ESC-40034: An Introduction to Sustainable Technologies

To provide students with an overview of key concepts, debates, processes and discourses with regards to the main $ùclean'(er) and sustainable technologies. In addition, students will gain a good general understanding across the field, which will prepare them to specialise in greater depth in one or more areas in their research project.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate, critically evaluate, communicate effectively and apply awareness, systematic understanding and informed concern of earth science challenges in the development and exploitation of the range of available sustainable technologies, their advantages and disadvantages and the contribution they can make to energy supply and security, carbon reduction, maintaining a diverse environment and meeting the demand for environmental commodities. Will be achieved by assessments: 3
Demonstrate, critically evaluate, communicate effectively and apply awareness, systematic understanding and informed concern of the scientific, economic and political dimensions of these technologies and the contribution they might make in the UK, Europe and internationally. Will be achieved by assessments: 1,4.
Demonstrate a full systematic understanding of, critically evaluate, be able to discuss and communicate effectively on and and apply awareness, of the extensive literature in the academic mainstream, grey and internet domains pertaining to these technologies. Will be achieved by assessments: 1,4.
Produce a detailed presentation on a topic in sustainable technology and deliver an effective presentation with questions and discussion using PowerPoint. Will be achieved by assessments: 3.
Be able to take a topic, develop a framework for group learning and lead and facilitate a discussion. Will be achieved by assessments: 2

Study hours

Seminars 24 hours
Visits 48 hours
Presentation and group facilitation preparation 24
Independent study 54 hours

Description of Module Assessment

01: 3 Hour Exam weighted 50%

3 hour written examination
Unseen examination with a selection of questions of varying types (short answerrs, multiple choise, l;onger essay questions chosen to give students of varying ability the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge

02: Performance (must pass this element)

Chair Round Table Discussion
Feed back from Course Team on Organisation, Management and effectiveness of Chair

03: Oral Presentation weighted 10%

15 min presentation on a research topic
Students will give a 15-minute presentation on their research, using PowerPoint. This will be a mock conference presentation that gives students experience in delivering the key findings of work-in-progress to colleagues and inviting feedback. Peer evaluation and feedback is an essential aspect of this assessment. Feedback will assist the students to fine-tune their research and analysis of the topic they have chosen for their research essay.

04: Essay weighted 40%

Students will research and write a journal-length (3,000-word max.) essay on a topic relevant to the module.
Essay questions will be provided, but students may also propose their own topic. The essay should develop an in depth understanding of one or more environmental technologies, problem or question. The essay must also be introduced by a 300 word abstract and 5 key words.

Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Mar/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.