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79380-01 - Course: Quantitative & Qualitative Methods for Sustainability Research: Methods lab (3 CP)
| Semester | fall semester 2026 |
| Course frequency | Every fall sem. |
| Lecturers |
Franziska Korner-Nievergelt (franziska.korner-nievergelt@unibas.ch)
Iljana Schubert (iljana.schubert@unibas.ch) Annika Sohre (annika.sohre@unibas.ch) |
| Content | This course complements the core lecture “79379: Quantitative & Qualitative Methods for Sustainability Research: Theoretical foundations” through hands-on training and practical application of selected research methods. Guided by disciplinary tutors, students work with empirical examples, datasets, and case studies to deepen their understanding of qualitative, quantitative, and modelling approaches introduced in the lecture series. The Method Lab provides practical experience in data collection, data analysis, interpretation, and the use of relevant analytical tools and software. Through interactive exercises and small-scale applications, students learn how to implement methods in concrete sustainability research contexts and how methodological choices influence research design and outcomes. This course also fosters interdisciplinary exchange by bringing together methodological perspectives and applications from the social sciences, economics, and natural sciences. |
| Learning objectives | By the end of the course, students will have acquired skills to: - apply selected qualitative, quantitative, and modelling methods to empirical sustainability-related research questions; - collect, analyse, and interpret different types of qualitative and quantitative data; - use selected analytical tools and software relevant to sustainability research; - reflect on methodological challenges and practical limitations in interdisciplinary research settings. |
| Bibliography | Literature will be announced during the lectures. |
| Comments | This course is mandatory for the students enrolled in the MSD 2026. Details to be announced. |
| Admission requirements | Exclusively for students from the MSD 2026 (incl. preparation semester MSD). No other students admitted. This course has to be taken together (= in the same semester) with the core lecture "79379: Quantitative & Qualitative Methods for Sustainability Research: Theoretical foundations. |
| Course application | Course enrollment on online services should be completed by the beginning of the teaching period, at the latest until 14. September 2026. Withdrawal possible until Monday of teaching week five. Exclusively for students from the MSD 2017 and MSD 2026 (incl. preparation semester MSD). No other students admitted. |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | No specific media used |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| wöchentlich | Thursday | 12.00-14.00 | Kollegienhaus, Hörsaal 114 |
Dates
| Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday 17.09.2026 | 12.00-14.00 | Kollegienhaus, Hörsaal 114 |
| Thursday 24.09.2026 | 12.00-14.00 | Kollegienhaus, Hörsaal 114 |
| Thursday 01.10.2026 | 12.00-14.00 | Kollegienhaus, Hörsaal 114 |
| Thursday 08.10.2026 | 12.00-14.00 | Kollegienhaus, Hörsaal 114 |
| Thursday 15.10.2026 | 12.00-14.00 | Kollegienhaus, Hörsaal 114 |
| Thursday 22.10.2026 | 12.00-14.00 | Kollegienhaus, Hörsaal 114 |
| Thursday 29.10.2026 | 12.00-14.00 | Kollegienhaus, Hörsaal 114 |
| Thursday 05.11.2026 | 12.00-14.00 | Kollegienhaus, Hörsaal 114 |
| Thursday 12.11.2026 | 12.00-14.00 | Kollegienhaus, Hörsaal 114 |
| Thursday 19.11.2026 | 12.00-14.00 | Kollegienhaus, Hörsaal 114 |
| Thursday 26.11.2026 | 12.00-14.00 | Kollegienhaus, Hörsaal 114 |
| Thursday 03.12.2026 | 12.00-14.00 | Kollegienhaus, Hörsaal 114 |
| Thursday 10.12.2026 | 12.00-14.00 | Kollegienhaus, Hörsaal 114 |
| Thursday 17.12.2026 | 12.00-14.00 | Kollegienhaus, Hörsaal 114 |
| Modules |
Module: Introduction to Sustainability Science (Master's Studies: Sustainable Development) |
| Assessment format | continuous assessment |
| Assessment details | Compulsory attendance in presence, required readings, presentation, practical tasks. Details according to information of the lecturers. |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: course registration, dereg: cancel course registration |
| Repeat examination | no repeat examination |
| Scale | Pass / Fail |
| Repeated registration | no repetition |
| Responsible faculty | University of Basel |
| Offered by | Departement Umweltwissenschaften |