Syllabus 2011/2012 MVKF01

Syllabus academic year 2011/2012
(Created 2011-09-01.)

ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

MVKF01

Credits: 6. Grading scale: TH. Cycle: G2 (First Cycle). Main field: Technology. Language of instruction: The course will be given in Swedish. Compulsory for: M3, MD3. Course coordinator: Prof. Jurek Pyrko, jurek.pyrko@energy.lth.se, Energy Sciences. Assessment: In the form of individual examination (three compulsory knowledge tests based upon the provided literature) and examination based upon group performance (written essays). Approved compulsory assignments are sufficient for grade 3 "pass". For higher grades (4 and 5) an individual written examination is required. Further information: Lectures are complemented with compulsory literature and literature tests. Some of the lectures given can be based on the choice of students. The practical group exercises are carried out as PBL based group work and incorporate critical discussions on material within the course theme. Home page: http://www.energy.lth.se.

Aim
The course aims at a broad understanding of the structure and function of energy systems - in technical as well as economic respects. The course is intended to offer insight into the environmental effects of energy systems as well as the technical possibilities to improve energy systems from an overall environmental perspective and society's strive for sustainable solutions. Perspectives range from the environment of each individual to global environmental and security perspectives.

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

be able to explain some for the subject fundamental and important terms
be able to describe some important energy and environment related issues
be able to give an overview of properties, environmental consequences and advantages/drawbacks of different energy supply systems

Skills and abilities
For a passing grade the student must

be able to participate in discussions about, for the subject, relevant problems
be able to present written review of knowledge within, for the subject, relevant area
be able to write a critical contribution to energy and environment related debate

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

be able to independently search for relevant information sources
be able to compile a review of knowledge within, for the subject, relevant areas
be able to review arguments and take up a position in energy and environment related debate

Contents
The course explores the following themes: Energy use - historical development and future perspectives. Different users' energy use patterns. Energy and environment in global perspective. Sustainable energy use and energy conversion. Resource cycling. Waste disposal management. Industrial environmental policy and control. LCA. Thermal energy conversion processes and their emissions. Biomass - processing and applications. Solar energy. Wind energy. Geothermal energy. Hydrogen society - vision of the future. Local environmental effects of energy conversion. Environmentally questioned alternatives for energy conversion and distribution. Energy policy for liberalised energy markets. Energy engineering for a sustainable and environmentally responsible society. Energy debate and review of publications.

Literature
Textbook "Energi och miljö i samspel" (Energy and environment interplay) editor Jurek Pyrko, Studentlitteratur, Lund 2010. Other material relevant for the course theme is currently updated and published for free download on the homepage.