THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH

DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2021/2022

Information in the Degree Programme Tables may still be subject to change in response to Covid-19

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DRPS : Course Catalogue : Business School : Business Studies

Undergraduate Course: The Business Response to Climate Change (BUST10126)

Course Outline
SchoolBusiness School CollegeCollege of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 10 (Year 4 Undergraduate) AvailabilityAvailable to all students
SCQF Credits20 ECTS Credits10
SummaryThe course aims to provide students with knowledge about business implications of climate change, including the science, policy and strategic developments.

Course description The course will also provide in indication of the business responsibility for climate change, the attitudes and values necessary in the business community to mitigate it, and the significant opportunities that will arise for strategically aligned companies in the coming years.

Syllabus:
Week 1 - Introduction to Course / The Science of Climate Change
Week 2 - Climate Change Policy and Regulation / Mitigation and Adaptation Options
Week 3 - Climate Change and Business Strategy / Corporate Sustainability
Week 4 - Measuring, Reporting and Benchmarking / Conducting a Carbon Footprint
Week 5 - Case Presentations
Week 6 - Carbon Markets / Investment and Climate Change
Week 7 - Green Marketing and Voluntary Carbon / Carbon in the Supply Chain
Week 8 - Case Study Week
Week 9 - Course Review Discussion
Week 10 - Guest Lecturer

Student Learning Experience:

The course will be taught through ten two-hour sessions.

Formal teaching occurs in lectures and seminar. Much of the learning will be the result of students own reading and reflection, and preparation for coursework and exams. A high level of student participation is expected, through discussion in class and working in groups. Scholarly endeavour is fundamentally about building on the discovery and insights of others, and we hope that team co-operation will enrich all students.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements Business Studies Honours entry
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesEquivalent to Business Studies Honours entry
High Demand Course? Yes
Course Delivery Information
Not being delivered
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. Understand and discuss critically the science of climate change and the nature of the challenge it poses.
  2. Understand and discuss critically the main public policy frameworks, mechanisms for climate change mitigation and how these have been developed at an international level.
  3. Understand and discuss the technologies available for climate change mitigation, and the technology transfer mechanisms between companies & especially developed to developing countries.
  4. Critically evaluate the business impact on carbon emissions.
  5. Understand and critically discuss with the main business approaches and strategies for responding to climate change.
Reading List
Walker & King (2008) The Hot Topic provides a good general introduction to climate change science and response options. Specific readings for each class are noted in the timetable below. Students should also regularly check the course LEARN for updates to the reading material.
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills Cognitive Skills
After completing this course, students should be able to
- Critically evaluate popular coverage climate change science
- Think analytically about the financial and strategic implications of climate change for business
- Critically evaluate alternative policy approaches to climate change
- Conceptualise key strategic considerations associated with climate change

Subject-Specific Skills
After completing this course, students should be able to
- Understand new developments in climate change science and incorporate them into frameworks
- Develop a good working understanding of concepts and theories related to climate change science and policy, management
- Be able to evaluate corporate carbon emissions and risks, in broad terms
- Target potential management interventions to deliver climate change mitigation
- Assess climate change risks and opportunities
KeywordsBRCC
Contacts
Course organiserDr Sarah Ivory
Tel: (0131 6)51 5323
Email: Sarah.Ivory@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMiss Anne Cunningham
Tel: (0131 6)50 3827
Email: Anne.Cunningham@ed.ac.uk
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