Module Identifier
GG30620
Module Title
ENERGY RESOURCES AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Academic Year
2008/2009
Co-ordinator
Dr Aled P Rowlands
Semester
Intended for use in future years
Mutually Exclusive
DA30620

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 22 Hours. 11 x 2 hours
Seminars / Tutorials 4 Hours. 4 x 1 hour
Practical 7 Hours. 7 x 1 hour
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Presentation of project work to the class.  Presentation:  20%
Semester Assessment 3000 word project.  Project Work:  30%
Semester Exam 2 Hours   Written examination.  50%
Supplementary Assessment 2 hour written examination (50%). Resubmit failed in-course assessment. 

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module students will have knowledge of


Aims

The principle aim is to introduce the topic of Energy Resources and their Exploitation to both Physical and Human Geographers with emphasis on the environmental consequences of meeting our energy demands. A fundamental aim is to inform students of what is meant by "Energy", how it is used, how these needs have changed and how energy demands are met. Students are expected to acquire a clear understanding of the contemporary issues in energy resources through the study of fossil fuel, nuclear and renewable resources, developing an appreciation of the relative advantages and disadvantages of each. Central to this will be an understanding of the sensitivity of energy resource development to society and the environment. Energy resources in Wales will be extensively used to demonstrate these themes.

Content

The module addresses the subject of Energy Resources and their Exploitation and places significant emphasis on the environmental consequences of meeting our energy demands. We will discuss what is meant by "Energy", how it is used, how these needs have changed and how energy demands are met. A spectrum of different energy resources (fossil fuel, nuclear and renewable) will be considered in order to develop an appreciation of the relative advantages and disadvantages of each. Central to this will be an understanding of the sensitivity of energy resource development to society and the environment. Case studies of energy resources in Wales will be extensively used to illustrate these themes.

The use of fossil fuels will be discussed with the aim of understanding their distribution, the history of the industry and current themes. Consideration will be given to the nuclear industry, the issues relating to the subject in the UK and the problem of storage. The final section will focus on renewable energy, including solar, wind, wave and biomass. As part of this section a brief introduction will be given to earth's energy balance and the impact of energy use on global climate change.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6