Global Challenges in Environment and Development
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The planet and humankind face major current environment-development challenges, including climate change, losses of natural habitats and biodiversity, poverty, and non-sustainable food production systems. Using selected problems and cases at the environment-development nexus, the purpose of this course is to create a solid foundation for understanding how knowledge is generated and used in both the social and natural sciences. This includes (i) giving students a well-grounded understanding of key theoretical, conceptual, and practical debates and issues, and (ii) allowing them to experience interdisciplinary approaches to research and problem solving through active participation in discussions, group work, and individual essay writing. The course thus centers on selected global challenges and introduces students to tools and frameworks which can be used to think and generate knowledge across disciplines.
This interdisciplinary course is mandatory and fundamental for the MSc Programme in Environment and Development and the MSc Programme in Global Environment and Development. It places particular focus on countries in the Global South.
This interdisciplinary course is mandatory and fundamental for the MSc Programme in Environment and Development and the MSc Programme in Global Environment and Development. It places particular focus on countries in the Global South.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge:
· Understand relationships between theory and practice at the environment-development nexus;
· Be acquainted with current debates on environment-development issues, including in relation to agriculture and environmental products;
· Be familar with challenges at the intersections of economic growth, social development, and environmental conservation;
Skills:
· Evaluate and differentiate approaches to environment-development questions from a variety of perspectives;
· Analyse the value (validity and reliability) of data in the academic and policy literature;
· Explore and challenge own disciplinary boundaries by cooperating with fellow students on solving problems using different data sources for environment-development challenges.
Competences:
Towards the end of the course, students should be able to (i) critically reflect on and discuss approaches to global challenges at the environment-development nexus, (ii) reflect on the benefits and challenges related to interdisciplinary approaches, and (iii) demonstrate the values of scholarship: inquiry, reflection, integrity, open-mindedness, evidence-based thinking, and collegiality.
· Understand relationships between theory and practice at the environment-development nexus;
· Be acquainted with current debates on environment-development issues, including in relation to agriculture and environmental products;
· Be familar with challenges at the intersections of economic growth, social development, and environmental conservation;
Skills:
· Evaluate and differentiate approaches to environment-development questions from a variety of perspectives;
· Analyse the value (validity and reliability) of data in the academic and policy literature;
· Explore and challenge own disciplinary boundaries by cooperating with fellow students on solving problems using different data sources for environment-development challenges.
Competences:
Towards the end of the course, students should be able to (i) critically reflect on and discuss approaches to global challenges at the environment-development nexus, (ii) reflect on the benefits and challenges related to interdisciplinary approaches, and (iii) demonstrate the values of scholarship: inquiry, reflection, integrity, open-mindedness, evidence-based thinking, and collegiality.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
This course program delves into the multifaceted role of plant biotechnology in addressing global challenges within planetary boundaries.
Core Topics
Fundamental Tools of Plant Biotechnology: This section provides an overview of the essential techniques and methodologies used in applying biotechnology to plants.
Planetary Boundaries: Students will gain an understanding of the nine planetary boundaries, which define the safe operating space for humanity with respect to the Earth's systems.
Plant Biotechnology's Contribution to Planetary Boundaries: We will explore how plant biotechnology can contribute to addressing at least three of the nine identified planetary boundaries. The specific boundaries discussed will vary by academic year.
Considerations on Controversial Aspects of Biotechnologies: This module encourages critical thinking by examining ethical, social, and environmental controversies associated with biotechnological applications.
Collaborative Workshop
Team-Based Workshops and Discussions: Students will engage in team-based workshops centered on specific topics selected by the instructor. Each topic will be debated by two opposing teams - one arguing in favor and the other against the subject - followed by a comprehensive class-wide discussion. This format aims to develop critical analysis, argumentation, and collaborative communication skills.
Core Topics
Fundamental Tools of Plant Biotechnology: This section provides an overview of the essential techniques and methodologies used in applying biotechnology to plants.
Planetary Boundaries: Students will gain an understanding of the nine planetary boundaries, which define the safe operating space for humanity with respect to the Earth's systems.
Plant Biotechnology's Contribution to Planetary Boundaries: We will explore how plant biotechnology can contribute to addressing at least three of the nine identified planetary boundaries. The specific boundaries discussed will vary by academic year.
Considerations on Controversial Aspects of Biotechnologies: This module encourages critical thinking by examining ethical, social, and environmental controversies associated with biotechnological applications.
Collaborative Workshop
Team-Based Workshops and Discussions: Students will engage in team-based workshops centered on specific topics selected by the instructor. Each topic will be debated by two opposing teams - one arguing in favor and the other against the subject - followed by a comprehensive class-wide discussion. This format aims to develop critical analysis, argumentation, and collaborative communication skills.
Prerequisites for admission
No prerequisites required
Teaching methods
The course incorporates a blended teaching approach, combining traditional lectures with interactive workshops. The lectures are designed to provide students with the essential foundational knowledge and tools required for successful team-based project development during the workshop components.
Teaching Resources
Provided by the teacher.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final examination, administered by the University of Copenhagen, generally requires students to develop a project on a subject closely aligned with the course material. This project is subsequently presented in a blended oral exam session.
AGR/02 - AGRONOMY AND FIELD CROPS - University credits: 3
AGR/03 - ARBORICULTURE AND FRUITCULTURE - University credits: 2
AGR/04 - VEGETABLE AND ORNAMENTAL CROPS - University credits: 3
AGR/03 - ARBORICULTURE AND FRUITCULTURE - University credits: 2
AGR/04 - VEGETABLE AND ORNAMENTAL CROPS - University credits: 3
Practicals: 64 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Professors:
Pozzi Carlo Massimo, Smith-hall Carsten
Professor(s)