Module Identifier PH19010  
Module Title ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT  
Academic Year 2005/2006  
Co-ordinator Dr Andrew R Breen  
Semester Semester 2  
Other staff Dr Martin C Wilding  
Pre-Requisite None - module is highly suitable for non Physics students  
Co-Requisite None  
Mutually Exclusive None  
Course delivery Lecture   20 lectures  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment Course work:2 mixed short essay and multiple choice test( 50% each)  100%

Learning outcomes

After taking this module students should be able to:


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.

Content

Basic Physics:
   Energy and Power. Conservation of Energy. Forms of energy. Energy conversion
   Theory of heat engines and the laws of thermodynamics
   Heat engines and heat pumps
   Energy sources and environmental impacts: Wind and water power
   Energy sources and environmental impacts: Fossil fuels. External and internal combustion engines,
   thermal efficiency
   Energy sources and environmental impacts: Nuclear energy, fission and fusion
   Energy sources and environmental impacts: Solar energy
   Energy sources and environmental impacts: Geothermal energy
   Use of energy in society.   Energy usage and availability. "Peak oil".
   

Environmetal 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
   

Review:
   Sustainability of energy use, environmental impacts and implications.

Transferable skills

Introductory skills for using the Internet and other electronic sources of information.

Reading Lists

Books
Ristinen, Robert A. (1999.) Energy and the environment /Robert Ristinen and Jack Kraushaar. 0471172480 (pbk) :
** Recommended Text
J. Houghton (2004) Golbal Warming - The complete briefing Cambridge University Press
J. Houghton Global Warming - The complete briefing Cambridge University Press
** Supplementary Text
J. Ramage (1997) Energy: a Guidebook Oxford University Press Oxford University Press 0 19 288022 5
Kraushaar, Jack J. (c1993.) Energy and problems of a technical society /Jack J. Kraushaar, Robert A. Ristinen. 0471573108 (pbk) :
J. Ramage Energy: A Guidebook Oxford University Press 0 19 288022 5
R.A. Ristinen and J.J. Kraushaar (1999) Energy and the Environment Wiley 0471 1728 0
J.J. Kraushaar and R.A. Ristinen (1993) Energy and Problems of a Technical Society Wiley 0471573108

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4