| Module Identifier |
PH19010 |
| Module Title |
ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT |
| Academic Year |
2006/2007 |
| 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 Type | Assessment Length/Details | Proportion |
|---|
| Semester Assessment | Course work: 2 mixed short essay and multiple choice test ( 50% each) | 100% |
| Supplementary Exam | 2 Hours | 100% |
|
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 the function of the basic components of a conventional power station, whether driven by coal, oil or nuclear power
-
describe 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.
-
describe how pollutants can build up in the atmosphere near the ground
-
describe the basic processes underlying the acid rain and global warming problems.
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
** Recommended Text
J. Houghton (2004) Golbal Warming - The complete briefing
Cambridge University Press
** Supplementary Text
J.J. Kraushaar and R.A. Ristinen (1993) Energy and Problems of a Technical Society
Wiley 0471573108
R.A. Ristinen and J.J. Kraushaar (1999) Energy and the Environment
Wiley 0047117280
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 4