2015/16 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
SOEE3630 Strategic Energy Issues
10 creditsClass Size: 80
Module manager: Dr Peter Taylor
Email: p.g.taylor@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2015/16
This module is approved as a discovery module
Module summary
The module will explore a series of current topics regarding the development of energy resources, weighing up information and opinions from a variety of sources.Students will be expected to prepare reports and make seminar presentations on a series of topics, drawing on their own degree course background. A key feature of the teaching is that you will be expected to work together to prepare a seminar in small groups of students from different degree programmes.Objectives
To give students a wider strategic overview of issues in the energy area utilising the full breadth of expertise in the School, with particular reference to the major energy industries (fossil fuels, nuclear, renewables).Engaging with perspectives from earth and environmental sciences and environmental social sciences, students will critically explore the science, politics and policy related to current energy debates.
Learning outcomes
- Application of student's subject-specific skills to understanding major energy issues.
- An understanding of the conflicting factors that influence decision making regarding development of energy resources.
- Students will contribute knowledge from their specialist skills and listen to others with different skills.
Skills outcomes
In addition to developing skills in planning, organisation, teamwork and presentation, students will be expected to learn how to weigh up competing factors and achieve a balance between arguments.
Syllabus
Topics covered will be drawn from:
- Will oil production peak in the next 20 years?
- How do carbon dioxide levels relate to climate?
- Can carbon sequestration allow fossil fuels to be burned without reaching critical levels of greenhouse gases?
- Is it possible to dispose of radioactive waste safely and permanently?
- Can renewable energies make a major contribution to the global energy budget?
- Is shale gas a panacea or a problem?
There may be additional topics in future years.
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Lecture | 13 | 1.00 | 13.00 |
Seminar | 6 | 2.00 | 12.00 |
Tutorial | 1 | 1.00 | 1.00 |
Private study hours | 74.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 26.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100.00 |
Private study
Students will research specific topics, studying a different topic every 2 weeks. Each student will be allocated 1 topic to study in depth and make a seminar presentation. They must however contribute to the discussion of all topics.Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Presentations will be assessed throughout the module, and all students will contribute to discussion after each seminar via Discussion Boards on the VLE.Methods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
Group Discussion | Contributions to the discussion of each topic (5 separate instances at 5% assessment each) | 25.00 |
Presentation | Seminar Presentations | 15.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 40.00 |
The re-sit for this Module, including for First Attempts, is by examination only.
Exams
Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
Exam with advance information on questions | 1 hr | 60.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 60.00 |
The re-sit for this Module, including for First Attempts, is by examination only.
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 14/01/2016
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- Undergraduate module catalogue
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