ESC-40031 - Module Specification
School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

Barred Combinations

Description for 2024/25

This is a core module for the MSc in Environmental Sustainability and Green Technology. It aims to provide students with an overview of key concepts, debates, processes and discourses in relation to technologies which derive energy from above the ground, ie those which we know as renewable including wind/wave/solar and new build and existing nuclear energies, emphasising how we can minimise carbon footprint and assessing the contribution each might make to energy needs. The aim is that students will gain an in depth understanding across the field which will prepare them to specialise in an area for their dissertation

The aim of this module is to develop students' technical literacy around renewable technologies including bio, wind, wave, solar thermal and photovoltaic, hydro and marine energy. A framework to develop an appreciation of key drivers and barriers to energy development around the world is provided. The module aims to support professional skills development in technical information processing, feasibility assessment and specifying suitable technology for sites around the world taking into account economic, social and technical factors.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Detail and discuss the implications of complex issues in the development and exploitation of a range of renewable energy sources and identify the associated technological challenges with reference to current research literature at the forefront of the discipline: 1,2,

Use a wide range of appropriate sources of published literature, detailed technical and economic data to discuss the challenges in the capability and capacity of renewable resources in the context of energy security and energy storage research developments: 1,2,

Use a wide range of complex technical, economic and management information to evaluate, select and produce professional feasibility plans appropriate for renewable energy systems planning including identification of risk-factors: 1,2,

Present complex technical information and data on renewable sources and its implications in a way that is accessible to the intended specialist and/or non-specialist audience: 1,2,

Study hours

36hrs: Lectures contact time
24hrs: Presentation and preparation
20hrs: Independent research, reflection and writing
70hrs: independent study

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment