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Unit outline_

SUST3888: Sustainable Innovation

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Innovation has brought us huge advantages in almost every area of our lives, but challenges such as climate change, diminishing resources and inequality mean that it has never been more important to innovate sustainably. Sustainable innovation encompasses science and technology, design and cultural aspects, as well as new business models. In this unit you will work in a group to develop solutions to real-world problems, using sustainable innovation approach. You will learn the principles of the circular economy, and how to apply it through technical solutions (such as materials) as well as new business models. You will learn higher order thinking skills such as design thinking and systems thinking, both of which are critical to develop sustainable solutions. Finally, working in an interdisciplinary team, you will develop viable solutions to real-world problems, that will help us create a more sustainable future.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Physics Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
96 credit points of units of study
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Maryanne Large, maryanne.large@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Maryanne Large, maryanne.large@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Individual response to brief discipline perspective
Response to the topic prior to the group approach.
20% Week 03
Due date: 16 Aug 2024 at 23:59
5 pages
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Assignment group assignment Group plan
Including timelines, tasks, roles, agreed approach.
10% Week 05
Due date: 30 Aug 2024 at 23:59
5 pages
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO6
Assignment group assignment Final project report
Written report detailing approach, results, analysis, conclusion.
35% Week 13
Due date: 01 Nov 2024 at 23:59
10 pages
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO6 LO5
Presentation group assignment Final presentation
Presentation of problem and proposed solution.
10% Week 13
Due date: 29 Oct 2024 at 16:00
5 mins plus questions
Outcomes assessed: LO5 LO6 LO4
Assignment Reflective diary & statement
A record of student’s work. Contribution on weekly basis & to final work.
10% Week 13
Due date: 01 Nov 2024 at 23:59
4 pages
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO6 LO3
Assignment Self and peer evaluation
Surveys (peer and self)
15% Week 13
Due date: 29 Oct 2024 at 23:59
2 pages
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO6
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Individual response to brief discipline perspective - Initial thoughts on the topics from your discipline perspective, with references.

Group plan - As a team, you are asked to prepare a report that includes: a systems map for your topic, a team contract, a work schedule / plan including a breakdown of tasks and responsibilities for each team membe

Final project report - Description of your work over the semester, including the description of project and your solution and business model.

Final presentation - presentation in front of panel of judges, explaining the problem, your solution and business model.

Reflective diary & statement - Weekly diary of your progress, including your contribtion and reflections of group progress.

Self and peer evaluation - Survey of your contribution and the contribution of team members.

 

Assessment criteria

Result name Mark range Description
High Distinction 85-100 At HD level, a student demonstrates a flair for the subject and comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates the ability to apply subject knowledge to novel situations.
Distinction 75-84 At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a solid knowledge and understanding of the unit material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply the key ideas of the subject.
Credit 65-74 At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad understanding of the unit material but has not fully developed the ability to apply the key ideas of the subject.
Pass 50-64 At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory achievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge of the subject.
Fail 0-49 When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date: Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date. After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction, working in teams/project management Lecture (2 hr) LO6
Circular Economy Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 02 Grounding and user research Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO6
Student discussion of topics Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO6
Week 03 Design thinking and ideation Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO4
Team formation and ideation Workshop (3 hr) LO3 LO6
Week 04 Systems thinking Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO4
Behavioural insights Workshop (3 hr) LO4
Week 05 Systems analysis of topic Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Week 06 Business models Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO6
Sustainability analysis Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO6
Week 07 Intellectual property Lecture (2 hr) LO1
working in teams with mentoring Workshop (3 hr) LO3 LO6
Week 08 Technology trends and Scenario planning Lecture (2 hr) LO1
Working in teams with mentoring Workshop (3 hr) LO2 LO4 LO6
Week 09 Competitor analysis and marketing Lecture (2 hr) LO1
working in teams with mentoring Workshop (3 hr) LO6
Presentation skills Lecture (2 hr) LO5
Week 10 Taking your product to market- quality control and regulatory issues Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO2
working in groups with mentoring Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Week 11 optional extension Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)  
Practice presentations with mentoring Presentation (3 hr) LO5
Week 12 Final practice Presentation (2 hr) LO5
Week 13 Final student presentations Presentation (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Frame or translate the problem in a social, economic, technical and environmental context.
  • LO2. Apply disciplinary knowledge to solve problems in an interdisciplinary context.
  • LO3. Demonstrate integrity, confidence, personal resilience and the capacity to manage challenges, both individually and in teams.
  • LO4. Apply higher order thinking styles such as design thinking and systems thinking.
  • LO5. Communicate project outcomes effectively to a broad audience.
  • LO6. Collaborate with diverse groups and across cultural and disciplinary boundaries to develop a creative solution(s) to the project problems.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This is the first time this unit has been offered.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.