Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

Engineering first degree or other equivalent qualification

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the traditional energy sources using fossil fuel (oil, coal and natural gas) and an appreciation of the international and national policies governing climate change and sustainability. Students will gain an overview of the exploitation of these traditional fuels, the exploitation of unconventional sources of fossil fuels, and the evolving technologies for the clean use of fossil fuels. Industry guest lecturers will be invited to provide current perspectives on energy technologies and its impact on sustainability.

Outline Of Syllabus

•       Energy picture: General trend in energy consumption and present energy production technologies.
•       Resource understanding: Depleting and uneven distribution of natural resources.
•       Traditional Energy Resources (Coal, Natural Gas, Petroleum)
•       Unconventional Energy Resources (Nuclear, Geothermal, Shale Oil and Gas)
•       Climate Change and Energy
•       International and National Energy Policies
•       Carbon capture and sequestration
•       Emerging Energy Technologies

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

• Identify different types of traditional fossil fuels and be aware of the reserves of these fuels, and of their global consumption.
• Describe the risks and challenges associated with future exploitation of conventional and unconventional fossil fuels.
• To review a range of unconventional sources of fossil fuels.
• Synthesize the impact of fossil fuels on the global climate.
• Evaluate the policies which influence the development of energy policies at international and national level.
• Be aware of emerging energy technologies

Intended Skill Outcomes

• Identify energy resources and production technologies.
• Importance of cross-discipline knowledge for meaningful contribution to the energy debate.
• Identify environmental impact issues in the broader context of ‘sustainability’ and the need to address global as well as local issues.
• Group work and presentation skills.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures and module material provide core material and guidance for further reading. The module material also provides problem solving practice and improves planning skills and gives the students the opportunity to manage their own learning. Five hours of directed research is to give students practice assessing specific complex issues which will be discussed in the tutorials. The coursework develops research skills and the ability to utilise relevant information from different sources.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The examination is an appropriate way to assess both theoretical knowledge and understanding and problem solving skills under time-constraint as required in industry. The quizzes involves problem solving and theoretical questions to assess the students’ progress.

General Notes

N/A