Brief description
Energy is a vital resource in our society. Its use and misuse has implications for the environment, and these issues have assumed dramatic proportions recently. This module discusses the fundamental physics behind energy resources, both conventional and alternative, in order to provide a balanced view of environmental implications. In this approach, the interdisciplinary nature of the subject is evident, and the module gives special emphasis to changes in the atmosphere - including acid rain and the greenhouse effect. The module is suitable for undergraduates of any discipline.

Learning outcomes
After taking this module students should be able to:

• make use of the fact that energy can be transferred or converted from one form to another
• relate the energy transferred to an object by the force exerted on the body and the distance it moves
• state the principle of the conservation of energy and apply it to a variety of energy conversions
• recognise that there are different units of energy
• recall the formulae for kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy of an object
• recall the basic atomic and nuclear structure of atoms
• understand the basic science of radioactivity, nuclear fission and nuclear fusion
• understand the nature of heat energy and the difference between heat energy and temperature
• understand the different ways in which heat energy is transferred between two bodies
• state the first and second Laws of Thermodynamics and their application to the efficiency of heat engines and refrigerators
• recognise the function of the basic components of a conventional power station, whether driven by coal, oil or nuclear power
• understand the mode of operation of hydroelectric, tidal and wind turbines
• be able to make a balanced assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of different methods of generating electricity.
• understand how pollutants can build up in the atmosphere near the ground
• understand the basic processes underlying the acid rain and global warming problems.

Additional learning activities
In addition to formal lecturing methods, teaching will also be effected by the use of videos, project work, and, if resources allow, a trip to centres of power production and research

Outline syllabus
Basic Physics:
Energy and Power. Conservation of Energy. Forms of energy
Structure of the atom and the nucleus
Radioactivity, fission and fusion
Theory of heat engines and the laws of thermodynamics
Heat engines and heat pumps
Heat transfer - conduction, convection and radiation

Conversion of energy:
Types of energy and energy conversion.
Comparison of energy content and efficiency of different fuels.
Use of energy in society.
How turbines generate electricity. Coal, oil and gas power stations
Nuclear energy
Hydroelectricity and tidal generation. Wind turbine. Solar energy.
Advantages and disadvantages of different methods of generating electricity, including
Nuclear fusion

Environmental Issues:
Environmental risks of nuclear power
Environmental consequences of burning fossil fuels
(i) Basic meteorology of burning plumes,
(ii) Acid rain,
(iii) Global warming: basic principles and feedback mechanisms
(iv) Use of models for prediction.