Module Title
Embedded Energy Systems
Keywords
Energy, Food, Water, Sustainability, Transport, CO2 |
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Prerequisites for Module
None.
Corequisite Modules
None.
Precluded Modules
None.
Aims of Module
To examine the energy dependency of human food and water supply systems.
To encourage the learner to think holistically about energy sources and sinks relating to food and water production.
To equip the learner with the analytical tools for evaluating embedded energy systems.
To engage the learner in systems thinking application to real-world global challenges.
Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
| 1. |
Critically understand the local and global relationships between energy, food and water;
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| 2. |
Quantify the economic and social demands on energy, food and water systems;
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| 3. |
Discuss the relationships between global population size and food and water availability;
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| 4. |
Identify and analyse a range of options for future sustainable development in the light of embedded energy systems.
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Indicative Module Content
Introduction to embedded energy systems; Dependency of agricultural systems on fossil fuels and water; Energy and water implications of industrialised food processing; International food and water transportation; Global food and water sustainability.
Indicative Student Workload
Contact Hours
| Distance Learning | Assessment
| 10 | Online lectures
| 40 |
Directed Study
| | Group online activities
| 20 | Individual online activities
| 30 |
Private Study
| | Private studying
| 50 |
| Mode of Delivery
Online delivery of lectures, directed reading, private study, individual course work, group discussions, assessment and support.
Assessment Plan
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Learning Outcomes Assessed
| | Component 1 | 1,2,3
| | Component 2 | 4
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The Module is assessed in two components:
1. Forum postings covering learning outcomes 1, 2 and 3. These postings are assessed according to five criteria: frequency, follow-up, content contribution, references and clarity. Weighting: 40% (C1).
2. An essay covering learning outcome 4. Weighting: 60% (C2).
Indicative Bibliography
| 1. | NORGARD, J.S., PEET, J., RAGNARSDOTTIR, K.V., 2010. The History of The Limits to Growth. http://www.thesolutionsjournal.com/ node/569.
| | 2. | POPULATION INSTITUTE, 2011. From 6 Billion to 7 Billion, How population growth is changing and challenging our world. http://www.populationinstitute.org/ external/files/reports/ from-6b-to-7b.pdf.
| | 3. | WAUGHRAY, D., 2011. Water security: the water-food-energy-climate nexus: the World Economic Forum water initiative. Island Press. ebook
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