Course Description

Energy is essential to our daily lives. Electricity, fuel gas and fuel oil have brought us much convenience, luxury and prosperity. However, our present heavy reliance on fossil fuels has caused a serious energy crisis, air pollution and climate change problems. Active technological development is needed on both the supply and demand sides to enhance the energy industry to achieve sustainability. This course is designed to enable students to develop a broader perspective and critical understanding of energy issues that they are confronted with, to cultivate their appreciation of various viewpoints and responsibilities as global and local citizens, and to develop their problem-solving ability through lectures and discussion of the key energy and environmental issues. The course topics include: (i) world energy resources; (ii) fossil fuel-based, nuclear and hydro energy technologies; (iii) energy conservation and energy efficiency; (iv) clean and renewable energy technologies; (v) scheme of control and deregulation in electricity supply; (vi) environmental impacts of energy industry; (vii) social, economic and political issues; and (viii) remedial measures and policies.

[There will be a compulsory field visit to a zero-carbon building scheduled during Reading Week.]

Course Learning Outcomes

On completing the course, students will be able to:

1. Describe and explain various energy conversion technologies.
2. Assess the social benefits and environmental impacts of the fossil fuel economy and present their own views.
3. Evaluate the potential of renewable energy technologies for future sustainable development.
4. Demonstrate understanding of the ways energy was discovered and used in human history.
5. Formulate informed arguments in responding to energy-related environmental issues.
6. Apply interdisciplinary knowledge and teamwork skills to design, prototype, and demonstrate an energy-related system involving energy conversion and/or storage.

Offer Semester and Day of Teaching

First semester (Wed)