Oferta Pedagógica - Sustainability and Ecological Footprint: From Theory to Practice

Level 2

The MOOC allows you to acquire knowledge on the concept of sustainability and the Ecological Footprint, by using examples and contexts from real life. It also helps you to understand what approaches can you make to address the global sustainability issue.

Partnership: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Universidade Aberta, University of Aveiro, University of Siena, and Global Footprint Network.


Overview

The concept of sustainability helps to identify the possible ways in which we can live on our planet – the only one we have – in harmony with nature and other people and communities. This MOOC focuses on promoting sustainability and responding to the most urgent issues in the field of sustainability and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by using examples and contexts from real life. Allied to this, the concept of Ecological Footprint (EF) is introduced in this MOOC to create consciousness and guide individuals through the knowledge-awareness-action journey toward sustainability.

Given the important role of Higher Education Institutions (HEI) in the transformative shift of values and actions toward sustainability, this MOOC also presents the main aspects of sustainability in HEI to incorporate the sustainability values in all HEI missions and practices. 


Outcomes

By the end of this MOOC, you will be able to recognize why sustainability is an important issue, and how the SDGs and sustainability link with the EF concept. Also, you will learn how your daily actions impact the surroundings and how you should promote a lifestyle compatible with a single planet and sustainability concept.


Target Group

The course is available to everyone that wants to know more about the topic for professional, academic, or personal reasons, especially students from both graduate and undergraduate levels, educators in all courses and degree types, the university administrative staff, and the public in general who are interested in the subject.


Working language

English (the entire course is developed in English).

Program

This MOOC is divided into 6 following topics:

Topic 1 - Introduction to Ecological Overshoot, Sustainability, and SDGs

Topic 2 - Connecting your daily life with SDGs

Topic 3 - Introduction to Ecological Footprint

Topic 4 - Your Personal Ecological Footprint

Topic 5 - HEI: Sustainability aspects and assessment tools

Topic 6 - HEI: Sustainability best practices


Authorship

Prof. Sandra Caeiro (UAb, CENSE/FCT NOVA)

Prof. Paula Bacelar Nicolau (UAb)

Dr. Mahsa Mapar (UAb, CENSE/FCT NOVA)


Calendar

This MOOC has a duration of 7 weeks. The 1st edition of the MOOC has been carried out between May 16 to July 3, 2022, in a tutoring system. Currently, the tutoring system and the associated forums for activities are closed, however, the participants can still register for this edition and study the educational materials in a self-study format (without tutoring and forums).


Certification

This MOOC does not offer certification in a self-study format.

Thematic areas

Nature and Environment

Sustainability 

Ecological Footprint 

Higher Education Institutions 


Workload Estimate

This training course is estimated for 50 hours overall, corresponding to approximately 7 hours per week.


Level 2 - Intermediate

Partnership

“Sustainability and Ecological Footprint: From Theory to Practice” is an open online course output of the EUSTEPs Project (Enhancing Universities Sustainability TEaching and Practices): https://www.eusteps.eu/, funded by European Project Erasmus+  led by Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and the project partners: Universidade Aberta, University of Aveiro, University of Siena, and Global Footprint Network.

Project number 2019-1-EL01-KA203-062941. The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflect the view of the authors only. The Commission, along with the National Authority (IKY), cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.


Logotipos parceiros

Logótipo Universidade AbertaSe pretender aprofundar os temas apresentados ou outras áreas do conhecimento, a Universidade Aberta oferece-lhe um conjunto alargado de possibilidades formativas, de acordo com os seus interesses.

Invista em si! Estude na Universidade Aberta

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