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79379-01 - Core lecture: Quantitative & Qualitative Methods for Sustainability Research: Theoretical foundations (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 interdisciplinary core lecture introduces key methods used in sustainability research across the social sciences, economics, and natural sciences for data collection and analysis. The core lecture covers qualitative, quantitative, and modelling approaches, including systematic literature reviews, interviews, field observation, surveys, experiments, qualitative and statistical analysis, as well as mathematical and system-dynamics modelling. It highlights the strengths, limitations, and fields of application of different methods and discusses their role in addressing complex sustainability challenges. Through contributions from lecturers from different disciplinary backgrounds, students gain insight into the methodological diversity and interdisciplinary nature of sustainability science. The accompanying course „79380: Quantitative & Qualitative Methods for Sustainability Research: Methods Lab“ provides hands-on practice with selected methods and analytical tools using empirical examples and cases. |
| Learning objectives | By the end of the core lecture, students will have acquired - an overview over major qualitative, quantitative, and modelling approaches used in sustainability research skills; - skills to identify suitable methods for different research questions, types of data, and disciplinary perspectives; - skills to critically reflect on the strengths, limitations, and assumptions of different empirical and analytical methods. |
| Bibliography | Literature will be announced during the lectures. |
| Comments | This core lecture is mandatory for the students enrolled in the MSD 2026. This core lecture is offered by the MSD. Details tba. |
| Admission requirements | This core lecture has to be taken together (= in the same semester) with the course "79380: Quantitative & Qualitative Methods for Sustainability Research: Methods lab". Exclusively for students from the MSD 2026 (incl. preparation semester MSD). No other students admitted. |
| 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 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 212 |
Dates
| Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday 17.09.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 212 |
| Thursday 24.09.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 212 |
| Thursday 01.10.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 212 |
| Thursday 08.10.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 212 |
| Thursday 15.10.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 212 |
| Thursday 22.10.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 212 |
| Thursday 29.10.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 212 |
| Thursday 05.11.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 212 |
| Thursday 12.11.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 212 |
| Thursday 19.11.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 212 |
| Thursday 26.11.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 212 |
| Thursday 03.12.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 212 |
| Thursday 10.12.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 212 |
| Thursday 17.12.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 212 |
| Modules |
Module: Introduction to Sustainability Science (Master's Studies: Sustainable Development) |
| Assessment format | record of achievement |
| Assessment details | Compulsory attendance in presence, required readings, presentations. Details according to information of the lecturers. Final written examination: 10. December 2026, during usual lecture time (90 minutes). Repeat examination: 21. Januar 2027, during usual lecture time (90 minutes). For details regarding room see online course directory/section "dates and rooms". If after a 2nd attempt the result is a fail (score lower than 4.0) again, the student is expelled from the MSD (see MSD study regulations, § 14). This applies to both curricula. |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: course registration, dereg: cancel course registration |
| Repeat examination | one repetition, best attempt counts |
| Scale | 1-6 0,1 |
| Repeated registration | no repetition |
| Responsible faculty | University of Basel |
| Offered by | Departement Umweltwissenschaften |