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

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.

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