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AL2608 Life Cycle Assessment 7.5 credits

Administer About course

Products, services and infrastructure cause environmental impact throughout their life cycle - from the extraction of raw materials, through use to waste management. LCA is a method for quantifying effects throughout the life cycle. It is used to identify important environmental aspects and avoid environmental problems being shifted to other parts of the life cycle. LCA and life cycle thinking are used for decision making in industry and for public planning and decision making. In this course, students learn the basics of methodology, using LCA software and practice in projects with applications in systems for technology and community planning.

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Application

For course offering

Autumn 2024 Start 28 Oct 2024 programme students

Application code

50010

Headings with content from the Course syllabus AL2608 (Autumn 2023–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )

Content and learning outcomes

Course contents

The course covers:

  • LCA methodology
  • LCA tools and - databases
  • Specialisation of life cycle impact in a specific field that the students choose independently
  • Lecture from industry with examples of use of LCA for decision making

Intended learning outcomes

The general aim of the course is to develop the student's ability to assess environmental impact of complex systems in technology and urban planning based on a life-cycle perspective by giving theoretical and practical skills in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).

After passing the course, the students should be able to:

  1. Give an account of the aim applications of the LCA method.
  2. Explain the analytical phases and central concepts of the LCA method.
  3. Apply the analytical phases and central concepts of the LCA method on complex systems in technology and urban planning.
  4. Identify uncertainties in LCA method and data and evaluate how these influence the results.
  5. Report in writing the completed LCA study according to ISO's standard for LCA.
  6. Use LCA software.
  7. Give an account of the results orally of the completed LCA the study.
  8. Work in a collaborative project setting
  9. Report in writing and give an account of a critical review orally of an LCA report.

Literature and preparations

Specific prerequisites

Admitted to Master's Programme, Sustainable Technology (TSUTM) or Master's Programme, Environmental Engineering and Sustainable Infrastructure (TMHIM) and completed course AL1301 or equivalent knowledge in environment and sustainable development.

Others: 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.  Completed course AL1301 or equivalent knowledge in environment and sustainable development.

Recommended prerequisites

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Equipment

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Literature

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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

  • PRO1 - Project work, 5.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
  • TEN1 - Home exam, 2.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, 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.

Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination

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Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination

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Examiner

Profile picture Anna Björklund

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

ABE/Sustainability and Environmental Engineering

Main field of study

Environmental Engineering

Education cycle

Second cycle

Add-on studies

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