BOKU100498 Practical exercise in bioeconomy

Type
course with continuous assessment
Semester hours
3
Lecturer (assistant)
Falkenberg, Christof
Organisation
Centre for Bioeconomy
Offered in
Sommersemester 2026
Languages of instruction
Deutsch
Content

For several decades, the bioeconomy has been discussed as a central strategy for tackling global sustainability challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, biodiversity loss and social inequalities. At the same time, the term is defined inconsistently in science, politics and society and is associated with sometimes contradictory objectives and approaches.

This practice-oriented course (part of the five cross-section modules) examines the different meanings attributed to the bioeconomy in social and personal contexts. Students independently develop a guideline, conduct empirical surveys and analyse the collected data using sociological and economical methods. The results are then processed, presented and discussed.

The aim of the course is to develop a deeper understanding of how sustainability concepts are socially constructed, interpreted and applied, and what implications this has for transformation processes towards a post-fossil economy.
Previous knowledge expected

Attending the lecture ‘Theoretical Foundations of Bioeconomics’
Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

1) Explain key theoretical concepts and discourses of the bioeconomy from the lecture ‘Theoretical Foundations of the Bioeconomy’ and classify them for the analysis of alternative understandings of the bioeconomy.

2) Based on theoretical concepts, design a guided interview for empirical research into societal understandings of the bioeconomy and conduct it in a methodologically correct manner.

3) To systematically evaluate qualitative interview data and compare different understandings of the bioeconomy in a structured manner.

4) To critically reflect on and assess the results of the interview analysis with regard to theoretical assumptions, methodological limitations and societal implications.

5) Prepare the empirical findings in a presentation according to scientific standards.

6) Visualise key results in a scientific presentation tailored to the target audience and present them convincingly.

7) Work efficiently in teams, organise work processes independently and apply cooperative problem-solving strategies in a reflective manner.
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.