Module Information
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Practical | 60 hours |
| Lecture | 8 x hour lectures |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Group case study 2500 word group report | 20% |
| Semester Assessment | Individual case study and report 2500 word case study and report development of a bioenergy resource for an advanced conversion technology | 30% |
| Semester Assessment | Individual scoping report 1500 word report and oral presentation | 30% |
| Semester Assessment | Individual review of a single bioconversion technology 1500 words | 20% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Resubmission of individual elements Resubmission of individual elements. Alternative to group case study report (as determined by the examination board). | 100% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Critically assess bioenergy as a route to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Demonstrate a fundamental and practical knowledge of biomass resources and conversion technologies.
3. Make confident, sound and objective judgments on the complex scientific and societal issues associated with bioenergy.
4. Be confident in the communication of scientific issues, tothe public and peers, with accuracy and clarity, both orally and in writing.
Brief description
This new module provides a the foundational skills required to explore Bioenergy in the context of Climate Change, a knowledge of biomass resources and bioenergy conversion pathways and supply chains, and in environmental impacts including carbon mitigation associated with bioenergy. Student-centered learning will be supported by lectures, background reading, workshops and the production of reports and presentations.
Content
The nature and development of biomass resources will be evaluated through the investigation of selected examples such as biofuel crops, forestry, wastes (e.g. from animal farms) and algae. These investigations will include comparisons of historic and new generation biofuels and 'market' traits such as availability, economics, transport and regulations.
Bioconversion pathways will be described. Examples include thermal technologies, biofuels, anaerobic digestion, biohydrogen, combined heat and power, bioethanol from ligno-cellulose, and the biorefinery concept.
Environmental impacts are explored through scoping reports of carbon mitigation and sequestration, life cycle assessments, visual effects on landscape, nitrogen leaching, soil erosion and water quality.
A large part of the teaching is practical-based, and will comprise 60 hours delivered as blocked visits over 2 weeks to research facilities, field sites, etc.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Problem solving, carbon sequestrations, conversion efficiencies of various technologies |
| Communication | Oral presentation and group work |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Targeted self-learning |
| Information Technology | Use of computational resources, modeling etc |
| Personal Development and Career planning | Networking during visits and career pathway planning insight into potential areas of future employment |
| Problem solving | Practical workshops involving case studies |
| Research skills | Research for the report and presentation assessments |
| Subject Specific Skills | Application of the principles underlying the use of crops for bioenergy. Evaluation of their impacts on environmental change. Deconstruction and critical evaluation of the literature and compilation of subject specific reports and case studies. |
| Team work | Group work |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 7