Module manager: Zia Wadud
Email: z.wadud@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as an Elective
Transport accounts for about 30% of global energy use, and 25% of energy related CO2 because of its heavy reliance on fossil fuels. This module takes a systems approach to understanding how to transition to a sustainable transport system across a range of modes. You will explore different components of the transport-energy system and approaches to transport decarbonization that include behavioural aspects as well as new technologies.
This module explores transport’s energy and carbon challenges. Students will be able to develop a critical understanding of the various factors that affect transport system’s interaction with the energy system. Learning about various techniques and frameworks, students will be able to assess how different technologies (e.g. automated vehicles, electric vehicles), transport services (e.g. Uber) and travel behaviour (car use, walking & cycling, flying) affect energy use in transport and how to mitigate carbon emissions from this sector.
On successful completion of the module, students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Understand and analyse the factors affecting transport's energy consumption.
2. Critically assess the interaction between transport and energy systems in the broader context of sustainability.
3. Develop conceptual and methodological framework and analyse systematically the technical, policy and behavioural options for reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions from transport.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills :
a) Communication skills, problem solving and analytical skills, time management, planning and organizing, basic IT skills (Excel and PowerPoint or similar) and other bespoke tools, work independently and think outside of the box.
b) Information, data and media literacies, digital creation, digital learning
c) Systems thinking, future thinking, critical thinking, collaboration, integrated problem solving, effective communication, ethical, information searching
d) Information searching, making decisions dealing with uncertainty,
e) Critical thinking, presentation skills, academic writing, academic language, ethics, time management, information searching, academic integrity
- Transport and energy sustainability.
- Energy trilemma and sustainable development goals
- Energy supply, transport fuels, alternative fuels
- Vehicle technology and energy efficiency
- Electrification of vehicles, wider implications
- Activity and travel demand
- Energy and emission models
- Freight and logistics
- Aviation
- Policy and governance
Methods of assessment
The assessment details for this module will be provided at the start of the academic year
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Lecture | 24 | 1 | 24 |
| Seminar | 9 | 1 | 9 |
| Independent online learning hours | 56 | ||
| Private study hours | 60 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 34 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
There will be plenty of opportunities to work in the class (seminar hours), where direct feedback will be provided.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 30/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team