Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Sustainable Development
SCQF level: 10:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: BSV10104
Module leader: Behrang Vand Alimohammadisagvand
School School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
Subject area group: Built Environment
Prerequisites

Requisites: Pre-requisite: Interest and knowledge of sustainability
Description of module content:

This module offers a comprehensive introduction to sustainability, exploring its implications from the global scale down to individual buildings. Students will examine critical topics such as global and national energy and environmental challenges, transportation systems, renewable energy technologies, brownfield site redevelopment, low-energy building design, carbon footprint assessment, BREEAM certification, and building performance simulation. By unpacking each area, learners will identify the key drivers, performance criteria, and best practices that define sustainability in theory and in practice.Combining regulatory frameworks with clear visual aids, the module demonstrates how these diverse topics interrelate, highlighting connections between policy, technology, design, and environmental impact. Through case studies and practical examples, students will develop the analytical skills needed to evaluate sustainability strategies and propose improvements across the full spectrum of the built environment.Upon completing the module, students will be able to articulate the overarching principles of sustainability at both macro and micro levels, apply performance metrics to building projects, and align their designs and recommendations with current policy goals, such as the UK’s commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: To evaluate global and national energy and environmental challenges and their implications for the built environment.

LO2: To assess the role of transportation systems, renewable energy technologies, and brownfield redevelopment in sustainable development.

LO3: To apply low-energy building design principles and building performance simulation tools to optimise resource efficiency.

LO4: To conduct carbon footprint and BREEAM assessments to measure and benchmark building sustainability.

LO5: To integrate regulatory frameworks and performance metrics into strategies that align with net-zero carbon targets.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2025/6, Trimester 1, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Behrang Vand Alimohammadisagvand
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 20 Lecture: Lectures are to introduce and explain topics and to guide students towards further reading or other resources for self-study. This may be supplemented by class discussions, group or individual work and videos.
Face To Face Tutorial 20 Tutorial: Tutorials deepen students’ knowledge of specific topics through a variety of activities, including guest lectures (in-person or recorded), scheduled group work, class discussions, practical case examples, presentations, individual or group exercises, and videos with follow-up discussion.
Online Guided independent study 160 Guided Independent Study: Guided independent study may involve reading, working on tutorial tasks or reflective exercises, accessing resources discussed in class and working on assessments.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Oral Presentation 40 1~2~3~4~5 Week 13 HOURS= 15 - 20 Minutes This coursework takes the form of a group presentation. Self-organised teams will choose a project or topic, at any scale, from large systems to individual products, with clear potential for enhanced sustainability. Each team must perform an in-depth analysis of strategies to improve the chosen subject’s environmental performance and demonstrate how these measures contribute to national decarbonisation objectives.
Report 60 1~2~3~4~5 Exam Period , WORDS= 4000 words This individual coursework task requires students to produce a written report that examines UK buildings equipped with photovoltaic arrays and wind turbines, evaluates their impact on reducing energy consumption, and assesses their contribution to national energy and decarbonisation targets.
Component 1 subtotal: 40
Component 2 subtotal: 60
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
Sustainable Development
 

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