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 |
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:
- Define, specify suitable units for, and state the relationships between basic physical quantities such as force, work, energy, temperature (developing the knowledge capability dimension).
- Explain the physical principles governing energy transformations using correct terminology.
- Identify where energy is used and explain how it may be used efficiently.
- Perform quantitative calculations to assess efficiency of traditional and alternative means of energy production.
- 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 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.