Module overview
The module provides an understanding of general energy concepts and how to apply energy related techniques gained through specialist courses to every-day situations. We will also take a look at the energy flows around our planet and consider issues such as the greenhouse effect. Questions that will be discussed in this course include:
- How do we use energy?
- How long will fossil fuels last?
- What are the principal barriers to hydrogen economy?
- How do we select the optimum energy mix?
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Examine fossil fuel depletion by Hubbert's theory [Contribute to EAB learning outcomes P9M]
- Analyse environmental impact of energy technologies [Contribute to EAB learning outcomes EL9M]
- Discuss the radiative balance of the Earth using a simple model [Contribute to EAB learning outcomes EL9M]
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Historical evolution of energy production and usage and the link to economic development [Contribute to EAB learning outcomes EL9M]
- Origins of the renewable energy sources based on energy flows around the Earth [Contribute to EAB learning outcomes EL11M]
- Fuel cycles and link to environmental impact [Contribute to EAB learning outcomes EL11M]
- A general introduction to solar, wind, biomass, geothermal and ocean energy [Contribute to EAB learning outcomes EA5M]
- Exploitation of fossil fuel resources [Contribute to EAB learning outcomes EL9M]
- Alternative energy systems such as hydrogen economy [Contribute to EAB learning outcomes EL12M]
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Develop analytical skills based on observed data [Contribute to EAB learning outcomes EA7M]
- Apply theoretical techniques to real-life situations [Contribute to EAB learning outcomes EA6M]
Syllabus
This module consists of four themes:
(1) Energy and the urban environment: Energy usage in industrial society: Historical introduction. Sankey diagram, energy sectors. Integration. CHP, energy in the built environment.
(2) Hydrogen and photovoltaics: Hydrogen economy. Properties, sources and methods of production and storage of hydrogen. Examples of automotive applications of hydrogen as a fuel. Introduction to photovoltaics.
(3) Earth energy flows: Radiative energy balance of the Earth, the greenhouse effect. The global circulation of air in the atmosphere.
(4) Fossil fuels, renewables, nuclear power: A brief overview of renewables: Solar, wind, biomass, geothermal and ocean energy. Fossil fuels – perspective, impact. Nuclear power sources – fission and fusion.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include
Lecture, Supervision and Seminars (if speakers available), and revision which develop the themes described in this module.
Learning activities include
- Individual study of social, environmental or economic aspects of energy.
- Discussions during/after lectures and seminars.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Completion of assessment task | 20 |
| Tutorial | 8 |
| Wider reading or practice | 64 |
| Lecture | 28 |
| Revision | 30 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Internet Resources
Course resources on Blackboard.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Continuous Assessment | 20% |
| Final Assessment | 80% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Set Task | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Set Task | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External