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| Semester | spring semester 2023 |
| Course frequency | Every spring sem. |
| Lecturers | Rebecca Lordan-Perret (rebecca.lordan-perret@unibas.ch, Assessor) |
| Content | In this course, we discuss the technical/scientific basis of energy generation, distribution, and storage. We begin with developing an understanding of what energy is, its forms, and where we find sources of energy here on earth. Next, we will describe in detail how we generate energy from those sources, with an emphasis on the physical and chemical conversions that must take place and how energy generation technologies work. We will consider a range of generation technologies from traditional centralized power plants to distributed energy sources. In each case, we will take a life-cycle perspective to evaluate the necessary inputs, production, availability, transportation and distribution, and waste streams of each technology. We will end by considering future energy demand scenarios, including changes in demand driven by new technologies (e.g., electric mobility, smart grids, energy storage), and how we can meet rising global energy demand and address the pressing environmental issue of our time, climate change. |
| Learning objectives | After taking this course, students - understand the technical/scientific basics of current energy generating and storing technologies; - understand the technical/scientific basis of how we move energy from where it is produced to where it is consumed; - understand the life-cycle perspective of each energy technology; - can evaluate diverse options for meeting future demand and addressing climate change. |
| Bibliography | - MacKay, D. “Sustainability Without the Hot Air.” https://www.withouthotair.com/ (free download available). - Muller, R. “Physics and Technology for Future Presidents.” Princeton University Press: 2010 (selected chapters made available on ADAM; do not need to purchase the book). - Other selected readings posted on ADAM. |
| Comments | Mandatory for MSD students with focus area in social sciences and in economics. Unless you have a background in natural sciences and have already attended a similar course; you would have to substitute it by agreement with Prof. Dr. Patricia Holm (learning agreement). For students with focus area in natural sciences the lecture is optional (and can be attended if you have not attended a similar course already), credit points are to be transferred to the "Focal Areas in Sustainability Research" module (learning agreement). This lecture is offered by MSD. Dr. Rebecca Lordan-Perret holds a teaching assignment. |
| Admission requirements | Only for students of the MSD (incl. MSD preparation semester). |
| Course application | Course enrollment on MOnA should be completed by the beginning of the teaching period (withdrawal possible until Monday of week five). |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | No specific media used |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| wöchentlich | Wednesday | 14.15-16.00 | Vesalianum, Seminarraum (O2.02) |
| Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday 22.02.2023 | 14.15-16.00 | Vesalianum, Seminarraum (O2.02) |
| Wednesday 01.03.2023 | 14.15-16.00 | Fasnachstferien |
| Wednesday 08.03.2023 | 14.15-16.00 | Vesalianum, Seminarraum (O2.02) |
| Wednesday 15.03.2023 | 14.15-16.00 | Vesalianum, Seminarraum (O2.02) |
| Wednesday 22.03.2023 | 14.15-16.00 | Vesalianum, Seminarraum (O2.02) |
| Wednesday 29.03.2023 | 14.15-16.00 | Vesalianum, Seminarraum (O2.02) |
| Wednesday 05.04.2023 | 14.15-16.00 | Vesalianum, Seminarraum (O2.02) |
| Wednesday 12.04.2023 | 14.15-16.00 | Vesalianum, Seminarraum (O2.02) |
| Wednesday 19.04.2023 | 14.15-16.00 | Vesalianum, Seminarraum (O2.02) |
| Wednesday 26.04.2023 | 14.15-16.00 | Vesalianum, Seminarraum (O2.02) |
| Wednesday 03.05.2023 | 14.15-16.00 | Vesalianum, Seminarraum (O2.02) |
| Wednesday 10.05.2023 | 14.15-16.00 | Vesalianum, Seminarraum (O2.02) |
| Wednesday 17.05.2023 | 14.15-16.00 | Vesalianum, Seminarraum (O2.02) |
| Wednesday 24.05.2023 | 14.15-16.00 | Vesalianum, Seminarraum (O2.02) |
| Wednesday 31.05.2023 | 14.15-16.00 | Kollegienhaus, Hörsaal 120 |
| Modules |
Module: Complementary Knowledge in Natural Sciences (Master's Studies: Sustainable Development) |
| Assessment format | record of achievement |
| Assessment details | Regular attendance. Required readings and active participation. Problem sets as assigned during the semester. Written examination 31.05.23, during usual teaching time slot; room: for details see online course directory/section"Dates and rooms". Repeat examination: tba in due time, for details see online course directory/section"Dates and rooms". |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: course registration, dereg: cancel course registration |
| Repeat examination | one repetition, best attempt counts |
| Scale | 1-6 0,1 |
| Repeated registration | as often as necessary |
| Responsible faculty | University of Basel |
| Offered by | Departement Umweltwissenschaften |