AL2144 Material Flow Analysis 7.5 credits

• Advanced applications of material flow analysis (MFA) in industrial, urban, national, and regional contexts of real-world case studies
• MFA for circular economy strategies, sustainable resource management, pollution control, and environmental monitoring
• Data collection, quality assessment, and treatment of uncertainties in MFA studies
• Introduction to advanced approaches such as Dynamic MFA
• Use of MFA tools for modelling and simulation of processes and systems
• Energy and resource efficiency analysis in relation to material flows, with emphasis on real-world case studies
• Exploration of the importance and potential of linking MFA with other sustainability assessment frameworks

The course is intended to develop the student’s ability to critically apply material flow analysis to evaluate resource intensity and efficiency in socio-economic systems, and to use MFA as a tool for supporting decision-making in sustainability transitions.

After passing the course, students should be able to:

1. Explain and critically discuss advanced approaches and applications of material flow analysis.
2. Design and conduct comprehensive MFA studies within defined system boundaries at different scales.
3. Analyse and evaluate the contribution of MFA to circular economy strategies, sustainable resource management, pollution prevention, and environmental monitoring.
4. Extract, assess, and evaluate relevant data from various sources and databases, including the treatment of uncertainties and their impact on MFA results.
5. Use MFA tools for modelling, simulation, and visualization of material flows.
6. Identify and reflect on the importance and potential of MFA in supporting and connecting with other sustainability assessment methods.
7. Synthesize and communicate the results of a completed MFA study through a structured written report and an oral presentation.

Degree of Bachelor or Degree of Bachelor of Science in Engineering or other corresponding technical, natural or other science degree at first cycle academic education of at least 180 higher education credits or equivalent.

Courses from upper secondary school corresponding to the courses Eng B/6 according to the Swedish upper secondary school system or equivalent.

• INL1 - Assignment 1, 1.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
• INL2 - Assignment 2, 1.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
• INL3 - Assignment 3, 1.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
• PRO1 - Project 1, 3.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
• SEM1 - Seminar, 1.0 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. If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

• 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.