PH1013 The Physics of Sustainable Energy

2025 to 2026 Semester 2

Curricular information may be subject to change

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 7

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

13:00

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr L Krishnan Jagadamma

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr Lethy Krishnan Jagadamma

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module introduces some of the fundamental physics of energy sustainability, covering energy-related calculations (efficiency, losses, thermodynamic factors), fundamental understanding of low carbon energy technologies (such as solar electricity generation, thermal, wind and nuclear), their economic and environmental impact (life cycle assessment), energy storage and the anticipated future developments such as sustainable buildings and sustainable transport. The course will also briefly cover energy economics (energy demand, supply, cost/benefit analysis of low carbon technologies).

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

(HIGHER MATHEMATICS GRADE B) AND (HIGHER PHYSICS GRADE B OR HIGHER CHEMISTRY GRADE B), OR EQUIVALENTS

Assessment pattern

Coursework - 40%, Written exam - 60%

Re-assessment

Coursework - 40%, Written exam - 60%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2 or 3 lectures (x11 weeks), 1 tutorial (x 5 weeks), 1 workshop (x 11 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

156

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

Apply principles of physics to evaluate the efficiency limits of several low-carbon technologies and identify what what kinds of renewable energy and storage is good for homes in developed vs developing countries.
Explain the fundamental physics behind several low-carbon technologies.
Compare and contrast the merits and drawbacks of renewables over fossil fuels.
Demonstrate transferrable research and presentation skills in the context of the physics of sustainability