Curricular Unit:Code:
Energy, Environment and Sustainability827EASU
Year:Level:Course:Credits:
1UndergraduateCivil Engineering3 ects
Learning Period:Language of Instruction:Total Hours:
Portuguese/English39
Learning Outcomes of the Curricular Unit:
The introduction of this Curriculum Unit, optional, aims to complement the knowledge of the role and the environmental impact of the various forms of exploration, production and use of energy. Special emphasis will be given to the impact on climate change.
At the end of this UC the student should be able to:
Understand the relations between environment and energy;
Understand the importance of energy in human development;
Know how to discuss energy statistics on a global, European and national scale;
Understand the various systems of energy production, renewable and non-renewable;
Identify and propose systems to mitigate the environmental impacts of energy production;
Know the European policies for energy;
Know the national system of energy production and distribution;
Know the role of IPCC and the importance of policies for mitigation and adaptation to climate change.
Syllabus:
Chapter 1 - Introductory Concepts
1.1. Environment and human development
1.2. Energy
1.3. Energy and environment
Chapter 2 - Energy: Production and Environmental Impact
2.1. Non-renewable energy
2.2. Renewable energy
2.3. Energy statistics
Chapter 3 - Energy policy of the European Union
3.1. The "Energy Union"
3.2. The Energy Strategy: 2020, 2030 and 2050
3.3. The strategy for security of supply
Chapter 4 - The Portuguese Energy System
4.1. Characterization of the national energy system
4.2. National energy policy
4.3. The role of ERSE
Chapter 5 - Energy and Climate Change
5.1. The role of the IPCC
5.2. Mitigation and adaptation strategies
Demonstration of the Syllabus Coherence with the Curricular Unit's Objectives:
The contents are consistent with the objectives formulated for the course as the topics included in the program cover in detail aspects related to energy production and its environmental impacts, including management of CO2 emissions the impact of CCS technologies.
Teaching Methodologies (Including Evaluation):
The teaching methodologies are mainly expositive, interrogative and demonstrative, both during classes and tutorial orientation sessions. Case-studies are frequently used, in order to allow the interpretation and correct application of theoretical knowledge. Students are encouraged and oriented to perform research essays. Whenever possible, lectures with external guests are promoted.
The evaluation is continuous, through the practical application of knowledge in individual or group assignments, and research essays, as well as two Close-book tests.
Demonstration of the Coherence between the Teaching Methodologies and the Learning Outcomes:
The methodologies of teaching and learning of this course were programmed in order to maximize a global view of the problems of energy and environment by the students as well as the policies and techniques applicable in its resolution, including the management of CO2 emissions and the impact of CCS technologies. The teaching methodologies are consistent with the objectives of the course as the expository method associated with analysis of concrete situations, to further work on partial aspects, allow understanding of the challenges facing the future professionals.
Reading:
- Andrews, J. and Jelley, N. (2007). Energy Science, Principles, technologies and impacts. Oxford University Press. ISBN: 978-0-19-928112-1.
- APA (2020). REA 2019.
- Developments and innovation in carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and storage technology: Carbon dioxide (CO2) storage and utilisation (Volume 2). Edited by M. Mercedes Maroto-Valer, Heriot-Watt University, UK. Woodhead Publishing Series in Energy No. 16.
- European Commission. Em linha: ec.europa.eu/energy/en/home
- International Energy Agency. Em linha: www.iea.org
- Jorgen Randers (2012). 2052: A Global Forecast for the Next Forty Years. Chelsea Green Publishing. ISBN: 978-1-60358-421-0
- Meadows, D., Randers, J. and Meadows, D. (2004). Limits to Growth. The 30-Year Update. Chelsea Green Publishing Company, USA. ISBN 1-931498-51-2.
- Steve Rackley (2009). "Carbon Capture and Storage".Publisher: Butterworth-Heinemann. ISBN: 1856176363
- ZEP. Zero emissions Platform. Em linha: www.zeroemissionsplatform.eu