Course syllabus Space as an Operative Domain
Swedish name: Rymden som operativ domän
Course code:
2FS045
Valid from semester:
Spring Term 2027
Education cycle:
Second cycle
Scope:
7.5 credits
Progression:
A1N
Grading scale:
Three-grade scale
Main field of study:
Systems Science for Defence and Security
Department:
Department of Systems Science for Defence and Security
Subject:
Systems Science for Defence and Security
Language of instruction:
The teaching is conducted in English.
Entry requirements
Passed courses of at least 180 credits that include at least 7.5 credits in the field of defence, crisis management and security, a written thesis project of at least 15 credits, and English skills equivalent to English 6 or English Level 2.
Course content and structure
In this course, the student explores the opportunities and limitations of the space domain from the perspectives of defense systems and societal security. In this course, the student studies the historical development of the space domain, with particular focus on the interaction between civilian and military applications (dual-use) as a driving force for technological and strategic development. In the course, the student is also introduced to key theories of space power, as well as contemporary space-based capabilities and their significance for modern military operations and critical societal functions.
Teaching is conducted through lectures, seminars, group work, and an individual written assignment based on an independently chosen case or research question within the course subject area. The course structure is designed to promote the student’s ability to independently plan and carry out their studies.
Lectures
Seminars
Group work
Individual written assignment
Teaching is conducted through lectures, seminars, group work, and an individual written assignment based on an independently chosen case or research question within the course subject area. The course structure is designed to promote the student’s ability to independently plan and carry out their studies.
Type of instruction
Lectures
Seminars
Group work
Individual written assignment
Objectives
Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:
Knowledge and understanding
Competence and skills
Judgement and approach
Knowledge and understanding
- describe the limiting and fundamental conditions for space-based systems
- describe conflicts and warfare in space
- demonstrate knowledge of legal aspects relating to the space domain
Competence and skills
- analyze the capabilities of space-based systems
- demonstrate the effects of space services on the execution of total defence tasks
- analyze the strategies of key actors in space based on theories of space power
Judgement and approach
- discuss the relationship between space-based systems and terrestrial systems
- critically assess space-based systems from a holistic perspective.
Examination formats
The course is examinated through a mandatory seminar and an individual written assignment in which the student conducts an individual analysis/assessment.
The examiner may decide to request supplementary assignments for the student to be able to achieve a passing grade on the course. A supplementary assignment (kompletteringsuppgift) shall be submitted no later than 3 working days after the result and the supplementary assignment for the examination in question have been notified. Examination papers submitted late will not be graded unless special circumstances exist that are acceptable to the examiner.
The student is graded on a three-point grading scale: Fail (U), Pass (G) and Pass with Distinction (VG).
To obtain the grade Pass (G) for the course, active participation in the mandatory seminar and a passing grade on the individual written assignment are required.
To obtain the grade Pass with Distinction (VG) for the course, the student must, in addition to the requirements for a Pass (G), achieve the grade Pass with Distinction (VG) for the individual written assignment.
Grading criteria are reported at the latest at the start of the course.
There is no limit on the total number of examination opportunities.
The examiner may decide to request supplementary assignments for the student to be able to achieve a passing grade on the course. A supplementary assignment (kompletteringsuppgift) shall be submitted no later than 3 working days after the result and the supplementary assignment for the examination in question have been notified. Examination papers submitted late will not be graded unless special circumstances exist that are acceptable to the examiner.
Grading
The student is graded on a three-point grading scale: Fail (U), Pass (G) and Pass with Distinction (VG).
To obtain the grade Pass (G) for the course, active participation in the mandatory seminar and a passing grade on the individual written assignment are required.
To obtain the grade Pass with Distinction (VG) for the course, the student must, in addition to the requirements for a Pass (G), achieve the grade Pass with Distinction (VG) for the individual written assignment.
Grading criteria are reported at the latest at the start of the course.
Restrictions in number of examinations
There is no limit on the total number of examination opportunities.
Transitional provisions
When the course is no longer offered or when the course content has changed substantially, the student has the right to be examined once per semester during a three-term period in accordance with this syllabus.
Other regulations
- The course cannot be included in a degree with another course whose content fully or partially corresponds to the content of this course.
- If the Swedish Defence University has formally decided that the student is entitled to receive special educational support due to a disability, the examiner may decide on alternative forms of examination for the student.
- Upon completion of the course, the course director will conduct an evaluation, which informs any changes to the course.