PINS9520 Society and Sustainability Emneplan

The course addresses sustainability transitions, and how societal institutions, technical infrastructures, and culture constitute frames within which practices evolve. The course especially focuses on theories of social change, and how institutions may inhibit or enable transitions toward sustainability. The course will provide the candidates with tools for engaging in constructive discussions of how sustainable practices can be facilitated and stimulate interdisciplinary investigation of these issues. The syllabus may be abbreviated and adapted to fit the interest of the participants of the course in cooperation with the supervisors.

The course will address the following, non-exclusive list of themes:

• Socio-ecological, socio-technical, socio-economic and action-oriented perspectives on sustainability transitions.

• Institutional theory, as well as theories of social inertia and change.

• Sustainable alternatives to dominant political, economic and social structures.

Completed Master’s degree (120 ECTS credits) or equivalent education level.

Upon completing the course, the candidates are expected to have gained the following learning outcomes (knowledge, skills, and general competence).

Knowledge

The candidate:

• is at the forefront of knowledge for analysing how societal institutions, forms of organization, and infrastructures influence sustainability practices
• can contribute to the development of novel and cross-cutting sustainability methods in their own profession

Skills

The candidate:

• can formulate questions, plan and carry out research on sustainability issues related to their professions
• can engage in discussions of how sustainable practices can be facilitated at institutional, organizational and infrastructural levels
• can challenge established knowledge in their own professions and identify critical success factors for sustainable transformation

General competence

The candidate:

• can adopt a societal perspective on sustainability challenges in society at large and within their own professions
• can contribute with new, advanced knowledge and insights on sustainability transformations
• can communicate sustainability research and development work to society as well as through recognized academic channels such as scientific workshops, conferences and journals

Lectures, workshops, seminars.

The course provides an arena where students can learn about specific technologies and methods that are relevant for applications in robotics and control. These themes can be varied from artificial intelligence methods for robotics and control, Internet of Things and sensor network systems, autonomous and distributed systems, embedded systems, industrial process control, and other special subjects within robotics and control.

The first part of the course is organised as a series of lectures and seminars. The second part of the course is a practical project. The course is completed by the students submitting a report and giving a presentation of their work.

No formal requirements over and above the admission requirements.

A student who has completed this course should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competenc.

Knowledge

On successful completion of this course the student has:

• advanced knowledge within a sub-area of robotics and control.
• knowledge about the process of planning and conducting a project.

Skills

On successful completion of this course the student can:

• apply the theoretical knowledge and research-based methodologies into a practical problem.
• propose a detailed project plan.
• write a scientific report.

General competence

On successful completion of this course the student can:

• analyze, present and debate specific research subjects in light of the theoretical and practical approaches.
• discuss the subject both at expert and non-expert levels.

The first part of the course is organised into a series of lectures and seminars. Students are expected to play an active role. Lectures are given by the course lecturer and invited lecturers. Students will also be required to present papers, and discuss course themes during lectures and seminars.

The second part of the course is a practical project in groups of 1-3 students. The course is completed by the students submitting a report and giving a presentation of their work.

None.

All aids are permitted, provided the rules for plagiarism and source referencing are complied with.

Exam in two parts:

1. Project report done individually or in groups of 2 students. The total length of the report should be between 5000-15000 words, each student contributing with 5000-7500 words (80% of the final grade)

2. Oral project presentation (30 minutes if a group; 20 minutes if individual) (20% of the final grade)

Both exams must be passed in order to pass the course. The oral examination cannot be appealed

New/postponed exam

In case of failed exam or legal absence, the student may apply for a new or postponed exam. New or postponed exams are offered within a reasonable time span following the regular exam. The student is responsible for registering for a new/postponed exam within the time limits set by OsloMet. The Regulations for new or postponed examinations are available in Regulations relating to studies and examinations at OsloMet.