69372 Sustainable Energy: Sources and Systems
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Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
Sustainable energy is critical to the future of economic growth, human development and a healthy planet. As scientific research advances, the adoption of these technologies continues to grow in importance and reliability. In order to develop new technologies, an understanding of the science underpinning the technologies is crucial to the future of this sector. This subject covers the variety of sources of sustainable energy, how they can be harnessed and how we can design infrastructure to store the energy. In doing so, it equips students to tackle a range of energy problems which need to be resolved.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Apply knowledge of thermodynamics and the role physics plays in the development of sustainable energy generation. |
|---|---|
| 2. | Critically review energy storage systems and evaluate their potential across different applications. |
| 3. | Discuss current possibilities for improving energy generation, storage and infrastructure across sectors. |
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 knowledgeStudents will develop an understanding of the role of sustainable energy sources in clean energy transitions. They will also look at clean energy sources and systems that help us respond to the real-world problem of climate change, and how they can be part of an effective approach to addressing global challenge of greenhouse gas emissions. These discipline-specific concepts are fostered through the learning material and is enhanced through online independent learning activities. Upon completion of this subject students should be able to understand the role and function of sustainable energy sources and systems and be able to examine and form hypotheses based on different information/design perspectives. Students should be able to critically evaluate various hypotheses and take a flexible methodology to approach the energy sustainability investigation. Students are expected to be able to have a good understanding of what is required from sustainability experts in the field, and to identify the best practice. Students will be assessed on their knowledge across assessments tasks 1, 2 and 3.
Graduate Attribute 2 – Research, inquiry and critical thinkingStudents will develop a foundation of current theoretical knowledge at the types of clean energy technologies including solar, wind, and hydropower, and understand the fundamental principles of physics and thermodynamics and how they govern energy production and system efficiency. They will also explore current possibilities for improving energy generation, storage, and infrastructure across a range of sectors. They will learn about research techniques and how to approach different forms of evidence including 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 use their own reflection to investigate realistic sustainable energy scenarios during the workshops and extract relevant information from them. 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 assessments.
Graduate Attribute 4 – Reflection, innovation and creativityThis refers to the ability to critically reflect on their own and others’ 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 sustainable energy systems using OpenLCA, learn to analyse information ethically and accurately, and to manage the requirements of the clean energy sources/systems. During the subject students will advance their knowledge and skills to think critically about sustainable energy and develop innovative solutions to complex sustainability issues. Students will have the opportunity to use openLCA modelling software, and guide them through the process of sustainable project design using Life Cycle Assessments. Students will be introduced and assessed on these skills developed during the zoom sessions/workshops and assessment task 3.
Graduate Attribute 5 – Communication skillsStudents will be able to develop their communication skills as they will be able to interact with each other and the teaching staff in 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 answers questions and individual reports, designed to further help them communicate in professional scientific contexts. Students will also give an oral/video presentation which will improve their ability to communicate energy and sustainability knowledge to a range of audiences.
Teaching and learning strategies
"Sustainable Energy: Sources and System" 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 course delves into the significance of sustainable energy sources in facilitating clean energy transitions, offering a variety of engaging interactive content and media. Experts lead 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 course, students will explore clean energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower, while delving into the fundamental principles of physics and thermodynamics that govern energy production and system efficiency. They will develop critical thinking skills to address sustainability challenges and devise innovative solutions. The students will also work with openLCA modeling software to design sustainable projects using Life Cycle Assessments. Throughout the course, 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 course 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)
- Sustainable energy definitions and terminologies
- Physics and thermodynamics concepts, principles of clean energy generation
- Sustainable energy system design
- Energy storage systems and their significance
- Advanced energy generation technologies, such as solar photovoltaics, wind turbines, hydroelectric power,
- geothermal energy, and biomass
- Smart grids and energy management systems
- Renewable energy policy and regulatory frameworks
- Energy infrastructure and its significance
- Sustainable energy solutions in various sectors, including transportation, buildings, industry, and agriculture
- Emerging trends and innovations in sustainable energy generation, storage, and infrastructure
- Socio-economic and environmental impacts of future energy systems
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Conceptual Quiz Activities
| Intent: | 1. Disciplinary Knowledge 2. Research, inquiry, and critical thinking 4. Reflection, innovation and creativity 5. Communication |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | 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: | 10% |
| 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: Video Presentation
| Intent: | 1. Disciplinary Knowledge 2. Research, inquiry, and critical thinking 4. Reflection, innovation and creativity 5. Communication |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | 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: | 40% |
| Length: | 10 minutes presentation |
| Criteria: | The detailed assessment criteria are also available in Canvas, which will be used for marking the video presentation and provides details on how this assessment achieves the graduate attributes. This means that you must access the criteria required before you begin the assessment. |
Assessment task 3: Project Report
| Intent: | 1. Disciplinary Knowledge 2. Research, inquiry, and critical thinking 4. Reflection, innovation and creativity 5. Communication |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | 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: | 2500-3000 words |
| Criteria: | The detailed assessment criteria are also available in Canvas, which will be used for marking the reports and provides details on how this assessment achieves the graduate attributes. This means that you must access the criteria required before you begin the assessment. |
Minimum requirements
students must receive 50% of all available marks in order to pass this subject.