As part of the ENVISION project, we have created an Advanced Course in Strategic Environmental Assessment for Sustainable Cities, which is a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC). The course is available only in Portuguese.
To access the course, you need to have a University of Aveiro account. If you do not yet have one, you can create it here: https://id.ua.pt/CriarUtilizadorVisit.aspx
After obtaining your external visitor account at the University of Aveiro (UU@visit.uaveiro.eu), you can access the MOOC via the following link:
https://elearning-projetos.ua.pt/course/view.php?id=1863
Once logged in with a UA or visitor account, students must self-enroll using the password: Cidades
More Information About the Course:
Course Structure and Organization
The course is structured into four main modules, each covering a key aspect of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in the context of sustainable cities.
Each module combines short videos, complementary readings, and, in some cases, podcast episodes.
The flexible format allows participants to follow the course at their own pace, ensuring a learning experience tailored to their needs.
Required Knowledge and Skills
This course is designed for professionals in the field of Strategic Environmental Assessment (e.g., SEA consultants and technicians, planners, decision-makers) who wish to deepen their competencies in SEA as a tool to promote more sustainable cities.
It is also intended for those who, already familiar with SEA, want to broaden their understanding in order to actively participate in the process, such as members of NGOs or other organizations.
Additionally, the course may serve as a supplement to curricular units in master’s degree programs.
To take this course, a solid understanding of Strategic Environmental Assessment is essential. It is also recommended that participants have a working knowledge of English, as some course materials are available in that language.
Course Outline
Module 0: Introduction to the ENVISION project and scope of the MOOC
Module 1: Preliminary Concepts
- Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of Municipal Master Plans (PDM): key concepts
- The role of SEA in transforming urban systems toward sustainability
Module 2: Participation, actors, and networks in the SEA of PDMs
- Public participation and involvement of Authorities with Specific Environmental Responsibilities (ERAE) in SEA of PDMs
- Relationships between Municipal Administration and Citizens in SEA of PDMs
Module 3: Monitoring and follow-up of SEA in PDMs
- The SEA monitoring process in Portuguese municipalities: challenges and opportunities
Module 4: Rethinking SEA
- SEA for sustainable cities: Best practices and recommendations for SEAs of PDMs