This is an overview of course material that have been developed by The Baltic University Programme since the start 1991, and up until 2017. Any published material such as textbooks, can be found as indicated via the links below.
Environmental Science
The material gives an interdisciplinary overview of the environmental situation in the area of the Baltic Sea Basin, its physical and biological resources, and human environmental impacts. Technical, economic and legal tools and future solutions to environmental problems are treated from a regional perspective. The material can be divided into two modules which can be studied separately:
- The Baltic Sea Environment. General knowledge of the Baltic Sea environment, and how to improve the environmental situation of the Baltic region, placing environmental problems in their appropriate social context.
- Basic Environmental Science
The material can be found on the BUP publications web page.
English for Environmental Science
This is material for an intermediate level English language course that develops comprehension, vocabulary and skills of expression. Terminology used in environmental studies is explained and practised. The course develops the capacity of the students to cooperate effectively in the field of environmental science using English language.
The material can be found on the BUP publications web page.
The Baltic Sea Region
This material treat the Baltic Sea region and its societies, mostly with the conditions in the region after the systems change in 1989-91. Regional development is in focus with emphasis on democracy, human rights and economics.
- Peoples of the Baltic. The course material conveys a general knowledge about peoples, culture and history of the region surrounding the Baltic Sea. It deals with issues and problems of common interest that all are important prerequisites for interaction, a democratic development and peaceful coexistence in the area.
- Regional development and the Baltic Sea region
The material can be found on the BUP publications web page.
Sustainable Development
The course gives different perspectives on sustainability, globally and especially in the Baltic Sea region. The political and socio-economic dimensions and aspects of environmental impact and use of natural resources are discussed, as well as strategies for change and environmental governance and management. The course consists of twelve thematic modules, each accompanied by texts and video inserts. This course is an updated version of the previous "A Sustainable Baltic Region".
The Sustainable Development course material (pdf).
Sustainable Water Management
The course material is divided into three modules that focus on issues of sustainable use of water and water resources in the Baltic Sea region. The course conveys a comprehensive view on water resources, their character, status and use. Water in society is treated in the context of river basin wide management of water resources as underlined in administrative and legal reforms. Students should preferably have a background in e.g., hydrology, geology, physical geography, agronomy, soil science, forestry or environmental engineering. The modules can be studied separately:
- The Baltic Waterscape
- Water Use & Management
- River Basin Management
The material can be found on the BUP publications web page.
Environmental Management
This course material address management in all kinds of organisations, although industries are in focus. They are well adapted for competence development of professionals. The course consists of four modules:
- Policy Instruments for Environmental Management. The course describes legal and economic policy instruments, including environmental impact assessment, environmental legislation permits, and inspections and controls. The role of inspections is discussed. The environmental fines and taxes, although mostly of national concern, are studied. The EU legislation is treated in some detail as well as most important national legislation.
- Cleaner Production and Technologies. The module describes production processes where pollution is minimised at the source and efficiency of resource use is carefully improved. It describes how the implementation of cleaner technologies not only improves environmental performance, but also economic viability and the quality of the production process.
- Product Design & Life Cycle Assessment. The module describes the design of products and their use. The module applies environmental management, eco-design and lifecycle assessment techniques. A series of indicators for environmental impact are examined, throughout the lifecycles of products. The techniques are illustrated by many cases of eco design, dematerialisation, use of indicators and LCA calculations.
- Environmental Management Systems and Certification. The module describes the systematic review, or audit, of an activity in an organisation, industry, or business to map environmental impact and resource use. The practicalities of ISO 14001 and EMAS certification are described.
The material can be found on the BUP publications web page.
Ecosystem Health and Sustainable Agriculture
The different course modules address the field of rural development, sustainable agriculture and animal health pertaining to the Baltic Sea region and to some degree also the Great Lakes region. The course consists of three modules:
- Sustainable Agriculture - The module include: Definitions of the Ecosystems Approach and Sustainability; Definition of Sustainable and Non-sustainable Issues in Agriculture; On the Sustainability of Different Farming Systems – Conventional, Organic and Integrated Systems; Plant Nutrient Management, Livestock Density, Agricultural Structure and the Environment; Reducing the Risks Associated with the Use of Plant Protection Products; Combating Soil Degradation; Production of High Quality Products & Balanced Feeding; Animal Welfare; Biological Diversity; Occupational Health and Safety in Agriculture; Counteracting Climate Change Effects; Farm Level Economics of Agricultural Production; How to Change Behaviour – Carrots and Sticks, and Perspectives for Sustainable Development of Agricultural and Rural Areas.
- Ecology and Animal Health -The module include: Wildlife and ecosystem health Stewardship of biodiversity; The Baltic sea; The north American Great Lakes/St. Lawrence river and estuary; Infectious diseases at the wildlife-livestock interface; Prevention of infectious diseases in livestock and wildlife; Anthropogenic contamination of ecosystems – consequences and actions; Food safety and public health; Impact of climate change on the health of wildlife, domestic animals and ecosystems.
- Rural Development and Land Use. The module includes: The rural landscape; The rural society; Forests and energy; Planning, management and assessment, and Policy instruments and governance.