ESC-30040 - Module Specification
School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

With almost 75% of the total greenhouse gas emissions relating to the energy sector, the development and rapid adoption of a range of "clean technologies" is central to local, national and global actions to deliver "net zero" carbon emissions and to address the climate crisis. This module explores the key elements of the accelerating "energy transition" away from fossil fuels with a specific focus on: energy efficiency, clean energy generation and storage, electrification and their integration within smart energy systems. This module will also enable participants' to develop and enhance their energy literacy skills, whilst showcasing current skills gaps and highlighting the diverse range of career and research opportunities available in this sector.

This module aims to provide a detailed introduction into the range of clean technologies central to the ongoing energy transition with a focus on clean energy generation and storage, the electrification of key sectors of the economy (e.g. transport) and the integration of these technologies within "smart energy systems". With the energy sector currently contributing c. 75% of global carbon emissions, this module critically evaluates the ability of these technologies to deliver the deep and immediate carbon reductions within both the Global North and the Global South required by the Paris Climate Agreement. The module also aims to enhance participants' energy literacy skills and to showcase current skills gaps and the diverse range of career and research opportunities in the sector.

Intended Learning Outcomes

To describe and explain the generation, flows and uses of energy within energy systems and to communicate using the standard terms and units used within the sector: 1,2
Describe a range of clean technologies central to the energy transition and their integration within smart energy systems: 1
Critically evaluate the ability of a specific clean technology to make a significant contribution to the carbon reduction targets included within net zero action plans and to identify both the potential barriers to its adoption (e.g. economic viability) and the possible negative consequences (e.g. contributions to social inequality): 2
Locate, evaluate and critically review research findings reported within both research and technical literature: 1,2

Study hours

12 x 2 hour teaching sessions (including a poster presentation session) - 24 hours
12 x 2 hour structured engagement with set reading or set listening - 24 hours
Coursework preparation and completion - 78 hours
Independent study - 24 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment