AE2501 Environmental Impact Assessment 7.5 credits

• Educational level

  Second cycle

• Academic level (A-D)

  C

• Subject area

  Built Environment
  

• Grade scale

  A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

• Courses at Land and Water Resources Engineering

• Course page on KTH Social

Learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to learn the international theory, the practical process, terminology and methods of performing an EIA.

After accomplishing the course activities the student should have a theoretical and conceptual understanding of:

• the key principles of the EIA process,
• the terminology and methods used in EIA,
• the role of EIA in relation to the planning and decision-making process,
• EIA trends and practices in an international perspective,
• the methodological issues related to the performance of EIA,
• quality requierments concerning the EIA process and the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS),
• interdisciplinarity in relation to the performance of EIA.

After fulfilling the course the student should be able to:

• perform the screening and scoping of an EIA, based on existing requirements, evaluate the imapcts and draw meaningful conclusions from the results of the EIA;
• present an appropriate EIS considering the general criteria of consistency, transparency and systematicness;
• perform a critical quality review of an EIA and EIS;
• clarify the concept of EIA and its application in an international context to those involved in or affected by the EIA process;
• structure the EIA working process considering the need for interdisciplinarity;
• interpretate an EIA, present its conclusions and translate its conclusions into actions.

Course main content

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedure. EIA in international perspective. EIA as a tool for sustainable development. Review of an EIA document. EIA workshop on a development plan.

Disposition

Lectures, exercises and a field visit.

Eligibility

Proficiency in English (English B or equivalent). Bachelor's degree in the field of civil engineering, environmental engineering, ecology, or another subject with clear relevance to the course, of at least 180 higher education credits.

Literature

Glasson, J., Therivel, R. and Chadwick, A.  Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment.

Additional material, such as articles and handouts, will be presented during the course.

Examination

• FÄL1 - Excursion, , grade scale: P, F
• TENA - Examination, 3.5 credits, grade scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
• ÖVNA - Exercises, 1.5 credits, grade scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
• ÖVNB - Exercises, 2.5 credits, grade scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Requirements for final grade

Written examination, participation in workshops and field visit, submitted exercise reports.

Offered by

ABE/Environmental Management and Assessment

Examiner

Berit Brokking Balfors <balfors@kth.se>

Add-on studies

Natural Resources Management

Version

Course plan valid from: Autumn 12.
Examination information valid from: Autumn 10.