Program Overview

Climate and Energy (PHAS0050)

Key Information

• Faculty: Faculty of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
• Teaching department: Physics and Astronomy
• Credit value: 15
• Restrictions: Students must have taken an introductory module in thermodynamics, such as PHAS0024 Statistical Physics of Matter, or its equivalent.

Alternative Credit Options

There are no alternative credit options available for this module.

Description

Outline

An introduction to the science of climate change, the physics of energy generation, and the possibility of intervening in the Earth's climate. Climate change, energy science, energy production, renewable energy sources, nuclear power, electricity generation, the future of energy, and climate intervention will be discussed.

Aims

The aim of the module is to provide an introduction to the science of climate change, the physics of energy generation and distribution by various means, and the possibility of intervening in the Earth's climate.

Teaching and Learning Methodology

This course is delivered via weekly lectures supplemented by a series of workshops and additional discussion. In addition to timetabled lecture hours, it is expected that students engage in self-study in order to master the material. This can take the form, for example, of practicing example questions and further reading in textbooks and online.

Indicative Topics

The course is typically divided into eight sections:

• Climate change
• Energy science
• Energy production
• Renewable energy sources
• Nuclear power
• Electricity generation, transmission, and storage
• Energy: the future
• Climate intervention

Module Deliveries for 2026/27 Academic Year

Intended Teaching Term: Term 2, Postgraduate (FHEQ Level 6)

Teaching and Assessment

• Mode of study: In person
• Methods of assessment:
  • 90% Exam
  • 10% Coursework (3 assessments)
• Mark scheme: Numeric Marks

Other Information

• Number of students on module in previous year: 3
• Module leader: Professor Chamkaur Ghag

Intended Teaching Term: Term 2, Undergraduate (FHEQ Level 6)

Teaching and Assessment

• Mode of study: In person
• Methods of assessment:
  • 90% Exam
  • 10% Coursework (3 assessments)
• Mark scheme: Numeric Marks

Other Information

• Number of students on module in previous year: 44
• Module leader: Professor Chamkaur Ghag