Knowledge:
The student understands the causes and significance of the most significant environmental issues and can somewhat apply their knowledge. The student is able to grasp the mechanisms of the most significant environmental issues and can effectively utilize their knowledge at a theoretical level. The student can apply their knowledge in ways that address environmental problems.

Group Work Skills:
The student works well as part of the group and completes the required tasks proactively and in a way that benefits the group. The student's actions support the group's work, are motivating to others, and serve as an example.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Substantive Knowledge:
The student has an excellent understanding of the causes and significance of the most significant environmental issues and can apply their knowledge. The student comprehends the mechanisms of environmental issues flawlessly and can utilize their knowledge at a theoretical level commendably. The student can effectively apply their knowledge to address environmental problems.

Group Work Skills:
The student is capable of taking significant responsibility for group work and leading the work. If the work stalls, the student can get it back on track with their actions. The student's efforts support the group's work, are motivating to others, and serve as an example.

Further information

Communication for the course takes place via email and the Itslearning platform. More personal communication is preferred to be done via email, and announcements and other information relevant to the entire group are centralized on Itslearning.

Course instructors' email addresses:

anu.vehmaa@turkuamk.fi
piia.leskinen@turkuamk.fi


Open quota: 3 students
Pathway: 3 students quota