69370 Innovations in Energy
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
Innovations in renewable energy solutions such as battery technologies, supercapacitors, and carbon capture will play a crucial role in achieving net-zero emission goals. While these innovations continue to be improved and developed in a research and development context, they are yet to bridge the gap into mass adoption. This subject delivers fundamental knowledge on the emerging energy technologies, including technologies that are expected to be the next state-of-the-art developments, from innovative clean energy conversion to energy storage. It also explores the transition from innovation to implementation for different energy technologies and how they may be accelerated for the future. Taking a multidisciplinary approach, students have the opportunity to focus on a chosen energy innovation and evaluate the impacts that implementing this technology might have from an economic, social and scientific perspective. The acquired knowledge equips students to participate in the rapidly evolving energy frontiers.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Evaluate and justify the benefits and shortcomings of emerging energy technologies |
|---|---|
| 2. | Analyse the social economic and environmental implications for the adaption of new energy technologies |
| 3. | Critically reflect on past energy innovations and recognise best practice for mass adoption |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of following course intended learning outcomes:
- Critically appraise, synthesise and apply advanced skills and knowledge to contribute to professional practice and scholarship relevant to sustainable energy technology and leadership. (1.1)
- Analyse data and information to design, conduct and disseminate appropriate independent research to solve complex sustainable energy and leadership problems. (2.1)
- Critically reflect on self and others' practices related to sustainable energy professional contexts, seek and act on feedback and take leading roles and responsibility for professional practice and learning. (4.1)
- Present and justify complex ideas around sustainable energy independently or in collaborative contexts using various communication approaches from a variety of methods (oral, written, digital and visual) to discipline experts, policy makers, consumers, scientists, industry, and the community. (5.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
The Faculty of Science has six graduate attributes that you will develop during your course at UTS. This subject is intended to develop four of these attributes:
Graduate Attribute 1 - Disciplinary knowledge
Students will develop an understanding of the latest innovations in energy that will enable a transition to clean, sustainable, and reliable energy production and consumption. They will look at the fundamental mechanisms for rechargeable batteries, supercapacitors and carbon capture technologies. These discipline-specific concepts are fostered through the learning materials and are enhanced through online independent learning activities. Upon completion of the subject, students should be able to understand the role and mechanism of energy storage technologies and carbon capture methods and be able to form hypotheses based on different problems and scenarios. Students should be able to critically evaluate various hypotheses and take a flexible methodology approach to the application of energy technologies for reliable and sustainable energy challenges. Students are expected to have a good understanding of the technologies and policies relevant to addressing energy problems with experts in the field and to identify the best practices. Students will be assessed on their knowledge across assessments tasks 1, 2 and 3.
Graduate Attribute 2 – Research, inquiry and critical thinking
Students will develop a foundation of current theoretical knowledge of innovative energy storage technologies, such as rechargeable batteries and supercapacitors. Students will also develop this knowledge for carbon capture methods. This will include the physics and chemistry behind them. Students will also develop a deep understanding of the policies and economic factors that affect clean energy and the implementation of different technologies. They will explore methodologies for improving the physical properties of these technologies and the trade-offs in achieving the best outcomes for different scenarios. They will learn about the latest research and developments and how to interpret and approach the scientific literature. This knowledge will then be applied to case studies and practical examples throughout the subject. Students will be guided through case studies using an inquiry-based approach framed in a professional context. Students will reflect on the application of these technologies and their advantages and disadvantages for energy storage and low-carbon management. Each scenario presents a challenge and encourages students to use their collaborative problem-solving skills to investigate, interpret and find a solution. Students will be encouraged to think critically about the materials presented and display these skills in the final assessment.
