Study information

Life Cycle Analysis - 2021 entry

MODULE TITLELife Cycle Analysis CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEENE3004 MODULE CONVENERProf Xiaoyu Yan (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 12
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 15
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

This module introduces the concept, methodologies and available tools and databases of life cycle analysis (LCA) and its applications in the energy industry, covering different energy generation and consumption technologies.   

The module is suitable for all students that have completed the first 2 years on the undergraduate BSc and MEng Renewable Energy degree programmes and is recommended for interdisciplinary pathways involving similar studies.

AIMS - intentions of the module

This module aims to give you a holistic view of the sustainability of different energy technologies, covering technical, environmental, economic and social aspects, as well as practical skills to conduct life cycle analysis.

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. have a good understanding of the scientific, policy and industrial/commercial relevance of LCA.
2. have a good understanding of the life cycle environmental, economic and social impacts of different energy technologies.
3. use LCA software tools to assess and compare different energy technologies.

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

4. critically evaluate scientific evidence and synthesise data from a range of sources with awareness of the uncertainties
5. apply mathematical and statistical methods in modelling
6. appreciate the trade-offs between different aspects within complex systems when making decisions.

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge

7. develop interdisciplinary and holistic thinking
8. draw appropriate conclusions under different circumstances and/or with limited information while being aware of limitations of the methodology
9. produce high-quality technical reports

 

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
  • Introduction to the concept, methodologies and common tools and databases of LCA and its scientific, policy and industrial/commercial context
  • LCA of electricity generation from conventional and unconventional fossil fuels, hydro and nuclear power plants, solar energy technologies including PV and concentrated solar power, onshore and offshore wind turbines, and wave and tidal devices
  • LCA of bioenergy systems, primarily liquid biofuels
  • LCA of transport technologies and fuels, covering combustion engines and conventional and alternative fuels and various electric vehicles including hybrid, plugin hybrid, battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles
  • Use of LCA software such GaBi or OpenLCA
  • Comparing different energy technologies using LCA and understanding its limitations
  • Writing LCA reports
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 30 Guided Independent Study 120 Placement / Study Abroad
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 30 Lectures, tutorials and workshops
Guided Independent Study 120 Private 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
       
       
       
       
       
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 100 Written Exams 0 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Coursework 30 2000 words equivalent written words 1, 2, 4, 7, 9 Written
Coursework 70 4000 words equivalent written words All 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 Assessment As above Aug Ref/Def Period
       
       

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

As above: 2 pieces of coursework.

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:

ISO 14040:2006 Environmental management -- Life cycle assessment -- Principles and framework     

ISO 14044:2006 Environmental management -- Life cycle assessment -- Requirements and guidelines

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

 

Web based and Electronic Resources:

 

Other Resources:

 

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Curran, Mary Ann Life Cycle Assessment Handbook: A Guide for Environmentally Sustainable Products Wiley 2012 978-1-118-09972-8
Set Sorensen, Bent Life-Cycle Analysis of Energy Systems: From Methodology to Applications Royal Society of Chemistry 2011 978-1-84973-145-4
Set Singh, Anoop; Pant, Deepak; Olsen, Stig Irving (Eds.) Life Cycle Assessment of Renewable Energy Sources Springer 2013 978-1-4471-5363-4
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 6 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 10th July 2018 LAST REVISION DATE Wednesday 7th October 2020
KEY WORDS SEARCH Life cycle analysis, sustainability, energy, environment, emission, impact

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