Module manager: Prof Peter Taylor
Email: p.g.taylor@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
This module is approved as a discovery module
The module will explore a series of topical issues in energy, weighing up information and opinions from a variety of sources and requiring students to draw both on their own degree background and to engage with new disciplines and perspectives. A key feature of the teaching is that students will work together in small groups to prepare an in-depth presentation on one of the topics that will be delivered as part of a seminar debate.
To give students a wide strategic overview of issues in the energy area utilising the breadth of expertise available across the University, with particular reference to the major energy supply and demand sectors.
Engaging with perspectives from earth and environmental sciences and environmental social sciences, students will critically explore the technical. economic, environmental and social issues related to current energy debates.
- Application of student's subject-specific skills to understanding major energy issues.
- An appreciation of how scientific, technical, economic and social considerations are all relevant to energy decision-making
- An understanding of the conflicting factors that influence decision making regarding the development and use of different energy resources.
In addition to developing skills in planning, organisation, teamwork and presentation, students will be expected to learn how to weigh up different arguments and make reasoned judgements.
Topics covered will be drawn from:
- How can we meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal for energy?
- What contribution can energy efficiency and other demand-side measures make to reducing global CO2 emissions?
- What role is there for carbon capture and storage?
- Can renewable energies make a major contribution to the global energy budget?
- What is the future for hydrocarbons?
- How do carbon dioxide levels relate to climate?
- Is shale gas a panacea or a problem?
- Is it possible to dispose of radioactive waste safely and permanently?
There may be additional topics in future years.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 14 | 1 | 14 |
| Seminar | 5 | 2 | 10 |
| Tutorial | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Private study hours | 74 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 26 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
Presentations and other contributions to the seminars will be assessed throughout the module.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Presentation | Presentations delivered as part of a seminar debate | 35 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 35 | |
The re-sit for this Module, including for First Attempts, is by examination only.
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Online Time-Limited assessment | 48.0 Hrs Mins | 65 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 65 | |
The re-sit for this Module, including for First Attempts, is by examination only.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 9/12/2024
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team