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AE2501 Environmental Impact Assessment 7.5 credits

This course explores interactions between human activities and natural or man-made systems, linking them to the concept of environmental sustainability and to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedures. It focuses both on strategic EIA and project EIA, and discusses examples of EIA systems used in different countries.

Choose semester and course offering

Choose semester and course offering to see current information and more about the course, such as course syllabus, study period, and application information.

Application

For course offering

Autumn 2024 Start 26 Aug 2024 programme students

Application code

50002

Headings with content from the Course syllabus AE2501 (Autumn 2020–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )

Content and learning outcomes

Course contents

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.

Intended 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.

Literature and preparations

Specific prerequisites

Bachelor's degree or at least 150 ECTS credits in the field of Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Ecology, or another subject with clear relevance to the course.

Recommended prerequisites

No information inserted

Equipment

No information inserted

Literature

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

Ytterligare material, såsom artiklar och åhörarkopior, kommer att presenteras under kursen.

Examination and completion

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

Grading scale

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

Examination

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

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Other requirements for final grade

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

Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination

No information inserted

Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination

No information inserted

Examiner

Ethical approach

  • All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
  • In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
  • In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Further information

Course room in Canvas

Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas. A link to the course room can be found under the tab Studies in the Personal menu at the start of the course.

Offered by

Main field of study

Built Environment, Environmental Engineering

Education cycle

Second cycle

Add-on studies

AE2507 Strategic Environmental Assessment