ENVS2001

Environmental Concepts: Energy

10 Units 2000 Level Course

Available in 2014

Callaghan Campus Semester 2
Ourimbah Semester 2

Previously offered in 2013, 2012

This course considers major environmental issues and focuses on the search for sustainable solutions with respect to energy in the environment. It complements ENVS1001 Environmental Concepts and Methods and also addresses the non-living component of Environmental concepts. The course investigates the scientific principles relevant to energy and energy resources, including aspects such as thermal, nuclear, solar and wind power generation, atmospheric pollution, coal mining, and waste disposal associated with the various energy sources.

In order to participate in this course, students must complete a compulsory Health and Safety requirement. Students will receive full information on this compulsory component in the course outline provided by the school.

Objectives On successful completion of this course, students will have:

1. An appreciation of the breadth and significance of energy-related problems and issues;
2. Developed a working knowledge of the discipline area;
3. Developed skills to support life-long learning;
4. Developed the ability to communicate scientific principles by reasoned argument;
5. The ability to comprehend and report scientific findings relating to energy production, usage and environmental impacts in both verbal and printed format;
6. An appreciation of the need and development of the ability to apply reasoning to solve complex problems;
7. An understanding of the nature of the discipline;
8. Developed an appreciation of the relationship between environmental science and societal expectations;
9. Developed the ability to transfer and apply concepts to new areas;
10. Developed the ability to access information, including using the Internet, to environment-related problems.
Content - Current and best practice in non-renewable energy sources such as fossil fuels and nuclear energy, management of relevant waste streams and environmental impacts;
- Current developments in geothermal and solar energy generation in the Australian environment and worldwide, and the political and technological factors influencing development or deployment;
- Thermodynamics: thermal energy, heat transfer and efficiency in the generation of electricity;
- Other renewable energy alternatives, such as hydroelectricity and wind power, and their current development;
- Renewable energy in practice and comparison of the capacity of these modes of energy generation to produce baseload power;
- Role of the carbon cycle in the petrochemicals industry; and
- Atmospheric pollution and the role of chemistry in energy solutions such as the hydrogen economy.
Replacing Course(s) ENVS2040 Energy & the Environment
Transition Not to count for credit with ENVS2040.
Industrial Experience 0
Assumed Knowledge ENVS1001 Environmental Concepts and Methods
Modes of Delivery Internal Mode
Teaching Methods Lecture
Laboratory
Tutorial
Assessment Items
Essays / Written Assignments
Examination: Formal
Laboratory Exercises
Other: (please specify) - Group project and seminar presentation.
Contact Hours Lecture: for 2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Tutorial: for 1 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Laboratory: for 12 hour(s) per Term for Full Term
Compulsory Components
Compulsory Course Component OHS-Safety Induction or Risk Assessment. In order to participate in this course, students must complete a compulsory safety induction.
Timetables 2014 Course Timetables for ENVS2001