Introduction to Energy Systems

This subject is not offered in 2013.

120 hours

Admission to a Masters level program.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject provides a general introduction to the many issues that need to be considered when examining the global energy system.

These include -

• A brief history of different forms of energy and energy technologies
• The historical relationship between energy use and industrialisation
• The social, environmental and economic costs and benefits of different forms of energy and energy technology
• An introduction to energy resources and resource economics
• A brief review of the costs of different forms of energy
• Historical, current and projected energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutant emissions
• Opportunities for greenhouse gas mitigation

On completion of this subject students should be able to -

• Appreciate the historical precedents that have led to the current, global energy system
• Consider the social, environmental and economic costs and benefits of different forms of energy and energy technology
• Consider the complex relationships between the use of different primary, secondary and tertiary energies

• Two assignments (25% each) not exceeding 12 pages each, one due mid-semester and the other at the end of semester
• One written three-hour end-of-semester examination (50%)

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Ability to communicate effectively with the community at large.
• Understanding of the social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities of a professional, and the need for sustainable development.