Graduate Attribute 4 – Reflection, innovation and creativity
Students will develop the ability to critically evaluate their own practices, seek and act on feedback and take responsibility for their professional practice and learning. This refers to the ability to critically evaluate their own practices, seek and act on feedback and take responsibility for their professional practice and learning. In this subject, the students are expected to be able to design energy storage, supercapacitors, and carbon capture systems, while understanding the policy and economic factors affecting their implementation. They will learn to analyse information ethically and accurately while managing the requirements of the technology. During the subject, students will advance their knowledge and skills to think critically about energy innovations, energy storage, carbon capture and energy policy. They will be able to develop innovative solutions to complex sustainability issues from a variety of perspectives. They will have the opportunity to apply and test their skills in the project assessment.
Graduate Attribute 5 – Communication skills
Students will be able to develop their communication skills as they will be able to interact with each other and the teaching staff in an online space. They will also develop their scientific vocabulary through these interactions and engagement with the online learning materials. They will be given feedback on their writing skills in both their online short answer questions and individual reports, designed to further help them communicate in professional scientific contexts. Students will also be assessed and given feedback on an oral/video presentation which will improve their ability to communicate energy and technology knowledge to a range of audiences.
Teaching and learning strategies
"Innovations in Energy" is a fully online educational program tailored for students to learn at their own pace. Students should be expected to dedicate 15-20 hours per week to complete the learning activities and work on assessment items. The subject delves into the significance of innovative technologies in the development of a clean energy network, offering a variety of engaging interactive content and media. Subject experts guide students through the learning process, while students engage in collaborative activities with peers through discussion boards and social polls, fostering essential skills and knowledge in a supportive online environment.
During the subject students will explore energy storage technologies, carbon capture and the policies and economic factors that affect their implementation and development. In regard to the technologies, students will learn the fundamental physics and chemistry of energy storage systems, supercapacitors, and carbon capturing systems, which will enable them to pursue a variety of career paths. Throughout the subject, authentic case studies will be presented, and students will have opportunities to share their thoughts and experiences in discussions and live sessions.
Assessments in this subject are thoughtfully designed to complement student learning, providing them with a chance to apply and monitor their skill development and grasp of essential concepts. Formative feedback will be consistently provided to guide students throughout the session.
Content (topics)
- Introduction to emerging energy technologies
- Rechargeable batteries
- Supercapacitors
- Carbon dioxide capture and reduction
- Political, economic and social influences
- Future trends and opportunities in energy innovations
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Conceptual Quiz
| Intent: | The following graduate attributes are assessed in this taks: 1. Disciplinary Knowledge 2. Research, inquiry, and critical thinking 4. Reflection, innovation and creativity 5. Communication |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 4.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 15% |
| Criteria: | The online quiz will evaluate students based on two aspects. Firstly, they will be tested on their accuracy in answering multiple-choice questions. Secondly, they will be assessed on their ability to demonstrate comprehension and critical thinking skills through their short answer responses |
Assessment task 2: Executive summary video presentation
| Intent: | The following graduate attributes are assessed in this taks: 1. Disciplinary Knowledge 2. Research, inquiry, and critical thinking 4. Reflection, innovation and creativity 5. Communication |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 4.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Presentation |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 35% |
| Length: | 10 minutes presentation |
| Criteria: | The appropriate application and evaluation of disciplinary knowledge, along with thorough, critical interpretation and research into the selected technology and project will be considered in this assessment. Students will also be assessed on their presentation and communication skills. The detailed assessment criteria will be made available in Canvas. |
Assessment task 3: Tender Report
| Intent: | The following graduate attributes are assessed in this taks: 1. Disciplinary Knowledge 2. Research, inquiry, and critical thinking 4. Reflection, innovation and creativity 5. Communication |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 4.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 50% |
| Length: | 1800-2200 words |
| Criteria: | The appropriate application and evaluation of disciplinary knowledge, along with thorough, critical interpretation and research into the selected technology, its social and energy context, and the quality of writing, will all be considered in this assessment.The detailed assessment criteria will be made available in Canvas. |
Minimum requirements
In order to pass this subject the sum total of all assessment components must be greater than or equal to 50%.