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Module

SPG8017 : Introduction to Photovoltaics

  • Offered for Year: 2022/23
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Adrian Oila
  • Lecturer: Miss Sharon Joyce, Professor Lidija Siller, Dr Alasdair Charles
  • Owning School: Engineering
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Semester 1 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 5.0

Aims

The aim of the Introduction to Photovoltaics Module is to introduce primarily non-engineering students to the photovoltaics technologies available. The module will also provide students from a non-engineering background with an awareness of technological, economic, environmental and resource aspects of PV technologies. This module will focus on photovoltaic technology, including cell and system operation, the range of applications currently addressed and implementation aspects both technical and non-technical.

Outline Of Syllabus

-Solar Resources

-PV cell, module and system design, manufacture and performance

-PV applications and implementation, economics and environmental benefits

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Structured Guided LearningLecture materials101:0010:00Non-synchronous online
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture71:007:00PiP sessions
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion140:0040:00Assessment preparation and completion
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching21:002:00PiP Tutorials
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study141:0041:00Review lecture notes and recommended texts as appropriate
Total100:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Recorded lectures will be used to introduce the main topics. PiP lectures will be used to deliver material not covered in the recorded lectures and also to revise the content of recorded lectures.

The small group teaching sessions are supervised activities in which the students apply the knowledge that they gain during lectures.


Plan B: In case of Covid-19 disruption:

• PiP lectures will switch to non-synchronous online learning (lecture material in Canvas)

• PiP tutorial sessions will switch to synchronous online learning (delivered via Zoom and Canvas)

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Essay1M100Assignment on a given topic.
Formative Assessments
Description Semester When Set Comment
Computer assessment1MCanvas quizzes with feedback throughout the module.
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The Report provides an appropriate way to assess both theoretical understanding and practical problem solving skills. It also develops the ability to apply the broad base of scientific principles in conjunction with deeper knowledge and understanding in a specific subject area.

Reading Lists

Timetable