LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT - 2021/2

Module code: ENGM253

Module Overview

To build understanding of life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology developed in the Life Cycle Thinking module by providing more in-depth training on LCA methodology and practical experience of doing a LCA.

Module provider

Centre for Environment & Sustainability

Module Leader

SADHUKHAN Jhuma (Civl Env Eng)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Overall student workload

Independent Learning Hours: 110

Seminar Hours: 4

Tutorial Hours: 10

Practical/Performance Hours: 6

Guided Learning: 8

Captured Content: 12

Module Availability

Semester 2

Module content

The module will cover a detailed overview LCA methodology including impact assessment and management of uncertainty; practical experience of executing an LCA using commercial software; exposure to a range of resources available to do LCA (inventory databases, life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) methods, etc.).

Assessment pattern

Assessment type Unit of assessment Weighting
Coursework PRE-COURSE INDIVIDUAL FOUNDATION CONCEPTS QUIZ 20
Coursework LCA GROUP EXERCISE DURING MODULE WEEK 20
Coursework INDIVIDUAL POST-MODULE REPORT 60

Alternative Assessment

Alternative assessment: Resubmission of ‘Pre-course individual foundation concepts quiz’ if failed Individual report alternative to ‘LCA group exercise during module week’ if failed Resubmission of ‘Individual post-module report’ if failed

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate the ability to conduct research in the scientific literature and thus build upon concepts introduced in the module’s lectures.

The summative assessment for this module consists of:

Pre-course individual foundation concepts quiz (20%)

LCA group exercises during module week (20%)

3000 word individual post-module report (60%)

Formative assessment and feedback

Students will receive qualitative feedback (and marks) on every piece of summative assessment.

Module aims

  • Understand all four stages of the LCA methodology
  • Be aware of the resources required to do a LCA study in practice
  • Be able to provide a critical perspective on the quality of a LCA study done by others
  • Understand the key benefits and challenges of the application of LCA for a range of purposes

Learning outcomes

Attributes Developed
1 Demonstrate understanding of the LCA methodology C
2 Be aware of the resources required to do a LCA study in practice K
3 Be able to provide a critical perspective on the quality of a LCA study done by others – peer review skill P
4 Understand the key benefits and challenges of the application of LCA for a range of purposes T
5 Undertaking of practical LCA PT

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

Preparatory reading and exercises; lectures, hands-on LCA study, group discussions and exercises to do an LCA

 

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: ENGM253

Programmes this module appears in

Programme Semester Classification Qualifying conditions
Corporate Environmental Management MSc 2 Optional A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module
Environmental Strategy MSc 2 Optional A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module
Sustainable Development MSc 2 Optional A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2021/2 academic year.