Program Overview

Sustainable Energy Program

Overview

The Sustainable Energy module discusses the drivers of energy services, the challenges associated with satisfying the rising energy demand, and the trade-offs in energy policy. Students will gain a clear understanding of the significance of reliable, affordable, and environmentally sustainable energy supply to modern societies.

Key Information

Faculty and Department

• Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Humanities
• Teaching department: UCL Arts and Sciences
• Credit value: 15

Restrictions

• Priority for places will go to second-year BASc students, BASc Affiliates, and other second-year students.
• Second and Final year students only.
• A basic proficiency in mathematics and physics could be helpful.

Alternative Credit Options

There are no alternative credit options available for this module.

Description

The Sustainable Energy module will cover the drivers of energy services, the challenges associated with satisfying the rising energy demand, the trade-offs in energy policy, and the important role of analytical tools for shaping energy policy. Students will understand the paramount significance of reliable, affordable, and environmentally sustainable supply of energy to modern societies and how these requirements trade within an interlinked energy system.

Teaching Delivery

• This module is taught in two, 1-hour weekly lectures and one weekly PGTA-led seminar.

Indicative Topics

• PART I: Foundations
• PART II: End-use Sectors: Energy Services and Final Energy Use
• PART III: Energy Transformation
• PART IV: Energy Reserves and Resources
• PART V: Balancing Demand and Supply

Module Aims and Objectives

Students will leave this module with a clear understanding of the paramount significance of reliable, affordable, and environmentally sustainable supply of energy to modern societies and how these requirements trade within an interlinked energy system. They will also understand how an interdisciplinary focus can deliver key insights into a critical science and engineering challenge.

Recommended Reading

• Chapter 1 "Energy Primer" from Global Energy Assessment - Toward a Sustainable Future, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK and New York, NY, USA and the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Laxenburg, Austria (2012).
• Sweeney, J.L., Energy efficiency: Building a Clean, Secure Economy. Hoover Press (2016).

Module Deliveries for 2026/27 Academic Year

Intended Teaching Term

• Term 1
• Undergraduate (FHEQ Level 5)

Teaching and Assessment

Mode of Study

• In person

Methods of Assessment

• 40% Coursework
• 60% Exam

Mark Scheme

• Numeric Marks

Other Information

Number of Students on Module in Previous Year

• 38

Module Leader

• Professor Andreas Schafer