FE405 Fundamental Energy Concepts

Contents and structure

The course starts with an introduction to national and global energy production and use. An overview of the resource base for renewable and non-renewable energy resources is then given, as well as an introduction to sustainable development, climate change, and the environment. The course also provides an introduction to the set up of the energy system, the system's technical components, and the systems impact on society and the environment. The course will emphasize systems thinking, showcasing that renewable energy solutions are context dependent. For this purpose, various energy system approaches that have been implemented in specific countries or regions will be discussed and assessed for their ability to be translated to other contexts.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

• Students will develop knowledge of global and national energy production and use.
• Students will develop knowledge of the global and national resource base for renewable and non-renewable energy.
• Students will develop knowledge about the components of the energy system.
• Students will develop knowledge of the technical solutions in the energy system with main emphasis on renewable energy.
• Students will develop knowledge of the impact of energy technologies and systems on climate emissions and the environment.

Skills

• Students will develop skills necessary to address the technological, social and environmental consequences of production, distribution and use of renewable energy.
• Students will develop skills to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of specific renewable energy solution in different socio-technical contexts.

Competence

• Students will develop the competency to evaluate the status of different renewable energy technologies.
• Students will develop the competency to conduct assessments of the impact of various technologies on society and the environment.

Entry requirements

None

Recommended previous knowledge

MA415

Teaching methods

Lectures, guest lectures and exercises.

Compulsory learning activities

none

Assessment

1) Written group project in groups of 2-4 students with adjusting oral exam. Accounts for 60% of the final grade. In case a student fails either 1a or 1b, a new project needs to be handed in.

a. Group project: Create a poster presenting the energy system of a chosen country.

b. Adjusting oral exam in group: Presentation of the group project and follow up questions. The oral exam can, at maximum, improve or lower the grade of the group project by 1 grade.

2) Written examination, individual multiple-choice test, 2 hours, accounts for 40% of the final grade.

Both parts need to be approved to pass the course. In case the student fails either part 1 or 2, only this part must be redone.

Grading scale A-F, where F represents a fail.

Examination support material

Exam part 1: All

Exam part 2: Basic calculator (non-programmable)

More about examination support material