1. To develop students' knowledge and understanding of industrial ecology and resource flows in the circular economy by drawing from and applying the knowledge and skillsets acquired across a range of topics covered earlier on the BSc in Environmental Science programme, including geographical information systems (GIS), industrial emissions licensing, effluent control, and analytical chemistry for the environment. 2. To provide students with industrial ecology related strategies relevant to waste management and critical raw materials conservation, thus affording them opportunities to respond to the types of environmental crises learned about in earlier modules such as Pollution Biology, Energy and the Environment, and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). 3. To apply the students' previously acquired competencies in assessing the environmental and sustainability metrics generated via EIA tools and techniques to critically evaluate and respond to demand for a circular economy.

The module is designed to allow students to apply previously acquired skills, knowledge and competencies developed in such topics as GIS, EIA, environmental chemistry, analytical methods, and environmental and waste management to engage critically with the circular economy through an understanding of industrial ecology principles. Topics covered include: Industrial ecology concepts and principles. Relationship between circular economy and industrial ecology. Interpretation of EIA tools and techniques, and output data from life cycle analysis (LCA) and material flow analysis in the specific context of product life cycles and industrial processes. Systems and feedback loops. Case studies illustrating systems analysis in circular economy projects. Industrial Emissions Licensing as an enabler and inhibitor of Industrial Symbiosis (IS). Circular design principles, biomimicry, bioinspiration and bioutilisation. Integration of renewable energy into circular economy systems. Risk management in circularity projects, e.g. rebound effect, co-dependency, and redundancies. Circular bioeconomy and circular techno-economy. Circularity in effluent control. Applications of environmental fate modelling and GIS to decision-making in design for circular economy. Product lifetime extension techniques including remanufacturing and design for disassembly. Industry specific case studies within, for example, the pharmaceutical, electronic, buildings and construction sectors. Processes, supply chains and the impact of current and emergent regulations such as Eco Design for Sustainable Products, Digital Product Passport system, etc. Development of circular business models and economic perspectives. Societal impacts of the circular economy. Fundamentals of urban mining, end-of-waste classifications, and re-mining strategies. Novel methods in resource management artificial intelligence, blockchain and internet-of-things solutions for the circular economy.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: 1. Explain the fundamental principles of industrial ecology and circular economy and their significance in addressing environmental challenges, and thus analyse case studies to illustrate the environmental impacts of linear economies versus circular economies. 2. Apply skills, tools and techniques developed during previous modules in GIS, EIA, effluent control, waste management and energy systems to analyse various aspects of circular systems, products and business models. 3. Interpret and evaluate results from life cycle assessments and material flow analyses to assess the environmental impacts of industrial systems and products. 4. Identify effective design principles and biomimicry concepts used to reduce the environmental footprint of products. 5. Categorise various circular business models (e.g., servitisation, remanufacturing) considering their economic and social implications, and thus identify challenges and opportunities in implementing circular supply chains and propose solutions. 6. List the key regulatory frameworks and standards essential to realising the circular economy. 7. Evaluate emerging technologies (e.g., blockchain, artificial intelligence, internet-of-things) for their potential application in circular economy practices.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: 1. Demonstrate an appreciation of the importance of sustainability in decision-making to promote a safe and sustainable circular economy for all. 2. Demonstrate critical thinking skills to analyse environmental problems and evaluate the effectiveness of circular economy strategies.

Not applicable

This module is taught over a 12-week period through in-person interactive and participatory lectures and tutorials. The lecture materials and tutorial sessions are supplemented and supported with student self-directed learning through educational resources via the virtual learning environment (VLE). In the classroom the fundamental theories and concepts will be presented. This module builds upon previous student knowledge on energy, chemical and ecological systems. Illustrative examples and case studies will be outlined and discussed. Students will be encouraged and facilitated to be courageous and to seek enterprising and innovative solutions to the problem- and challenge-based issues presented. The tutorial sessions will offer students opportunities to collaborate and articulate, and to present elements of their project works and assignments. This will develop students' abilities to articulate their evaluations and research of various aspects of circular systems and industrial ecology applications. The module topic is current and therefore reflects a fundamental UL Graduate attribute: being agile. In this regard, at an EU level the Green Deal is in its infancy and the Circular Economy Action Plan is yielding new policies, directives and legislation in response to a myriad of material challenges. Students will be kept up-to-date and will be expected to take on the responsibility of keeping themselves informed of on emergent legislation, policies, and guidance in development, nationally and internationally using the VLE. Links to publications, podcasts and video content will also be provided through the VLE as guidance. This will create opportunities for students to explore further resources and critical responses to the emerging circular economy. Students will gain a sense of responsibility towards ensuring a safe, sustainable, and ethical circular economy through their studies.