402-0737-00L  Energy and Sustainability in the 21st Century (Part I)

Courses

Catalogue data

Abstract	Part I of this course covers the energy-related topics in this two-semester course. The importance of energy to life and our modern culture is explored and placed in the perspective of the ongoing energy transition in the context of necessary and urgent decarbonization efforts. How much energy do we need and how can it be provided in a way that enables a sustainable existence?
Learning objective	Why is energy important for life, economy and our society? How did energy use change over time? Which effects did these changes have on the environment? What are the physical basics of energy technologies? When, why and how did technology and science of energy come together? What are the limits and benefits of all the various energy technologies? How can different energy technologies be compared? Can we understand the changes in the current energy systems? How will the energy systems of the future look like? How fast can we and should we enforce the current energy transition? Which could be the overall guide lines for a working and sustainable energy system of the future?
Content	1. Introduction to Energy – what is it all about 2. Energy and making use of it – a short history of energy use and an overview on energy technologies 3. Coal, oil and natural gas – fossil fuels 4. Renewables I: Biomass, Hydropower, and Wind Energy – from traditional use to the modern concepts 5. Renewables II: Geothermal, Tidal power and Solar Technologies – new renewables to lead the change 6. Nuclear power, radioactivity and ultimate storage – the quest for a safe technology 7. Breeding and Nuclear Fusion – can it work at all? 8. Energy Storage – the need to increase capacity and for new technologies 9. Climate Change and Decarbonisation of the Energy Mix – how much time do we have? 10. Energy Efficiency, Buildings and Mobility – new Technologies, Rebounds and new Ways of life? 11. Energy Systems – how everything can play together 12. Life Cycle Assessment of Energy Technologies – problems and possibilities 13. Economics of Energy, Learning Curves, Technology Assessments and Innovation. 14. The Actual Energy Transition and Decarbonisation – How is your 2040, 2050?
Literature	The Physics of Energy, R.L. Jaffe, W. Taylor, 2018 Clean Disruption of Energy and Transportation, T. Seba 2014 Energy and Civilization: A History, V. Smil, 2018 Renewable Energy – Without the Hot Air, D.J.c. Mackay 2009
Prerequisites / Notice	Basics of Physics applied to Energy and Energy Technology. Investigation on current problems (and possible solutions) related to the energy system and the environmental interactions. Training of scientific and multi-disciplinary methods, approaches and their limits in the exercises and discussions.
Competencies	Subject-specific Competencies Concepts and Theories assessed Techniques and Technologies assessed Method-specific Competencies Analytical Competencies assessed Decision-making fostered Media and Digital Technologies fostered Problem-solving assessed Project Management fostered Social Competencies Communication assessed Cooperation and Teamwork fostered Sensitivity to Diversity fostered Negotiation fostered Personal Competencies Adaptability and Flexibility assessed Creative Thinking assessed Critical Thinking assessed Integrity and Work Ethics fostered Self-awareness and Self-reflection fostered

Performance assessment

Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)
Performance assessment as a semester course
ECTS credits	6 credits
Examiners	P. Morf
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	oral 30 minutes
Additional information on mode of examination	Language of examination: English or German / Prüfungssprache: Deutsch oder Englisch
This information can be updated until the beginning of the semester; information on the examination timetable is binding.

Learning materials

Groups

Restrictions

Offered in

Programme	Section	Type
Science Education Master	Spec. Courses in Respective Subject with Educational Focus	W
Physics Bachelor	Electives	W
Physics Bachelor	Selection of Higher Semester Courses	W
Physics TC	Specialized Courses in Respective Subject with Educational Focus	W
Physics Teaching Diploma	Spec. Courses in Resp. Subj. w/ Educ. Focus & Further Subj. Didactics	W
Physics Teaching Diploma	Compulsory Elective Courses	W
Physics Master	Selection: Further Electives	W