Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2023-2024 (archived)

Module BUSI4S310: Whole Energy Systems

Department: Management and Marketing

BUSI4S310: Whole Energy Systems

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 10 Availability Not available in 2023/24 Module Cap None.
Tied to H1KC24

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • This module is designed solely for students studying on the Master of Energy Systems Management
  • To provide an overview and describe the characteristics of heating and cooling systems that are not based on carbon technologies.

Content

  • Whole system energy overview (balancing security of supply, cost and environmental impact)
  • The risks in running a low carbon energy system
  • The direction of energy innovation and the future of energy systems
  • Engagement and culture change of consumers of energy (public and industry)
  • Digitisation of the energy system
  • The socioeconomic impacts of energy systems and the ethical considerations
  • Awareness and understanding of the principles of community, decentralised and democratised energy systems

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Awareness and understanding of how an energy system operates
  • A knowledge and understanding of the benefits and limitations of technologies currently used or being developed
  • Awareness and understanding of the impact of democratised energy systems
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Ability to evaluate the environmental effects from energy production and use
  • Understanding of the options for energy systems
  • Ability to evaluate technologies used in reducing environmental impact
  • Define ethics in relation to energy use
  • Ability to develop a narrative to explain alternate lifestyles and explain how these reduce Carbon Emissions
Key Skills:
  • Planning and managing time
  • Problem solving in complex multidisciplinary environments
  • Strategic thinking across a broad range of environmental and technical factors

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

  • The module content is delivered in lectures.
  • Students can make use of staff 'Tutorial Hours' to discuss any aspect of the module with teaching staff. These are sign up sessions which will be available to the students

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 25 Typically block taught over two weeks for full time students 1 hour 25
Preparation and reading 75
Total 100

Summative Assessment

Component: Coursework Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Coursework 3000 words 100%

Formative Assessment:

Short video presentation on benefits and limitations of one or more technologies currently used or being developed. With supporting handout.


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