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48953-01 - Core lecture: Introduction to Sustainable Development (3 CP)
| Semester | fall semester 2026 |
| Course frequency | Every fall sem. |
| Lecturers |
Janina Grabs (janina.grabs@unibas.ch)
Frank Christian Krysiak (frank.krysiak@unibas.ch) Alejandra Morán Ordóñez (alejandra.moranordonez@unibas.ch) |
| Content | In this introductory course (core lecture), participants are familiarized with the topic of sustainability from scientific perspectives. In this lecture, a first insight into the background, the history, and the important concepts of SD will be provided. An overview on the important current topics in sustainable development and their peculiarities will be given. As well, the political and the societal meaning and the scientific approaches towards SD will be discussed. |
| Learning objectives | - Students have acquired knowledge of the background, the history, and the important concepts of SD; - they can distinguish between the political and the societal meaning and the scientific approaches towards SD; - they are aware of the high complexity of SD topics, in terms of spatio-temporal relationships, in terms of the necessary contribution of different disciplines, and in terms of divergent perspectives; - they gain an overview on the important current topics in SD and acquire knowledge of the peculiarities of these topics; - they learn to transfer general concepts of SD topics on new topics. |
| Bibliography | Tba in class |
| Comments | This core lecture is mandatory for every MSD student (both curricula). The lecture is offered by the MSD. Prof. Dr. Alejandra Morán Ordóñez, Prof. Dr. Frank Krysiak and Prof. Dr. Janina Grabs (lead of this lecture) are heading the MSD teaching committee. |
| Admission requirements | Exclusively for students from the MSD 2017 and 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 | Tuesday | 10.15-12.00 | Rosshofgasse (Schnitz), Seminarraum S 01 |
| Comments |
Exam date: 08. December 2026. Repeat exam date: 19. January 2027. Details regarding room allocation: tba |
Dates
| Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday 15.09.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | --, -- |
| Tuesday 22.09.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | --, -- |
| Tuesday 29.09.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | --, -- |
| Tuesday 06.10.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | --, -- |
| Tuesday 13.10.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | --, -- |
| Tuesday 20.10.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | --, -- |
| Tuesday 27.10.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | --, -- |
| Tuesday 03.11.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | --, -- |
| Tuesday 10.11.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | --, -- |
| Tuesday 17.11.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | --, -- |
| Tuesday 24.11.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | --, -- |
| Tuesday 01.12.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | --, -- |
| Tuesday 08.12.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | -- Anfrage zentraler Raum für Lehre-, -- |
| Tuesday 19.01.2027 | 10.15-12.00 | Vesalianum, Seminarraum (O2.02) |
| Modules |
Module: Interdisciplinary Research in Sustainability (Master's Studies: Sustainable Development (Start of studies before 01.08.2026)) Module: Introduction to Sustainability Science (Master's Studies: Sustainable Development) |
| Assessment format | record of achievement |
| Assessment details | Compulsory attendance in presence, required readings, presentation. Details according to information of the lecturers. Final written examination/repeat examination: during usual lecture time: 08.12.2026; repeat exam: 19.01.2027. For details regarding dates and rooms 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 |