KE0069, Environmental Impacts of Energy Systems, 5.0 Hp
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Syllabus

Level

First cycle (G1F)

Main field of study

Chemistry

Grading Scale

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Course language

Swedish

Entry Requirements

Objectives

The aim of the course is to give the student basic knowledge of the environmental impact of different types of energy systems. This knowledge forms the basis for subsequent courses on the assessment of environmental impacts and sustainable energy systems. The impact includes environmental effects from the production, operation and dismantling of energy plants, as well as environmental impacts from extraction, use and residual products of various types of fuel. On completion of the course, the student should be able to

• describe the environmental impact of different energy systems, as well as describe the meteorological, chemical and / or biological causes of these environmental effects,
• explain how to measure and assess environmental effects in nature with both chemical and biological parameters,
• evaluate the environmental impact different energy systems can exert both locally and globally,
• on a scientific basis, evaluate different energy systems from an environmental perspective and propose measures to improve current energy systems so that environmental impact is reduced by individually writing and presenting an action plan

Content

Subdivided into energy types, the course brings up environmental impacts linked to fossil fuels, biofuels, nuclear power, hydropower, wind power, solar power and wave power, and connects them to the mechanisms that cause environmental impact. The types of environmental impacts being treated are reduced biodiversity, climate change, eutrophication, acidification, particulate emissions, noise and emissions of toxic substances such as persistent organic compounds, heavy metals and radioactive substances, and how these affect different species and other parts of the ecosystems. For selected environmental effects, trends in environmental impact linked to changing energy use are investigated using chemical and biological data from SLU’s environmental monitoring databases, in the form of calculation exercises. Debates and role-plays are used as tools to gain experience of the kind of values that are often addressed in environmental issues in society. This part of the course is examined by an exam. In an individual project work, the student analyses energy system solutions from an environmental perspective and evaluates measures to improve these to reduce environmental impact and to better connect to environmental and climate goals. The work is presented in writing and orally and discussed at a round table discussion.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

- Passed mandatory parts (G / U) - Passed written exam (5/4/3 / U) - Passed project including: written (5/4 / 3 / U) and oral presentation (G / U), active participation in group discussion (G / U)

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Aquatic Science and Assessment

Supplementary information

Included in program

• Master Programme in Energy Systems Engineering

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
Exam	2.0	0202
Report	3.0	0203

The Course Replaces

KE0067

Other Information

The prerequisite in statistics is fulfilled through the course Sannolikhet och statistik, course code 1MS005