Physics of Energy and the Environment

Physics of Energy and the Environment (PEN | SPA5250)

Please consult QMPlus for the authoritative information on this module.

Year: 2 | Semester: B | Level: 5 | Credits: 15

Prerequisites: A Level Maths
Lectures: 33 | Ex: 215 Lec: 115 116 216 (notation)
Exam: 2.5 hour written paper (60%), coursework (40%)
Practical work: none | Ancillary teaching: Weekly Exercises, Project.

Course organiser: Dr Eram Rizvi | Course deputy: Dr Kostya Trachenko

Synopsis:
Applied concepts and equations of physics (including mechanics, thermodynamics, waves, quantum physics) in the mathematical description of energy transfer processes in natural energy sources, and in energy technologies. Analysis of efficiencies of energy transfer will be included. The emphasis will be on useful quantitative results from physics rather than detailed derivations. Examples will be drawn from wind, wave, solar and nuclear energies. The relevance of Physics in understanding and improving energy technologies as well as assessing their environmental impact will be emphasised. Specific topics will include; first and second laws of thermodynamics, wind energy, Betz limit on efficiency of wind turbines, solar energy, semiconductor physics relevant to solar cells, radioactivity, nuclear reactors and nuclear waste disposal. A project towards the end of the course will lead students to writing a review on a topic chosen from eg. Current ideas in improving efficiency in emerging energy technologies or Environmental impact of nuclear energy.
Aims:
The course will demonstrate the relevance of Physics to topical issues of energy and environment. Students will see concepts and equations from mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, quantum physics and other areas of fundamental physics finding applications in the understanding of energy resources, technologies and their effects on the environment.
Outcomes:
Students will be able to quantify energy transfer and efficiencies in basic processes relevant to energy technologies. They will be able to explain how knowledge from diverse areas of fundamental physics is used for progress in energy technology and in issues of environmental impact. They will be able to perform informed manipulations of quantitative data in scientific articles on energy and related environmental issues.

Recommended books:

Energy Science : Principles, Technologies and Impacts, 
by John Andrews and Nick Jelley, 
OUP 2007

Concepts in Thermal Physics,
Blundell and Blundell,
OUP 2006
 
Renewable energy, 
Sorensen, 
Elsevier 2004

Juno Champion

The school holds Juno Champion status, the highest award of this IoP scheme to recognise and reward departments that can demonstrate they have taken action to address the under-representation of women in university physics and to encourage better practice for both women and men.