The first module of the LIFE-C course is titled “Introduction to life cycle thinking and assessment”, and quite self-explanatory, introduces the course participants to a broad understanding of the sustainability issues, and highlights the need to introduce the LCT in everyday activities, from everyday life to research and business. The course structure guides the students through the ISO 14040-14044 framework for conducting LCA, from goal and scope, system boundary, and functional unit definition to life cycle inventory, impact assessment, and results interpretation.
The main assignment for this course module is a critical review of the selected LCA scientific paper, study, or report, performed and finally presented by the students and course participants.
The learning outcomes after completing the first LIFE-C course modules are based on understanding the idea of LCT and LCA, being able to spot the need and usefulness of LCA, as well as interpret and discuss the given LCA results. In our opinion, the first module of the LIFE-C course is the best introduction to the topic of LCA for anyone interested in starting or improving in the field of LCA, as well as everyone who will work with LCA specialists, to learn the LCA language and mitigate the communication barriers in the field of sustainability.