This new programme prepares students for today's sustainability challenges
How often do you consider the impact of your choices? 10 October is Sustainability Day: a good time to introduce the new bachelor's programme Science for Sustainable Societies.
Sustainable laboratories and greater biodiversity on campus with a real rooftop garden. Sustainability is important for our faculty. That's why the launch of our new bachelor's programme Science for Sustainable Societies is an important milestone.
Faculties join forces
In this programme, lecturers from several faculties examine sustainability issues from multiple angles. Merlijn van Weerd is one of them. 'We don't just look at an issue like climate change from a natural science perspective. We also discuss with our students the consequences for indigenous populations and the administrative reasons why the world is finding it so difficult to act.'
The students do a lot of practical work, for example writing policy documents and organising debates. For the introductory course, they also carry out a small action every week. This could be collecting plastic waste or eating only organic, local vegetables. 'This teaches our students that small actions do make a difference.’
An impression of the first few weeks
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First-year SfSS students are given a tour of Naturalis for the Applied Ecology course. (Photo: Kat Stewart) -
During the first week, the students receive an introductory programme and a vegetarian dinner in Katwijk aan Zee. (Photo: Marisa Beunk) -
The first cohort of students in the lecture hall. (Photo: Kiki Boomgaard)
Voices from the first cohort: meet Esha
Esha is part of the first cohort of students. ‘I was surprised that a programme like this did not exist already. I am really glad I ended up being part of it’, she says. ‘The combination of natural and social sciences just made sense to me. Sustainability is such a complex issue, we need both perspectives to really make a difference.’
‘The first classes brought up some interesting points’, Esha talks about her experience so far. ‘Like questions around responsibility: who should be in charge of solving these issues, and how do we work together?’ She also makes sustainable choices in her own life. ‘I took an Interrail trip over the summer instead of flying. I can really recommend that!’
What you need to know about Science for Sustainable Societies
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The programme is a collaboration between three faculties: The Science Faculty (FWN) focuses on biodiversity systems and raw materials on Earth. The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (FSW) studies the interaction between the planet and humanity. The Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs (FGGA) highlights the administrative side of a societal transition towards greater sustainability.
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The Centre for Environmental Sciences coordinates the programme, with Thijs Bosker as Programme Director.
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The first cohort consists of 44 first-year students, of whom approximately 60% are Dutch and 40% international.