Course Syllabus

SYLLABUS

Environmental Modeling and Climate Impact Assessment

Semester & Location:	Spring 2027 - DIS Stockholm
Type & Credits:	Elective course - 3 credits
Faculty:	Asterios Papageorgiou - Contact via Canvas Inbox
Time:	TBA
Classroom:	TBA
Major Disciplines:	Engineering, Environmental Science
Related Disciplines:	Chemistry / Biochemistry, Physics / Biophysics
Prerequisites:	Two courses in math, plus a total of five courses within engineering, basic science (biology, chemistry, physics), and/or computer science, all at university level. At least one of these courses should be an engineering course (alternatively, students should enroll in “Engineering Sustainable Environments in Scandinavia”)
Program Contact:	CE@dis.dk

Course Description

Environmental modelling plays a critical role in assessing the environmental impacts of products, services, and processes, enabling organisations across sectors such as energy, manufacturing and agriculture to develop more sustainable and resource-efficient solutions. This course introduces students to the principles and practices of environmental modelling with a focus on climate-related impacts. Students will explore fundamental concepts of environmental modelling and learn how to quantify and model interactions between human systems and the natural environment.

Emphasis is placed on the application of scientific tools and methods to assess climate and other environmental impacts, particularly through life cycle assessment (LCA). The course combines lectures, computer-based exercises and a hands-on project, where students apply LCA tools and methodologies to model and assess real-world systems across their entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to end-of-life management. By the end of the course, students will have developed the analytical, modelling, and data-handling skills needed to critically assess and interpret environmental impacts of different products, services and processes.

The course has a modular structure, as follows:

Module 1: Introduction to environmental modeling and LCA

• Basic concepts and principles of environmental modeling
• Systems thinking
• Greenhouse gases and climate change
• Background and key concepts of LCA
• Goal and scope definition in LCA
• Life Cycle Inventory modeling
• Life Cycle Impact Assessment and climate impact assessment
• Life Cycle Interpretation
• Data quality and uncertainty
• LCA tools and methodologies

Module 2: Application of LCA in practice

• LCA practical examples and case studies
• Computer-based exercises

Module 3: Hands-on project

• Hands-on experience in LCA modeling and reporting through project-based work using LCA software to assess the environmental performance of real-world systems.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Explain basic concepts and principles of environmental modeling.
• Understand the causes and consequences of greenhouse gas emissions and their role in driving climate change.
• Understand the purpose and applications of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).
• Explain the key concepts and analytical phases of the LCA methodology and apply them to real-world systems.
• Conduct an LCA study using LCA software tools to model different products, processes and systems, assessing climate and other environmental impacts across their life cycles.
• Evaluate data quality and identify sources of uncertainty that can influence the assessment results.
• Communicate and present LCA results effectively in both written and oral formats.
• Perform a critical review of an LCA study.

Faculty

Asterios Papageorgiou

PhD in Industrial Ecology, KTH, Sweden, 2025

M.Sc. in Sustainable Technology, KTH, 2018

M.Sc. in Sustainable Waste Management, Leeds University, UK, 2006

Has conducted research and published articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals and book chapters on topics such as renewable energy systems (e.g., solar microgrids and biochar systems), waste management, circular economy, urban metabolism, and life cycle assessment. Has also taught various post-graduate courses at KTH and supervised student theses. Previously, served as a senior environmental scientist at Klimato, Stockhom (July 2023-May 2026). 

With DIS since 2021.

Readings

Textbook

• Chapters 1-7

You will participate in two course-integrated field studies or workshops in Stockholm to gain additional insights into environmental modeling and life cycle assessment. Field studies may include (these are examples):

• A visit to an environmental research institute.
• A visit to a consulting company working with environmental modeling and LCA.
• A workshop related to environmental modeling and life cycle assessment.

Guest Lectures

Guest lecturers (experts in specific aspects of environmental modeling and LCA) will be invited to talk about topics of particular interest to students.

Approach to Teaching

The course employs a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, critical analysis of readings, group exercises, and project-based work. Active participation in classroom discussions, presentations, and collaborative activities is expected. In addition, local field studies provide opportunities to gain first-hand insights from academic and industry experts. The pace and specific activities may be adjusted throughout the course to align with students’ interests and enhance the learning experience.

Expectations of the Students

• Active participation and a willingness to learn are essential components of the course. You play the central role in your own learning journey. As such you are expected to:
  
  • Participate actively during lectures, discussions, group work, and exercises.
  • Read the material prior to class session. This is important for your learning, as a considerable part of the class depends on class discussions.
• You need to be present and participating to receive full credit. Your final grade will be affected by any unexcused absences and a lack of active participation. Remember to be in class on time!
• Classroom etiquette includes being respectful of other opinions, listening to others and entering a dialogue in a constructive manner.
• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• Students shall honestly disclose used sources/references as well as any help received in assignments.
• In an oral assignment/exam, every student must be able to present and answer questions about the whole assignment and corresponding solution(s).
• Laptops may be used for note‐taking, fact‐checking, or assignments in the classroom, but only when indicated by the instructor. At all other times, laptops and electronic devices should be put away during class meetings.

Evaluation

Participation:

• Class attendance, preparation for lectures and other sessions, active participation in learning activities and class discussions. 
• Graded assignments related to lectures and computer-based exercises.

Exam:

• Open book exam to assess students' knowledge and understanding of the course material.

Critical review

• Critical review of a scientific paper or report that present an LCA study.

Project work: 

• Students conduct a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study in which they evaluate the environmental impacts of a selected product, process, or system using LCA software. The project also provides experience in preparing an LCA report in accordance with relevant standards, including ISO 14040 and ISO 14044. 
• Presentation of the project findings to the class at the end of the term.

Grading