Eco-Science in Practice: the Political-Economic and Technological Challenges in the Sustainability
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The objective of this course, characterized by the combination of interdisciplinarity and social inclusiveness towards people incarcerated at Bollate, is to provide the student the main tools to understand the complex topic, as well as current challenge, of the ecological transition that is expressed in realization of all the three forms of sustainability: economic, social and environmental. At the end of the course, the student will acquire knowledge that includes the fundamentals of environmental issues from an economic point of view, as well as the principles of chemical technologies used to improve the sustainability of production processes. In this sense, the course will provide the basic knowledge of the different disciplines mutually involved, necessary to understand the concept of circular economy. The course provides the basic elements for understanding environmental issues and the main economic and political tools that can be used to reduce pollution and improve sustainability. The course also promotes understanding of the problem of environmental pollution, discussing some of the most common sources of contaminants, their effects on the environment and the technologies available for their removal from different environmental compartments (water, air, soil). Finally, through the analysis of real case studies, the student's problem solving skills will be stimulated, promoting at the same time the understanding of the importance of having efficient supply chains for the reuse and/or recycling of materials, as well as production processes based on low emissions of pollutants.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, the student will have acquired knowledge and awareness of the following aspects:
- knowledge of environmental issues from an economic point of view;
- use of political instruments aimed at reducing the emission of the main air pollutants;
- identification of pollutants and methods for their removal (remediation);
- valorisation of waste or end-of-life products (circular economy);
- adoption of strategies for the development of processes with reduced/low environmental impact;
- use of technologies for the production of energy from sources alternative to oil or derivatives.
- knowledge of environmental issues from an economic point of view;
- use of political instruments aimed at reducing the emission of the main air pollutants;
- identification of pollutants and methods for their removal (remediation);
- valorisation of waste or end-of-life products (circular economy);
- adoption of strategies for the development of processes with reduced/low environmental impact;
- use of technologies for the production of energy from sources alternative to oil or derivatives.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Giudizio di approvazione
Assessment result: superato/non superato
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The course, delivered to a limited number of participants with mandatory in-person attendance at the Bollate prison, has an interdisciplinary approach that aims to provide the multidisciplinary knowledge necessary to understand the modern issues of sustainability and ecological transition. The course will be delivered in the form of lectures, stimulating the active participation of students through critical discussion and the resolution of case studies. In order to provide the students the knowledge necessary to understand the subject matter, the course is structured into two modules: i) fundamentals of environmental economics; ii) chemical technologies for the protection of the environment and aimed at the service of the circular economy. The course will specifically address the following topics:
1 - Fundamentals of environmental economics. Introduction to environmental issues from an economic point of view; market failures and the need for government intervention; hints of circular economy; main policies for the abatement of air pollutants.
2 - Pollutants and removal techniques. Notes on environmental pollutants: their nature and their detection. Removal and remediation techniques for the different environmental compartments (air, water and soil).
3 - Secondary raw materials. Technological challenges for the valorisation of industrial waste (organic and inorganic) and end-of-life products: conventional materials, new functional materials and urban mining.
4 - Sustainable processes and technologies. Examples of green technologies for energy production: lithium ion batteries, production and use of hydrogen, biofuels.
1 - Fundamentals of environmental economics. Introduction to environmental issues from an economic point of view; market failures and the need for government intervention; hints of circular economy; main policies for the abatement of air pollutants.
2 - Pollutants and removal techniques. Notes on environmental pollutants: their nature and their detection. Removal and remediation techniques for the different environmental compartments (air, water and soil).
3 - Secondary raw materials. Technological challenges for the valorisation of industrial waste (organic and inorganic) and end-of-life products: conventional materials, new functional materials and urban mining.
4 - Sustainable processes and technologies. Examples of green technologies for energy production: lithium ion batteries, production and use of hydrogen, biofuels.
Prerequisites for admission
None
Teaching methods
Lecture
Teaching Resources
Slides
Assessment methods and Criteria
In-depth study (through Microsoft PowerPoint presentation) of a topic chosen by the student addressed in class, followed by a discussion open to the public present. The student's ability to critically address problems relating to the topics discussed in the course will thus be assessed.
- University credits: 3
Humanities workshops: 20 hours
Professor(s)