Description

This module will allow you to develop a critical, scientific, and pragmatic understanding of the role energy and materials can play in building a sustainable future. The module will emphasise the relationship human activity has with our only finite resource, the Earth. The environmental and societal impacts of acquiring energy and primary resources required to survive as a species will be explored. We will discuss the costs and limitations of manufacturing using more sustainable materials on a planet with finite resources. You will gain a strong background in renewable energy generation and new materials to help build a sustainable future.

Module Aims

This module will provide you with: A global perspective of our total energy and resource needs now and in the future. An overview of established energy sources. An overview of renewable energy sources including photovoltaics, wind, and wave power An overview of how these more sustainable technologies can help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, and the environmental implications of the move to renewable energy sources.

In addition, the module will enable you to: Investigate the current and potential future energy storage technologies including batteries and demands on raw materials needed for the manufacture. Discuss ways to reduce energy demand. Discuss energy inequality in a global context. Critically assess the costs and benefits of various energy supply scenarios

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

A student who has passed this module should be able to:

• Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
  1. Describe the impact of energy generation currently and in the future
  2. Outline the principles of established and new energy-generating techniques and critically assess their advantages and disadvantages
  3. Understand the need to not just generate energy but to store energy on scale and reduce energy demand.
  4. Understand how more sustainable materials can help tackle the climate change challengeinvestigate areas of physics in a systematic way using appropriate experimental and/or theoretical techniques;
• Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
  5. Understand local and global demand for resources
  6. Analyse data regarding energy generation and consumption
  7. Understand key components of energy systems
  8. Critically assess new energy-generating and energy storage techniques and sustainable materialsresearch and write background material;
• Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
  9. Communicate ideas effectively through written and oral means
  10. Undertake independent study and build time management skills
  11. Identify, and evaluate data from a variety of sources
  12. Prepare and present information via a range of media
  13. Work effectively and constructively in a team environment
  14. Have a professional and yet personal position on ideas and actions regarding the role of energy and materials in building a sustainable future.organise a programme of work

Syllabus Plan

Whilst the module's precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:

Current and future energy demand

Finite energy sources (fossil fuels)

Sustainable energy sources (solar, wind and wave power, geothermal, hydroelectric, nuclear power, organic matter/biofuels, hydrogen as clean fuel) Environmental Impacts of Energy Production (acid rain, stratospheric ozone depletion etc).

Emissions Reduction and Waste Management

Physics of new energy storage materials/battery technologies (graphene, MAX phases, MXenes, thermoelectrics) including simulation methods in materials physics The energy and materials transition

Urban sustainability, and challenges and opportunities for sustainable energy generation

Learning and Teaching

Learning Activities and Teaching Methods

Assessment

Notes:  Refer to the detailed description of the BSc Final Year Group Projects assessment criteria in the Physics Handbook.

Resources

The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of information that students are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Instructor(s).

Core text:

• Not applicable

Supplementary texts:

• Not applicable

ELE:

• http://newton.ex.ac.uk/redirects/ELE/PHY3222

Further Information

Prior Knowledge Requirements

Re-assessment

Re-assessment is not available except when required by referral or deferral.

KIS Data Summary

Miscellaneous