After completing the course the students are aware of the environmental context of economic activities. They have a holistic perspective, seeing both the economy and society and human interactions embedded in biophysical systems. They understand the effects businesses have on these dimensions. Throughout the course, students learn to take into account the impact of their actions on society and the natural environment, their social responsibility, and their contribution to a long-term sustainable development goal. Students develop the ability to consider ethical, social and environmental issues implied in their decisions in both private and professional spheres. They acquire skills such as self-reflection, openness and sensitivity to diversity, and most importantly an understanding of causality. They learn to understand scientific evidence, conduct team projects effectively, to listen attentively and to present their ideas in convincing ways. Having completed the course, they are able to process information, to understand ideas and problems, to develop solutions and to communicate them to both expert and non-expert audiences. Extensive feedback from both the course instructors and peers helps students to understand their shortcomings and to improve.

During this course, the students will:

Gain a deeper understanding of the following concepts: causality, data and its limitations, basic economic concepts, decision-making while taking environment into account.

Be able to critically reflect on these concepts.

Be able to use apply the knowledge gained during the course on a practical, “real-life” example.

Understand concepts of the dual environment-economy impacts, and ways to measure these interaction.

Related these to management practices and sustainability concepts.