Renewable Energy BSc (Hons)

Climate change is viewed by many as the most pressing issue facing the world today. In this module you will learn about the science and impacts of climate change, as well as strategies to mitigate or adapt to the problem, thus enabling you to develop your own critical opinion of the subject. We will explore the structure of the atmosphere in terms of natural and enhanced greenhouse states and discuss natural and anthropogenic causes of climate change. You will discover the effects that a changing climate has on global societies and on earth systems, such as the biosphere. We will also discuss what can be done about the problem by reviewing mitigation and adaptation strategies and examining the effectiveness of national and international climate change policies.

This module has relevance to all UN Sustainable Development Goals, as climate change directly impacts poverty (SDG1), hunger (SDG2) and health (SDG3), especially in non-OECD countries, as well as terrestrial (SDG15) and aquatic (SDG14) ecosystems. It also considers the future role of clean energy (SDG7), economic growth (SDG8) and infrastructure (SDG9) within the auspices of climate action.

Compulsory

This module explores the key technologies that are expected to power our future global energy system, namely onshore wind, solar PV, and bioenergy. You will learn about these resources, and how these can be converted into 'useful' energy, and what their current and projected costs are.

The module will also give you more information and a greater understanding about other mature renewable and low-carbon technologies (in the case of hydroelectric and geothermal), emerging and developing energy sources (incl. wave, tidal, ocean thermal, etc.) and energy storage systems.

Compulsory

Health and Safety (H&S) considerations have become a critical component of management systems and strategies in various industries and organisations across the globe. H&S in the energy sector will focus on practical management skills, and how you can use and apply these to ensure that work is carried out safely and without risk. The module is therefore designed for anyone working in any sector or country but with reference to the renewable energy sector.

The module is structured in line with the institute of Occupational Health and Safety (IOSH) syllabus on Managing Safety.

Compulsory

The aim of this module is to provide you with the ability to apply a range of techniques to the management of projects and systems in the energy industry. The module introduces the key issues and language involved in managing projects by exploring project management tools, techniques and terminology.

This module will explore the role of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as a process for identifying, predicting, evaluating and mitigating the environmental impacts of energy developments prior to major construction decisions being taken. An introduction to the development of EIA and the current legislative requirements are followed by an examination of risk and impact assessment methods, and data sources. The module will develop skills and the processes required to predict significant environmental impacts and propose mitigation measures and plans to implement them. 

Compulsory

This aim of this module is to further develop your research methods and skills for geography, energy and disaster management students, specifically focusing on the skills and understanding necessary to undertake a final year research project. The module is designed to challenge you to think critically, independently and work as part of a team. You will look to develop key research and practical fieldwork skills necessary for collecting and analysing quantitative and qualitative data. We will explain the components of a good project and provide opportunities to practise the required skills. In addition, the residential field trip² will provide further opportunities to gain experience of research and fieldwork methods and techniques. The module will support you in making an informed decision about the proposed topic of their final year project.

Compulsory

In this module, you will undertake a critical analysis of a specified location and associated project that has been influenced by the United Nation's (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Your analysis of the project will explore the impact, success or failure alongside possible solutions that will be fundamental to the positive future development of the location.

You will research, appraise, critique, develop and then communicate to a wider audience the impact and implementation of the identified SDGs for the location/project. The focus of the review will be linked to your academic discipline within the Built and Natural Environment and draw upon prior learning from your previous cognate knowledge.

A global approach is needed for the UN SDGs to be fully realised and your place in this as an actor on the international stage will be enhanced, alongside the development of your inter-cultural competencies.

Compulsory

This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement² undertaken during your course. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement² undertaken during your course. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

This module is aimed at using different research methods and research skills to effectively communicate research novelties and ideas to the scientific and non-academic communities. It provides a background in research practice and helps students to understand various methodologies, and develop the skills of reading, reviewing, and critiquing academic literature in their related disciplines and to enable students to carry out research-oriented tasks (REL). It introduces academic research pertaining to renewable energy profession and associated skills, providing a sound academic background for the research dissertation module and for undertaking high calibre consultancy work when employed in industry.

Compulsory

To have a chance of limiting warming below 1.5°C, most recent scenarios from integrated assessment models (IAMs) require large-scale deployment of negative emissions technologies (NETs). These are technologies that result in the net removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.  This module will first provide an up-to-date status report of the global carbon budget and the role of NETs in meeting climate targets. This is followed by a technological overview of each of the various NETs. The module also explores how we quantify the potential global impacts of the different NETs on various factors to determine the biophysical limits to, and economic costs of, their widespread application.

Compulsory

Around one third of global primary energy consumption is used for space and process heating/cooling. This module examines the challenges of decarbonising this vital component of the global energy sector and you will learn how better energy management measures and renewable energy technologies can be deployed to meet this challenge. The largest proportion of this consumption is used for providing thermal comfort within our buildings (space heating/cooling). 

We will explore together how this might change depending upon local climate and how careful building design and adaptation can firstly reduce heating demand, before then exploring the options for renewable provision. This includes technologies such as air/ground/sea/lake sourced heat pumps, district heating and other renewable sourced heat sources. You will also review renewable options for process heat in the domestic sectors (water heating and cooking) and industrial sectors (low-medium-high temperature processes).

Compulsory

The transport sector (with the exception of freight and heavy-duty vehicles) is more amenable to decarbonisation than other sectors of the global economy. Transport therefore poses one of the most difficult and emotive challenges to energy system decarbonisation. Through studying this module, you will take a detailed look at the global transport sector by an examination of the various transport modes and their outlook in light of the transition to a decarbonised world.   

One of the key themes that you will learn on this module is how the transition to decarbonised transport within the wider energy sector will be increasingly influenced by electrification and the commercialisation of hydrogen as a transport fuel.  You will use case studies and your own research on evolving fuel technology to demonstrate your understanding of the progress towards sector-wide improvements in transport sustainability. 

Compulsory

The aim of this module is to enable you to develop your research skills by conducting primary or secondary research focused on a specific problem of relevance to your discipline. You would use different methods and research skills, gained over previous years of study, to effectively communicate research novelties and ideas to the academic and non-academic communities. It will enable you to understand the importance of correct and critical analysis of all the factors involved in a problem and develop your initiative as you pursue and execute the investigation, demonstrating originality and creativity.

Compulsory

This module aims to introduce you to critical thought and methods as applied in an overseas field location². The module will extend your fieldwork skills and your grasp of contemporary methodologies and techniques. Emphasis in the classroom, and the field, is placed on experiential learning whilst also ensuring the continuation of transferable field and academic skills development. Experiences and skills that will be developed include undertaking research in the field; making observations, collecting and collating data; critically debating previous research, taking responsibility for one’s own learning though individual- and teamwork and formulating hazard and risk assessments for fieldwork.

Compulsory