Prerequisites for Module
None in addition to course entry requirements or equivalent.
Corequisite Modules
None.
Precluded Modules
None.
Aims of Module
To provide students with a grounding in the fundamentals of low-carbon energy and climate change and to explore, in particular, the social and political implications of energy decisions and environmental change.
Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
| 1. |
Manifest a critical and integrative understanding of a range of ‘clean’ energy technologies and their costs and benefits.
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| 2. |
Demonstrate a critical awareness of how scientific arguments around climate change impact upon social, political and institutional processes.
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| 3. |
Assess critically the social and political implications of different low-carbon energy outcomes.
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| 4. |
Evaluate critically the implications of different energy options for social responsibility and environmental governance.
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| 5. |
Demonstrate initiative and originality in reconciling the difficulties and opportunities in deploying low-carbon energy options in cultural contexts.
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Indicative Module Content
Overview of ‘demand side’ energy – smart grids and energy efficiency
Introduction to energy and climate change
Energy and society
| Public perceptions of new energy technologies
‘Responsible’ innovation and energy
Energy policy in the UK
Energy in the global context
Indicative Student Workload
Contact Hours
| Full Time | Distance Learning |
| 24 | 12 |
Directed Study
| | |
| 56 | 68 |
Private Study
| | |
| 70 | 70 |
Mode of Delivery
A combination of lectures, seminars, presentations, directed online learning, directed reading, preparatory work and private study, as appropriate to the student’s chosen mode of attendance.
Assessment Plan
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Learning Outcomes Assessed
| | Component 1 | 1,2,3,4,5
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Component 1 will be assessed by coursework.
Indicative Bibliography
| 1. | MACKAY, D., 2009. Sustainable energy – without the hot air. Cambridge: UIT Press. Available to download for free at: www.withouthotair.com
| | 2. | REAY, D., 2005. Climate change begins at home: life in the two-way street of global warming. London: Macmillan.
| | 3. | ROBERTS, T., et al., 2013. Low-carbon energy controversies. Routledge: London.
| | 4. | SALAMONE, R., and SAIJA, G., 2014. Pathways to environmental sustainability: methodologies and experiences. New York: Springer.
| | 5. | VAN DEN HOVEN, J., et al., 2014. Responsible innovation 1: innovative solutions for global issues. New York: Springer.
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