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PHY-10034 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2024/25 Last Updated: 29 June 2024

PHY-10034 - Climate Change and Renewable Energy
Coordinator: Nicholas Wright Tel: +44 1782 7 34997
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 4
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
School Office: 01782 734921

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

This module provides a quantitative view of climate change, energy generation in the world today and the need (and means) to transition to renewable energy.
This module will introduce the basics of energy generation, storage and distribution, with a focus on sources of renewable energy. It will cover
the different methods of renewable energy generation and the necessary transition that a country's energy network must make to be suitable for renewable energy. It will also discuss the need for a transition to renewable energy and the physics of climate change, the estimation of carbon footprints, and methods for reducing energy consumption.

Aims
This module aims to provide students on the "Physics with Renewable Energy" degree with an introduction to the science and evidence behind climate physics, climate change, renewable (and non-renewable) energy generation methods, energy storage and distribution networks, and the broader context in which a transition to renewable energy sources is necessary. The module aims to enhance the students' evidence-based knowledge and basic analytical skills in assessing the need for, and feasibility of, different forms of renewable energy in different countries and for different purposes. It also aims to provide the students with an understanding of the scientific principles behind the different forms of fossil fuel-based and renewable energy, allowing them to make simple estimates of the energy generated from each method.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Describe how the Earth¿s climate works, how it responds to internal or external changes, and the evidence for global climate change.: 4
Quantify how different processes contribute to global climate change in the form of carbon footprints, and articulate the need for a transition to renewable energy.: 3,4
Explain how different types of renewable (and non-renewable) energy generation methods work and be able to calculate the amount of energy generated from each.: 1,2
Evaluate different energy storage methods and their application to renewable and non-renewable energy networks.: 1
Communicate the current landscape of energy generation and distribution in a UK and worldwide context, and what is needed to transition to a renewable energy network.: 1
Perform experimental work on renewable energy generation and storage, keeping accurate accounts of the methodology and results, and work in a team to communicate the process and results of the practical work.: 2

Study hours

Active learning sessions:
Classroom sessions = 30 hours
Laboratory sessions = 18 hours
Carbon footprint workshop = 4 hours
Independent study:
Carbon footprint report preparation = 15 hours
Class test preparation = 25 hours
Group work and preparation for laboratory presentation = 28 hours
Final report preparation = 30 hours
Private study = 150 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Report weighted 35%
Project Report
Students will write a ~1000 word report, qualitatively assessing the renewable energy portfolio of an assigned country (statistics will be provided) and making recommendations for how the country can transition to renewable energy, given the features of the country and their knowledge of the different types of renewable energy.

2: Presentation weighted 25%
Laboratory Demonstrations
Students will produce a narrated 10-minute presentation (from video or powerpoint) presenting the results of one of the laboratory experiments (randomly assigned, in groups of 3-4) from the laboratory component of the course.

3: Case Study weighted 15%
Carbon Footprint Assessment
Students will describe and analyse both their own carbon footprint and that of a given process or event (e.g., building a house or an academic conference). Students will estimate these carbon footprints by considering their different aspects and will be guided in this process and provided with supporting information. They will then be asked to describe ideas about how the carbon footprints could be reduced. The report will be approximately ~1000 words, with supporting calculations, and will contain the same steps for all students.

4: Class Test weighted 25%
Climate Physics Test
A 1-hour, closed-book class test focussing on Climate Physics and Climate Change material that is best assessed using a test format. The test will include a mixture of qualitative and quantitative questions.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 29 June 2024