Circular Economy – Sustainable Materials Management Course Syllabus
Full curriculum breakdown — modules, lessons, estimated time, and outcomes.
Overview (80-120 words) describing structure and time commitment.
Module 1: Introduction to Circular Economy
Estimated time: 19 hours
- Understanding the concept of the circular economy
- Comparing linear and circular economic models
- Core principles and strategies of circularity
- Environmental and societal motivations for transition
Module 2: Business Models for the Circular Economy
Estimated time: 19 hours
- Types of circular business models
- Economic and social value creation through circularity
- Case studies of circular transformations
- Barriers and enablers in business model innovation
Module 3: Circular Design & Materials Innovation
Estimated time: 19 hours
- Principles of eco-design and circular design
- Techniques for reducing material use
- Extending product lifespan through design
- Assessing environmental impacts of materials
Module 4: Implementing Circular Practices in Organizations
Estimated time: 19 hours
- Strategies for adopting circular practices
- Role of collaboration and innovation in organizations
- Challenges in operational implementation
- Supply chain integration and resource efficiency
Module 5: Policy & Regulations for a Circular Economy
Estimated time: 19 hours
- Government policies promoting circularity
- Regulatory frameworks and incentives
- Role of networks and knowledge sharing
- International and regional policy examples
Module 6: Final Project
Estimated time: 10 hours
- Develop a circular business model or strategy
- Apply design and innovation principles
- Submit for peer review and feedback
Prerequisites
- Basic understanding of sustainability concepts
- Interest in environmental management or business innovation
- No prior expertise in circular economy required
What You'll Be Able to Do After
- Explain core principles of the circular economy
- Analyze and design circular business models
- Apply circular design strategies to products or services
- Understand policy mechanisms supporting circularity
- Develop and present a circular strategy in a real-world context