SUST20020
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Academic Year 2025/2026
Communication in Sustainability (SUST20020)
Subject: : Sustainability
College: : Science
School: : Biology & Environment Science
Level: : 2 (Intermediate)
Credits: : 5
Module Coordinator: : Dr Adam Kane
Trimester: : Spring
Mode of Delivery: : On Campus
Internship Module: : No
How will I be graded? : Letter grades
Curricular information is subject to change.
This course explores the critical role of communication in advancing sustainability efforts. It examines how effective communication strategies can shape public understanding, influence policy, and drive behavioral change in support of sustainable practices. Students will learn to craft compelling narratives, engage diverse audiences, and utilize various media platforms to promote sustainability initiatives. The course covers key topics such as environmental advocacy, public relations, and guerilla marketing, emphasizing the need for clear, persuasive messaging to address complex environmental issues. Through case studies, guest lectures, and hands-on projects, students will develop skills in strategic communication, stakeholder engagement, and campaign design. By the end of the course, students will understand how to leverage communication to inspire action, foster collaboration, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
About this Module
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What will I learn?
Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this module you will be able to:\ \ Critique sustainability campaigns\ Recognize the diversity of careers the field encompasses \ Use communication tools to further your own career in the area\
How will I learn?
Student Effort Hours:
| Student Effort Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Specified Learning Activities | 48 |
| Autonomous Student Learning | 41 |
| Lectures | 12 |
| Practical | 24 |
| --- | --- |
| Total | 125 |
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Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Face-to-face lectures\ Computer practicals \
Am I eligible to take this module?
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:\
This module is core to the BSc Sustainability degree. Students undertaking it are expected to have completed GEOG10150 Introduction to Sustainability and SCI10060 Sustainability Challenges.
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Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Co-requisite:\ GEOG10150 - Introduction to Sustainability, SCI10060 - Sustainability Challenges, SUST10010 - Introduction to Sustainability, SUST10020 - Sustainability Challenges\ \ Equivalents:\ Careers in Sustainability (SCI20040)\ \ \ \
How will I be assessed?
Assessment Strategy
| Description | Timing | Component Scale | Must Pass Component | % of Final Grade | In Module Component Repeat Offered |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment(Including Essay): Group essay critiquing sustainability campaigns | Week 11 | Standard conversion grade scale 40% | No | 40 | No |
| Group Work Assignment: Guerilla campaign | Week 8 | Standard conversion grade scale 40% | No | 30 | No |
| Participation in Learning Activities: Participation and Engagement | Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12, Week 14, Week 15 | Pass/Fail Grade Scale | No | 10 | No |
| Quizzes/Short Exercises: Communication based exercises | Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4 | Pass/Fail Grade Scale | No | 20 | No |
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Carry forward of passed components
No
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What happens if I fail?
| Resit In | Terminal Exam |
|---|---|
| Summer | No |
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. \
Assessment feedback
Feedback Strategy/Strategies
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment\ • Group/class feedback, post-assessment\
How will my Feedback be Delivered?
Not yet recorded.
Associated Staff
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Ms Edel Caraway | Lecturer / Co-Lecturer |
| Dr Eileen Diskin | Lecturer / Co-Lecturer |
| Dorcas Réamonn | Lecturer / Co-Lecturer |
| Dr Jakub Urbaniak-Ndlovu | Lecturer / Co-Lecturer |
When is this module offered?
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
| Spring | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 | Fri 09:00 - 10:50 |
| Spring | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - 29, 30, 31, 32 | Fri 09:00 - 10:50 |
| Spring | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 | Mon 14:00 - 14:50 |
| Spring | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - 29, 30, 31, 32 | Mon 14:00 - 14:50 |
| Spring | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 | Tues 10:00 - 10:50 |
| Spring | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - 29, 30, 31, 32 | Tues 10:00 - 10:50 |