After successful completion of the course, students are able to define socio-ecological aspects and to grasp the ecological, economic and social consequences of technology development. They know the methods and instruments for predictive technology assessment.

In the course, an overview of the socio-ecological method inventory is developed based on literature on concepts and case studies. The focus is on biophysical and socioecological indicators, specifically material and energy flow analysis (MEFA), social appropriation of net primary production (HANPP), life cycle analysis (LCA), ecological footprint (EF), and carbon accounting. These indicators are extended with the tools and methods of technology impact assessment.

Lectures, discussion, literature

Oral and written