Course Title: Energy & Earth's Environment
Part A: Course Overview
Course Title: Energy & Earth's Environment
Credit Points: 12.00
Course Coordinator: Prof Gary Bryant
Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925
Course Coordinator Email: gary.bryant@rmit.edu.au
Course Coordinator Availability: Email for appointment
Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities
No prior experience in physics is required for this course, although basic mathematical ability in algebra is expected (at year 12 level or basic first year university level).
Course Description
This course is intended to provide a deep understanding of the issues of energy production, transmission and usage. The processes of energy production and consumption will be discussed qualitatively and quantitatively, informed by a working knowledge of the physical principles governing the transformation of energy from one form to another.
The course comprises the following components:
- Introduction to Energy Requirements and Usage - covers societal factors influencing the demand for energy and an overview of fossil fuels.
- Introduction to Energy Concepts - covers a range of relevant physics needed for the understanding of the other topics, including force & motion, work & energy, temperature & heat, fluids and basic electricity.
- Methods of Energy Production - provides an overview of a broad range of alternative and renewable methods of energy production. This section includes discussion of the science behind solar, wind, wave, tidal, geothermal, biomass, hydro and nuclear energy sources.
- Introduction to Energy Efficiency and Fuel Cells.
- Introduction to atmospheric physics and the greenhouse effect.
Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development
This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes for Environmental Science and Environmental Engineering programs such as BH080 Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental Engineering) (Honours) BH096 Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental Engineering) (Honours) and BP161 Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Business (Management).
1.1. Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.
1.2. Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline.
2.1 Demonstrate a broad and coherent knowledge and understanding of Earth system processes, especially in the hydrosphere, ecosphere, atmosphere and lithosphere; and depth in the underlying principles and concepts in Environmental Chemistry and/or Environmental Biology.
2.2 Describe how environmental science has interdisciplinary connections with other sciences.
3.1 Gather, synthesize and critically evaluate environmental information from a range of sources.
3.3 You will be able to critically analyse and solve problems in environmental science by selecting and applying practical and/or theoretical techniques with technical competence in conducting field, laboratory-based, or virtual experiments
3.4 You will be able to critically analyse and solve problems in environmental science by collecting, accurately recording, interpreting, and drawing conclusions from scientific data
4.1. You will be able to communicate environmental science results, information, or arguments effectively using a range of modes (oral, written, visual) to different audiences.
5.1. You will be accountable for individual learning and scientific work in environmental science by being an independent and self-directed learner.
5.2. You will be accountable for your individual learning and scientific work in environmental science by working effectively, responsibly, ethically, and safely in an individual or team context.
On successfully completing this course, you should be able to:
- Define, specify suitable units for, and state the relationships between basic physical quantities such as force, work, energy, temperature (developing the knowledge capability dimension).
- Explain the physical principles governing energy transformations using correct terminology.
- Identify where energy is used and explain how it may be used efficiently.
- Perform quantitative calculations to assess efficiency of traditional and alternative means of energy production.
- Demonstrate how even simple atmospheric models can qualitatively and semi-quantitatively reveal the greenhouse effect.
Overview of Learning Activities
You will learn by a number of activities selected from the list below:
- Watching recorded online learning materials and reading the associated pdf files where the syllabus content will be introduced.
- Attending Lectorials where the content will be expanded upon and student interaction with the material will be encouraged and directed (developing the knowledge capability dimension);
- Self-directed exploration of course learning materials, texts, and online materials and library resources;
- Virtual group discussions on course material and problem solving using the tools provided, where principles and concepts will be explored (developing the knowledge capability);
- Undertaking formative example problems and exercises to develop familiarity with numerical calculations, and application of concepts to the solution of abstract problems, and also to obtain feedback and assessment of progress (developing the technical and critical analysis and problem-solving capabilities);
- Undertaking online practical activities and simulations (developing the technical and critical analysis and problem-solving capabilities);
- Viewing demonstrations, videos or simulations of relevant physical scenarios to clarify analysis of them (developing the technical and critical analysis and problem-solving capabilities);
- Prepare for and undertake class tests to assess your knowledge.
Overview of Learning Resources
Many good references are available in the Library on the topics covered at this level. A range of recommended reading will be provided on Canvas.
Overview of Assessment
Note that: This course has no hurdle requirements.
Assessment Tasks:
Assessment Task 1: Interactive group problem solving
Weighting 20%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1-3
Assessment Task 2: Online Quizzes
Weighting 20%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1-5
Assessment Task 3: Virtual/remote labs and simulations
Weighting 20%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1-5
Assessment Task 4: In class tests
Weighting 40%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1-5