Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2012-2013 (archived)

Module ENGI41615: Renewable Energy and the Environment

Department: Engineering

ENGI41615: Renewable Energy and the Environment

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2012/13 Module Cap None.
Tied to H1K609

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To introduce UK energy policy with regards renewable energy.
  • To discuss energy resource issues and the impact of renewables.
  • To discuss global and UK energy use and its effect on the environment.
  • To introduce renewable energy conversion technologies as alternatives to fossil-based energy conversion.
  • To develop students' project management skills.
  • To give students an appreciation of the industrial aspects of new and renewable energy systems.

Content

  • Energy use, conventional energy sources.
  • Renewable energy resources.
  • UK and international energy policy.
  • Wind/PV/Biomass/Solar thermal/Wave/Tidal fundamentals.
  • Industry lectures on key aspects of the renewable energy industry.
  • Project management techniques

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • To understand and be able to explain UK energy policy. A1, A4, C2.
  • To be able to describe, assess and analyse the different conversion technologies needed for a variety of conventional and new energy sources. A1, B2, B4, C3.
  • To be able to calculate the power output from these sources. B2, B4, C3.
  • To be able to make a critical appraisal between the technological efficacy and commercial feasibility of different energy sources. A1, B2, B4.
  • To be able to understand how the theories fit with current industrial practice. B3.
Subject-specific Skills:
    Key Skills:

      Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

      • Lectures to cover fundamental theories, policy and project planning.
      • Industrial lectures to provide an insight to current industrial practice.
      • Examinations to assess knowledge, understanding and application.

      Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

      Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
      Lectures 24 weekly 1 hour 24
      Tutorials 19 1 hour 19
      Preparation and Reading 107
      Total 150

      Summative Assessment

      Component: Assignment Component Weighting: 40%
      Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
      Assignment: Renewable Energy and The Environment 2000 words 100%
      Component: Examination Component Weighting: 60%
      Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
      written examination May/June 2 hours 100%

      Formative Assessment:

      Self assessed problem sheets.


      Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University