Study information

Energy Options and Sustainability - 2019 entry

MODULE TITLEEnergy Options and Sustainability CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODECSMM407 MODULE CONVENERUnknown
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 1-12
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 0
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

It is generally accepted that developed countries need to reduce emissions from their production and use of energy.  However, there is no established consensus about which energy supply options should be chosen to ensure that future energy systems are sustainable as well as low carbon.  You will start by looking at the varying energy options available, you will determine the strengths and weaknesses of these as well as providing analysis of the performance and sustainability of energy systems

AIMS - intentions of the module

Within this module you will examine some of the more common potential options for future energy supply in the context of both their carbon performance and their sustainability.  In particular you will look at the controversial aspects of a range of energy technologies and consider what system factors may play a role in their subsequent neglect or deployment.

The module aims to develop your critical abilities in assessing potential future energy supply options and their implications for the sustainability of energy systems as a whole.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
 
1 critically assess and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different energy supply options;
2 critically assess and evaluate claims about different supply options from a range of system actors;
3 understand the system implications of deploying different options for both the carbon performance and the sustainability of energy systems.
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
4 apply conceptual and theoretical arguments in the discussion of issues relating to energy policy;
5 critically analyse energy policies from around the globe;
6 synthesise material from a broad range of relevant areas in addressing specific questions about energy policy;
7 identify and apply appropriate methodologies in the context of research on energy policy;
8 undertake research in a rigorous and ethically sound manner (when considering human subjects);
9 demonstrate a self-reflexive approach to learning.
Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge:
10 Effective written and oral communication of subject based knowledge and academic and research skills;
11 Problem identification and solving;
12 Effective organisation and presentation of material and ideas in different formats;
13 Management of deadlines and targets;
14 Independent learning;
15 Effective group working skills.
 
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

- module introduction and overview;
- energy scenarios  their development and use;
- renewables;
- carbon capture and storage;
- nuclear power and fusion;
- biofuels;
- sustainable heat;
- infrastructure and system issues

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 16 Guided Independent Study 134 Placement / Study Abroad
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 8 Lectures Overview of the main features of different energy supply options
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 8 Seminars
Guided independent study 134 Independent study

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Not applicable      
       
       
       
       

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 50 Written Exams 0 Practical Exams 50
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Learning diary 50 3,000 words All Written
Seminar presentation(s) 50 15-20 minutes All Verbal and written
         
         
         

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Summative assessment Additional summative assignment Weighting as above August Ref/Def period
       
       

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

As above 1 piece of CW 100%

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Basic reading:

Department for Trade and Industry (2007), Meeting the Energy Challenge, A White Paper on Energy, May

2007, http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file39387.pdf                                                  

DECC (2009), The UK Low Carbon Transition Plan; National Strategy for Climate and Energy,          

<a href="http://www.decc.gov.uk/Media/viewfile.ashx?FilePath=White%20Papers" target="_blank">http://www.decc.gov.uk/Media/viewfile.ashx?FilePath=White%20Papers</a>\UK%20Low%20Carbon%20Transition  

%20Plan%20WP09\1_20090724153238_e_@@_lowcarbontransitionplan.pdf&filetype=4                

DECC (2010), 2050 Pathways Analysis,                                                               

http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/what_we_do/lc_uk/2050/2050.aspx                              

MacKay, D (2008), Sustainable Energy  without the hot air, http://www.withouthotair.com/         

ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Boyle, G., Everett, B., Ramage, J. Energy Systems and Sustainability OUP 2003 000-0-199-26179-2
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 10th July 2018 LAST REVISION DATE Tuesday 10th July 2018
KEY WORDS SEARCH Energy; renewables; emissions; biofuels; nuclear; carbon capture; sustainable; infrastructure.

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.