PHY3222 - Module Description

MODULE TITLE	Energy, Materials and Sustainability					CREDIT VALUE	15
MODULE CODE	PHY3222		MODULE CONVENER			Dr S.M. Strawbridge and Dr K. Papadopoulou

DURATION	TERM	1	2	3	Number Students Taking Module (anticipated)		30
	WEEKS		T2:01-11

DESCRIPTION – summary of the module content (100 words)

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 – intentions of the module

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) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

Describe the impact of energy generation currently and in the future
Outline the principles of established and new energy-generating techniques and critically assess their advantages and disadvantages
Understand the need to not just generate energy but to store energy on scale and reduce energy demand.
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:

Understand local and global demand for resources
Analyse data regarding energy generation and consumption
Understand key components of energy systems
Critically assess new energy-generating and energy storage techniques and sustainable materialsresearch and write background material;

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:

Communicate ideas effectively through written and oral means
Undertake independent study and build time management skills
Identify, and evaluate data from a variety of sources
Prepare and present information via a range of media
Work effectively and constructively in a team environment
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 – summary of the structure and academic content of the module

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 (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities

22 hours

Guided independent study

128 hours

Placement/study abroad

0 hours

DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS