Units for Programmes in Natural Sciences 2009/10 |
XX30191: Energy and environment |
Credits: | 6 |
Level: | Honours |
Period: | Semester 2 |
Assessment: | ES20EX80 |
Supplementary Assessment: | Supplementary assessment information not currently available (this will be added shortly) |
Requisites: | Before taking this unit you must take XX20001 and while taking this unit you must take CE30145 or take CE40129 |
Description: | Aims: To provide a scientific overview of contemporary problems and policy issues concerning energy supply and use in human societies, with special focus on the UK. Learning Outcomes: The student will be able to display knowledge and understanding of: * Energy as the basis of many environmental issues. * Limits to the growth of energy use. * Impacts of intensive energy use. * Limitations of energy resources. * Energy choices and responses at different levels; global, national, local. * Decarbonising options. Skills: Written communication T/F/A, Data acquisition, handling and analysis T/F/A, Problem solving T/F/A, Working as part of a group F. Content: Global energy issues: climate change and energy use; decarbonising the world; energy scenarios and policies; nuclear power (case study). National energy policy: supporting renewables; tidal power (case study). Thinking globally, acting locally: autonomy, sustainability, interdependence; local community initiatives (case study). Limits to growth?: sustainable consumption; limits to energy saving; limits to energy supply. |