Module Details

Module Code: INTR6006
Title: Climate Change and Energy
Long Title: Climate Change, Energy and Sustainabilit
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2013/14 ( September 2013 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5213 - Interdisciplinary Engineering
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module provides an introduction to the physical processes involved in Climate Change. The linkages between human activities, carbon emissions and changes to the atmospheric energy balance are explored. An individuals carbon footprints are determined and evaluated. The meaning Sustainable Development is considered, and future options are presented and compared.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe the main processes involved in climate change and climate modelling.
LO2 Explain the linkages between human activities and climate change drivers.
LO3 Discuss the possiblities for sustainable development in terms of future energy use.
LO4 Determine the production of Green House Gases based on energy consumption patterns.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Climate Change
Historical trends. Previous temperature fluctuations. Current Projections.
Global Warming and Green House Gases
GHGs, effects, types and GWIs. Physics of Global Warming. Alternative Views. Sunspots, Long Term Cycles.
Human Related Carbon Emissions
Agricultural, fossil fuel related, deforestation, forest fires.
Energy Related GHG emissions
Coal, Oil and Natural Gas combustions. Carbon emissions.
Energy Auditing
Metering, Data Collection, Usage Profile, Data Presentation and Analysis.
Energy Planning
National Energy Plans, EU Directives, Kyoto Protocol and Developments. IPCC. Stern Report.
Other Viewpoints
Preparing for Global Warming. Alternative Resource Use.
Sustainable Communities
Peak Oil Futures. Powerdown and Transition Towns. End of Suburbia and Beyond Suburbia. Dundalk 2020. Cork City Plan, and National Strategies.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 3 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Climate Change
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 2,3,4
Assessment Description
Domestic Energy Audit and Analysis
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 10 Learning Outcomes 1,2,4
Assessment Description
semester test
Assessment Type Exhibition Evaluation % of Total Mark 25
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
Poster display on possible sustainable options (Group)
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Class Lecture Every Week 3.00 3
Tutorial Contact Group Work on assignments Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self Study Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Egbert Boeker, Rienk van Grondelle,. (2011), Environmental Physics, 3rd. Wiley, [ISBN: 0470666765].
  • L. D. Danny Harvey,. (2010), Energy and the New Reality 2: Carbon-Free Energy Supply, Earthscan, [ISBN: 1849710732].
  • Danny Harvey L.D.. (2000), Climate and Global Environmental Change, 1st. [ISBN: 0582322618].
  • Boyle. G. et al. (2003), Energy Systems and Sustainability, Oxford, [ISBN: 0199261792].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Kinsale Community College. (2005), Energy Powerdown Report.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
  • dvd, al gore. (2005), An Inconvenient Truth.
  • Website, Enerdata. (2012), The European Union’s “3 x 20” targets: Challenging enough?,
    https://estore.enerdata.net
  • website, seai. www.seai.ie.
  • dvd, the end of suburbia.
  • dvd, beyond suburbia.
  • website, www.transitiontowns.com.
  • website, www.sustainablecampus.org.
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_ESENT_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Sustainable Energy Engineering 1 Mandatory
CR_SESST_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science and Sustainable Technology 1 Mandatory