• Offered for Year: 2026/27

• Module Leader(s): Dr Helen Adamson
• Co-Module Leader: Dr Elisa Lopez-Capel, Dr Mark Ireland
• Lecturer: Dr Lee Higham, Dr Fabio Cucinotta, Dr Beth Clark, Miss Katie Wray, Dr Ankush Prashar, Professor Guy Garrod, Dr Amy Proctor, Dr Hannah Davis, Dr Andrew Beard, Professor Jeremy Phillipson, Dr Toni Carruthers, Dr Jon Telling, Dr Fritha Langford
• Other Staff: Miss Caroline Crow, Miss Laura Messenger, Mr Ryan Woodward

• Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
• Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus

• Capacity limit: 300 student places

Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Aims

The overall purpose of this module is to develop students’ understanding of the complex sustainability challenges faced by organisations and their linkages to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, while equipping them with advanced research and analytical skills to prepare for Stage 3 dissertation work. Students will work in interdisciplinary teams to design sustainable solutions for real-world problems in collaboration with external organisations, applying principles from their own disciplines. Alongside this, students will build competence in research design, data analysis, and academic writing (PC1-A, PC2-A, PC3-A, PC4-A, PC5-A, PC7-I PC8-A, PC9-A, PC10-A), culminating in a combined portfolio that demonstrates both applied problem-solving and research capability.

It aims to:
• Equip students with the ability to identify, research, and address real-world sustainability challenges aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• Develop advanced research skills, including literature review, methodology design, data analysis, and academic writing, supporting progression to Stage 3 dissertation work.
• Provide hands-on experience in designing and presenting sustainable solutions through interdisciplinary teamwork and stakeholder engagement.
• Foster professional skills, collaboration, and career awareness through industry interaction and reflective practice.

Outline Of Syllabus

Semester 1
• Introduction to sustainability frameworks and UN SDGs
• Problem identification and scoping with external stakeholders
• Literature review and information literacy for research
• Research ethics and methodology design
• Data collection and statistical analysis techniques
• Sustainable solution development and prototyping
• Academic and technical writing for reports and dissertations
• Pitching solutions to external sponsors
• Reflective practice and career development
• Integrated portfolio preparation


Semester 2
• Quantitative research design: Sampling strategies, experimental design
• Statistical analysis: Summary statistics, categorical data comparisons, T-tests, ANOVA, non-parametric tests (Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis), Chi-squared.
• Regression and correlation: Univariate regression, interaction effects.
• Project planning and management: Time management, resource allocation.
• Academic writing and referencing: Structuring reports and mini-dissertations).

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

For knowledge outcomes, lectures and online materials introduce key concepts, terminology, and principles underpinning responsible and sustainable innovation, as well as research design and statistical analysis. These sessions establish the theoretical foundation required for students to understand global challenges, sustainability frameworks, and research methodologies.

For skills outcomes, interactive workshops, guided independent study, and student-led group activities enable students to apply knowledge in practical contexts. Workshops foster collaboration and problem-solving by engaging students in team-based tasks to design sustainable solutions for real-world challenges. Practical sessions and computer drop-ins support the development of technical and analytical skills, including data handling and statistical methods. Dissertation module leaders and seminar sessions guide students through the process of preparing research proposals, ensuring ethical considerations are addressed and professional standards upheld.

Student-led activities, including engagement with external organisations and formative dissertation drafts, provide authentic opportunities to practice communication, collaboration, and ethical reasoning. These experiences reinforce the integration of knowledge and skills, preparing students for professional practice and future research.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment

Formative Assessments

Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Summative Assessments (2):

1. Group Sustainability Solution Portfolio Report (50%)
-Includes a written group report and a video presentation showcasing the proposed sustainable solution.
-Assesses teamwork, technical quality, creativity, and communication skills.

2.Individual Data Analysis and Presentation (50%)
-Students conduct data analysis related to their chosen sustainability challenge and present findings in a structured format.
-Builds research and analytical skills essential for Stage 3 dissertation work.



Formative Assessments (2):

1.Group Sustainability Solution Pitch (Formative) Early-stage presentation of ideas and approach to receive feedback before final submission.

2.Draft Dissertation Report (Formative) Includes literature review, methodology, and initial analysis, forming the basis for Stage 3 dissertation.

Reading Lists

• NES2212's Reading List

Timetable

• Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
• NES2212's Timetable