327-2146-00L Raw Materials: From Earth to Consumer (and back)
| Semester | Autumn Semester 2024 |
| Lecturers | W. J. Malfait |
| Periodicity | yearly recurring course |
| Language of instruction | English |
Courses
| Number | Title | Hours | Lecturers | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 327-2146-00 V | Raw Materials: From Earth to Consumer (and back) | 2 hrs |
| W. J. Malfait |
Catalogue data
| Abstract | Each year, we extract and process a staggering amount of resources from the Earth and biosphere to cover our needs and appetite for housing, energy, transport, nutrition, technology and consumer goods. In this course, we investigate the material cycles primarily from a technical and scientific perspective (geoscience & biosphere, process engineering, material science). |
| Learning objective | At the end of the course, the students should have a qualitative and quantitative understanding of where most of the materials around them come from, how they were processed, how they got to where they are used, and what happens to them after use. The students should be able to: - Answer the question where the world's raw materials come from within the earth and biosphere. - For the most important elements, describe where the major deposits are located and in which geological setting. - Explain how these resources are mined and how the commodities are extracted from the ore. - Estimate how much material we consume globally in terms of volume and value. - Analyse why certain materials suddenly become critical and expensive. - Evaluate whether there are alternatives to digging things up from the ground and plan (or decide) with recycling and sustainability in mind. - Independently research a specific raw material and compile a summary of its cycle and value chain. |
| Content | The earth from a materials' perspective Coal, oil and gas – not just energy, but a materials resource Phosphor and nitrogen – how we feed 8 billion people Biological resources Sand, gravel and limestone – how we build infrastructure Copper keeps the light on Iron versus Aluminum Noble metals – small volume, big business Rare earth elements – when demand and supply do not match Lithium gold rush Radioactivity Student presentations on selected topics Raw materials – how geopolitics, industry, and activists shape policy Gemstones & curiosities |
| Lecture notes | Lecture notes & presentations will be provided in electronic format. |
| Prerequisites / Notice | Students signing up should have a strong interest in both the natural and man-made world around them. |
Performance assessment
| Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again) | |
Performance assessment as a semester course | |
| ECTS credits | 3 credits |
| Examiners | W. J. Malfait |
| Type | session examination |
| Language of examination | English |
| Repetition | The performance assessment is offered every session. Repetition possible without re-enrolling for the course unit. |
| Mode of examination | written 120 minutes |
| Additional information on mode of examination | Substantial contribution on a selected topic: presentation and preparation of one-page data sheet on a selected element (1/3 of grade). |
| Written aids | None |
| This information can be updated until the beginning of the semester; information on the examination timetable is binding. | |
Learning materials
| No public learning materials available. | |
| Only public learning materials are listed. |
Groups
| No information on groups available. |
Restrictions
| There are no additional restrictions for the registration. |
Offered in
| Programme | Section | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials Science Master | Elective Courses | W |  |