Course Title: Energy and Earth's Environment

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Energy and Earth's Environment

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code	Campus	Career	School	Learning Mode	Teaching Period(s)
PHYS2066	City Campus	Undergraduate	135H Applied Sciences	Face-to-Face	Sem 2 2006, Sem 2 2007, Sem 2 2009, Sem 2 2011, Sem 2 2013, Sem 2 2014, Sem 2 2015, Sem 2 2016
PHYS2066	City Campus	Undergraduate	171H School of Science	Face-to-Face	Sem 2 2017, Sem 2 2018, Sem 2 2019, Sem 2 2020, Sem 2 2021, Sem 2 2022, Sem 2 2023, Sem 2 2024
PHYS2119	Open Learning Australia	Non Award	171H School of Science	Distance / Correspondence	OUASP3UG17, OUASP1UG18, OUASP3UG18, OUASP1UG23
PHYS2129	City Campus	Postgraduate	135H Applied Sciences	Face-to-Face	Sem 2 2013, Sem 2 2014, Sem 2 2015, Sem 2 2016
PHYS2129	City Campus	Postgraduate	171H School of Science	Face-to-Face	Sem 2 2017, Sem 2 2018, Sem 2 2019, Sem 2 2020, Sem 2 2021

Flexible Terms

Course Code	Campus	Career	School	Learning Mode	Teaching Period(s)
PHYS2164	OUA CSP	Undergraduate	171H School of Science	Internet	OUACSP2023 (All)

Course Coordinator: Prof Gary Bryant

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925

Course Coordinator Email: gary.bryant@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Availability: Email for appointment

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

 

Assumed Knowledge

No prior experience in physics is required for this course, although basic mathematical ability in algebra is expected (at year 12 level or basic first year university level).

Course Description

This course is intended to provide a deep understanding of the issues of energy production, transmission and usage. The processes of energy production and consumption will be discussed qualitatively and quantitatively, informed by a working knowledge of the physical principles governing the transformation of energy from one form to another.

 The course comprises the following components:

• Introduction to Energy Requirements and Usage - covers societal factors influencing the demand for energy and an overview of fossil fuels.
• Introduction to Energy Concepts - covers a range of relevant physics needed for the understanding of the other topics, including force & motion, work & energy, temperature & heat, fluids and basic electricity.
• Methods of Energy Production - provides an overview of a broad range of alternative and renewable methods of energy production. This section includes discussion of the science behind solar, wind, wave, tidal, geothermal, biomass, hydro and nuclear energy sources.
• Introduction to Energy Efficiency and Fuel Cells.
• Introduction to atmospheric physics and the greenhouse effect.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes for Environmental Science and Environmental Engineering programs such as BH080 Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental Engineering) (Honours) BH096 Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental Engineering) (Honours) and BP161 Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Business (Management).

1.1. Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.

1.2. Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline.

2.1 Demonstrate a broad and coherent knowledge and understanding of Earth system processes, especially in the hydrosphere, ecosphere, atmosphere and lithosphere; and depth in the underlying principles and concepts in Environmental Chemistry and/or Environmental Biology.

2.2 Describe how environmental science has interdisciplinary connections with other sciences.

3.1 Gather, synthesize and critically evaluate environmental information from a range of sources.

3.3 You will be able to critically analyse and solve problems in environmental science by selecting and applying practical and/or theoretical techniques with technical competence in conducting field, laboratory-based, or virtual experiments

3.4 You will be able to critically analyse and solve problems in environmental science by collecting, accurately recording, interpreting, and drawing conclusions from scientific data

4.1. You will be able to communicate environmental science results, information, or arguments effectively using a range of modes (oral, written, visual) to different audiences.

5.1. You will be accountable for individual learning and scientific work in environmental science by being an independent and self-directed learner.

5.2. You will be accountable for your individual learning and scientific work in environmental science by working effectively, responsibly, ethically, and safely in an individual or team context.

 

On successfully completing this course, you should be able to:

1. Define, specify suitable units for, and state the relationships between basic physical quantities such as force, work, energy, temperature (developing the knowledge capability dimension).
2. Explain the physical principles governing energy transformations using correct terminology.
3. Identify where energy is used and explain how it may be used efficiently.
4. Perform quantitative calculations to assess efficiency of traditional and alternative means of energy production.
5. Demonstrate how even simple atmospheric models can qualitatively and semi-quantitatively reveal the greenhouse effect.

Overview of Learning Activities

 

You will be actively engaged in a range of learning activities such as lectorials, tutorials, practicals, laboratories, seminars, project work, class discussion, individual and group activities. Delivery may be face to face, online or a mix of both. 

You will learn by a number of activities selected from the list below:

• Watching recorded online learning materials and reading the associated pdf files where the syllabus content will be introduced. 
• Attending Lectorials where the content will be expanded upon and student interaction with the material will be encouraged and directed (developing the knowledge capability dimension); 
• Self-directed exploration of course learning materials, texts, and online materials and library resources; 
• Virtual group discussions on course material and problem solving using the tools provided, where principles and concepts will be explored (developing the knowledge capability); 
• Undertaking formative example problems and exercises to develop familiarity with numerical calculations, and application of concepts to the solution of abstract problems, and also to obtain feedback and assessment of progress (developing the technical and critical analysis and problem-solving capabilities); 
• Undertaking online practical activities and simulations (developing the technical and critical analysis and problem-solving capabilities); 
• Viewing demonstrations, videos or simulations of relevant physical scenarios to clarify analysis of them (developing the technical and critical analysis and problem-solving capabilities); 
• Prepare for and undertake class tests to assess your knowledge; 

You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course

Overview of Learning Resources

 

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course. 

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.

Overview of Assessment

Assessment Tasks:

Assessment Task 1: Interactive group problem solving 
Weighting 20% 
This assessment task supports CLOs 1-3 

Assessment Task 2: Online Quizzes 
Weighting 20% 
This assessment task supports CLOs 1-5 

Assessment Task 3: Virtual/remote labs and simulations 
Weighting 20% 
This assessment task supports CLOs 1-5 

Assessment Task 4: In class tests 
Weighting 40% 
This assessment task supports CLOs 1-5 

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.