*4.2. Theoretical Basis of the Tampere SUD Program*

The development of the program has been framed by current research, outlined in the review above. It is designed to overcome some of the limitations of current ESD teaching by:


The degree structure and curriculum can be seen in Figure 1. The degree program has learning outcomes for all students, as well as outcomes for specific streams. All students will graduate with a holistic understanding of the key concepts, interlinkages, actors, questions, conflicts, and solutions in the field of sustainable urban development globally, as well as the core discipline-specific skills that are required by employers or to continue on to masters level. Those in the technology stream will also gain a foundational knowledge of mathematics, physical sciences, and computer science as they relate to the urban environment. Students in administrative sciences will be able to understand the administrative, political, and economic phenomena in cities, as well as the key concepts

in administrative sciences. Finally, students in the social science stream will understand the key theories, concepts and methods in social sciences, and the societal significance of social research. The curriculum has been designed with core courses on sustainability throughout the degree, bringing together the students in the separate streams for these common interdisciplinary and/or transdisciplinary courses in each year of study.

**Figure 1.** Degree structure and curriculum.

The degree program has resulted in the development of several new courses, common to all SUD students. These courses are intended to integrate across the degree curriculum, unifying concepts and providing interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary perspectives on common subject matters. This enables students to make connections and give broader perspectives on the issues they have been taught in more traditional subject-specific courses. Common courses have been developed and are delivered by three lecturers, one from each faculty, using team-based teaching to deliver integrated learning; these lecturers are provided the resources and support from the university to do so.

While the common integrating courses are intended to provide an interdisciplinary foundation, a unique element of the SUD degree program is the transdisciplinary teaching in the two Urban Lab courses. These courses will enable students to engage in real-life urban development projects in collaboration with public organizations such as the City of Tampere, or with commercial organizations. Currently, urban lab projects done in collaboration with Tampere city will make use of a future city district—Hiedanranta—as a real-life laboratory. Hiedanranta is being developed as a testbed for innovative projects related to smart and sustainable housing, energy, transportation, and business, providing ample opportunities for students to engage with actors outside of the university on realworld projects. These project-based courses also allow for students to collaborate between streams to get continued experience working with different perspectives.
