BI1360, Natural resources for energy systems in a biogeochemical perspective, 10.0 Hp
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Syllabus

Finalized by: PN-NJ, 2025-04-23
Valid from : Autumn semester 2026 (2026-08-31)

Level

First cycle (G1N)

Main field of study

Biology, Soil Science

Biology Area

Other biology courses

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 provide students with basic knowledge of the geological, meteorological, and biological conditions and limitations of the most important energy systems, both globally and locally. Knowledge of these natural conditions is needed as a basis for other courses on the program, but also when graduated civil engineers will develop, design and use different energy systems in an economically, socially and ecologically sustainable way. After completing the course the student should be able to:

• describe the natural conditions for the primary energy sources - solar and geothermal energy - and how these in various forms drive the biotic and abiotic energy systems,
• orally and in text account for how different basic biogeochemical conditions and processes affect the conditions for different energy sources,
• discuss possible natural constraints on energy systems, which include access to raw materials, climate change and interventions in biogeochemical cycles on a global and regional scale;
• reflect on how the conditions for the energy systems change over time as humans use them,
• discuss the use of different energy systems from an ethical perspective, and
• work in a group and reflect on how the group work worked.

Content

The course highlights how biogeochemical processes affect and drive energy systems, and how these energy systems can be used in a sustainable way. The course is divided into 4 sections:

The section on "Sun, wind and water" covers:

• Meteorological factors that control the global and regional conditions for solar, wind and hydroelectric power
• Global freshwater bodies for use in energy systems

Section on "Soil energy and raw materials" deals with:

• Biological and geological processes leading to the storage of bound solar energy in the form of oil, natural gas, coal, lignite and peat
• Hydrological and geological conditions for geo-energy and geothermal energy in a global and regional perspective
• National and global assets of metals for use in energy systems

The section on "Bioenergy and biochemical energy" deals with:

• Factors that govern global and regional production conditions for biofuels from agriculture and forestry.
• Prerequisites for microbial biochemical energy conversion within for example hydrogen, ethanol and biogas production

Section on "Biogeochemical conditions of the future" deals with:

• How long will the finite resources last?
• The impact of climate change on the conditions for the energy systems
• Ethical considerations for the energy supply of the future and the responsibility of the engineer in this.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

The following is required to pass the course: - Active participation in compulsory parts of the course, - Passed written exams, - Approved written and oral presentation of group work

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 1. Sun, wind... and Energy and raw...	4.0	0202
Exam 2. Bio energy and bo chemical...	3.0	0203
Compulsory group work	1.0	0204
Compulsory course parts	2.0	0205

The Course Replaces

B!1323