University of Galway

Course Module Information

Course Modules

Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 5

This module aims to provide a general overview of key environmental concepts such as climate change, plastic pollution, principles of sustainability, sustainable development goals, and biodiversity. It will briefly explore how perspectives from psychology, sociology, communication, circular and doughnut economy, and the study of ethics and governance provide us with insights into how perception and behaviour influence responses to environmental issues. In addition, the life-cycle of materials, and the environmental impact of the resources and equipment typically used in scientific laboratories will be examined in some detail. These ideas will form the backdrop to a focused study on how the organisation of, and practices in, scientific laboratories can be reformed to reduce their environmental footprint and be established on a more sustainable basis.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Describe the main components of the Earth’s climate system, the key factors that influence climate change.
  2. Summarise psychological and social influences on your own and others’ behaviour in response to learning about climate change, biodiversity loss, and other environmental challenges.
  3. List and describe the core principles of sustainability (including sustainability metrics) and indicate which planetary boundaries are currently exceeded.
  4. Report on how your local/regional environment is, or is expected to be, impacted by climate change and identify relevant government or supranational (eg. E.U.) policies that address climate change, greenhouse gas emissions and loss of biodiversity.
  5. Provide the chemical formula for at least four different kinds of plastic that are commonly used in labs and describe their potential ‘cradle-to-grave’ impact on the environment.
  6. Provide examples of circular and doughnut economy policies and practice that are being implemented within and outside the EU and cite possible limitations to the CE business model.
  7. Advise on the adoption of green practices within research and teaching laboratories in higher education.
  8. Justify alignment of module content with SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production), 13 (Climate Action), 15 (Life on Land), and 17 (Partnership for the Goals).
Assessments
  • Department-based Assessment (50%)
  • Research (50%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Sustainability: the basics" by Peter Jacques
    ISBN: 978-04156084.
    Publisher: Routledge
    Chapters: All
  2. "Don't even think about it: why our brains are wired to ignore climage change" by George Marshall
    ISBN: 978-163286102.
    Publisher: Bloomsbury
    Chapters: All
  3. "Half-Earth: Our planet's fight for life" by E.O. Wilson
    ISBN: 978-163149252.
    Publisher: Liveright
    Chapters: All
  4. "On Fire: the burning question of the green new deal" by Naomi Klein
    ISBN: 978-198212991.
    Publisher: Simon & Schuster
    Chapters: All
  5. "This changes everything: capitalism v the climate" by Naomi Klein
    ISBN: 978-145169739.
    Publisher: Simon & Schuster
    Chapters: All
  6. "Out of the wreckage: a new politics for an age of crisis" by George Monbiot
    ISBN: 978-178663289.
    Publisher: Verso
    Chapters: All
  7. "Doughnut Economics: Seven ways to think like a 21st century economist" by Kate Raworth
    ISBN: 847941397.
    Publisher: Random House
  8. "Half-Earth" by Edward O. Wilson
    ISBN: 9781631492525.
    Publisher: Liveright
  9. "The Ethics of Climate Change: Right and Wrong in a Warming World" by James Garvey
    ISBN: 0826497373.
    Publisher: A&C Black
The above information outlines module BI5108: "Green Lab Principles and Practice" and is valid from 2022 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.