Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

Familiarity, preferably at Bachelor degree level (or equivalent prior experience or accredited learning) with critical evaluation of complex issues involving finance, planning, policy, management, etc coupled with an awareness of economic, environmental, political and societal contexts. Evidence (possibly pre-Bachelor degree level) of some basic mathematical facility and awareness of scientific thought. For non-native speakers, evidence of English language competence (to a minimum of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent, with higher levels of attainment strongly recommended).

Co Requisite Comment

Non-native speakers of English whose current level of attainment is less than UELA 70 or IELTS 7.0 (or recognised equivalent) in all four aspects of communication (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing) should be attending the non credit-bearing in-sessional English language support classes provided by the University.

Aims

To introduce postgraduate students from largely non-engineering backgrounds to, and provide an awareness of, the technological, economic, environmental and resource aspects of a range of renewable energy technologies. This module will focus on solar photovoltaic (PV), hydro, wind, wave and tidal energy.

Outline Of Syllabus

Renewable electricity generation systems will be considered in terms of two key aspects:

Renewable Energy Resources – Nature, location and magnitude of the resource combined with fundamentals of energy available in solar PV, hydro, wind, wave and tidal schemes.

Renewable Energy Technologies – Underlying scientific principles of energy capture and conversion to electricity in solar PV, hydro, wind, wave and tidal power schemes. History, technology, present commercial and research status for leading technologies will be considered.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On completion of the module students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

IKO1. Origins of the renewable energy resources for solar PV, hydro, wind, wave and tidal electricity generation;
IKO2. Variability of the respective renewable energy resources and their geographical distribution;
IKO3. Energy conversion devices for each of solar PV, hydro, wind, wave and tidal energy;
IKO4. The present commercial status of solar PV, hydro, wind, wave and tidal energy and the future prospects.

Intended Skill Outcomes

On completion of the module students will be able to demonstrate skills in:

ISO1: Assessing renewable energy (solar PV, hydro, wind, wave and tidal) resources and their global distribution and impact of variability on electricity generation;
ISO2: Analysing the operation of renewable energy conversion devices;
ISO3: Analysing, through simple calculations, the energy generation and efficiency of devices and systems;
ISO4: Appraising the environmental impact of solar PV, hydro, wind, wave and tidal energy;
ISO5: Appraising the future prospects for the various renewable energy technologies.

In completing this module students will have demonstrated skills aligned with the Engineering Council Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes, 4th Edition (AHEP4):
M4: Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems.
M7: Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems and minimise adverse impacts.
M17: Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences, evaluating the effectiveness of the methods used.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

At Masters level the focus is on guided independent study and group supported learning. Online guided learning material is delivered to students via Canvas and used to introduce key topics. The lecture sessions will provide students with the opportunity to discuss concepts with lecturers and their peers to consolidate their understanding.

Information literacy, interpersonal communication, planning and organisation, numeracy and written communication will be practiced throughout.

Intended knowledge and skills outcomes will be addressed through the lecture sessions and reinforced through formative Canvas quizzes and structured online materials.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The examination provides an appropriate method to assess the students' critical thinking, written communication, numeracy and subject-specific skills as students solve problems based on the learning material. (IKO 1-4, ISO1, 4, 5)

The mid-module computer assessment affords students an opportunity to demonstrate problem solving, numeracy and associated cognitive skills (ISO 2, 3).

The formative assessment will enable students to test their understanding of the materials as they progress through the module.

General Notes

N/A