Study information

Science for Energy Engineering - 2021 entry

MODULE TITLEScience for Energy Engineering CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODECSM1037 MODULE CONVENERProf Asif Tahir (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 12
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 48
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content
A sound appreciation of fundamental chemistry is relevant for understanding renewable technologies and the challenges we face to achieve zero carbon energy. This module starts with an exploration of atomic structure, highlighting how atoms are classified in the Periodic Table of the Elements and different arrangements of atoms and chemical reactions. In this module you will develop an understanding of chemistry and how they it relates to your course as well as key skills, methods and practice in studying and applying chemistry and chemical reactions in renewable energy technologies. 
 
There are no pre-requisite or co-requisite modules required to undertake this module, which is intended to be of use to all Year 1 students - especially those subjects with some chemistry component. This module is suitable for non-specialist students with an interest in the subject and may be applicable for interdisciplinary pathways.
AIMS - intentions of the module

This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the chemistry that underpins key technologies in the clean energy engineering process. It will introduce you to the basic concepts of atomic structure and bonding before moving on to address the basic chemistry and chemical reactions underpinning developments of biofuels, energy storage, fuel cells and solar energy conversion. It will also introduce techniques for chemical analysis and provide an introduction to chemical laboratory practice. 

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. Understand atomic structure and chemical bonding
2. Understand chemical reactions related to renewable energy technologies
3. Comprehend the role of chemistry in biofuels production
4. Understand the role of chemistry in energy storage processes
5. Understand the role of chemical reactions in fuel cell technology
6. Understand the role of material chemistry in solar energy conversion
7. Show an understanding of how to conduct and interpret laboratory experiments
 
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge
 
8. Apply a range of science focused skills
9. Demonstrate effective work and communication in the area of chemistry applications for renewable energy engineering
Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge
10. Develop analytical problem-solving skills
11. Demonstrate effective communication skills and group working abilities
12. Demonstrate an awareness laboratory procedures and safety protocols.
 
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
- Fundamental principles: The atom, the periodic table, bonding, chemical reactions
- Organic chemistry (carbon chemistry)
- Biofuels and combustion chemistry
- Chemistry of hydrogen
- Electrochemistry
- Chemistry of energy storage (‘battery chemistry’)
- Semiconductor chemistry of solar energy conversion
- Laboratory safety
- Laboratory techniques
 
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 36 Guided Independent Study 114 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 24 Lectures
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 12 Tutorials
Guided independent study 114 Lecture and assessment preparation, wider reading

 

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
       
       
       
       
       
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 30 Written Exams 70 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Written Report 40 2000 words 1-6, 8-11 Written feedback sheet
ELE quiz 20 1 hr 1, 2, 7, 12 Written feedback sheet
Examination 40 1.5 hours 1-6, 10 Examination Mark
         
         

 

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
Coursework element comprising report/quiz Report/ Quiz weighted as above As above Aug Ref/Def period
Examination Examination As above Aug Ref/Def period
       

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES
Written Report    40
ELE Quiz            20
Examination       40
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:

 

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

 

Web based and Electronic Resources:

Report writing - http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/assets/hlst/documents/heinfe_exchange/blended_learning_pdp_materials/5_reportwriting.pdf

Group work/dynamics – http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/improving-group-dynamics.htm and http://www1.wfh.org/publication/files/pdf-1245.pdf

Other Resources:

 

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Lewis, M. and Waller, G. Thinking chemistry GCSE Oxford University Press 1999
Set Lewis, R. and Evans, W. Chemistry Macmillan Foundation 1997
Set Peet, J.H.H Fundamentals of Chemistry Longman 1978
Set Steedman, W., Snadden, R.B. & Anderson, I.H Chemistry for Engineering and Applied Sciences 2nd Pergamon Press 1980
Set Tennent, R.M., Science Data Book. Oliver and Boyd 1990
Set Gill, R. Chemical fundamentals of geology Chapman and Hall 1996
Set Gill, R. Modern analytical geo-chemistry Longman 1997
Set Duke, C.V.A. and Williams, C.D. Chemistry for Environmental and Earth Sciences 1st CRC Press 2007 978-0849339349
Set Harrison, R.M., de Mora, S.J. Introductory chemistry for the environmental sciences 2nd Cambridge University Press 1996
Set Davies J.W. Communication skills : a guide for engineering and applied science students 2nd Longman 2010 978-0130882943
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 4 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 10th July 2018 LAST REVISION DATE Wednesday 3rd February 2021
KEY WORDS SEARCH Chemistry, science, energy, renewable energy, energy storage

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