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Syllabus

TN0350 Sustainable development in the energy sector, 5.0 Credits

Hållbar utveckling i energibranschen

Subjects

Technology Environmental Science

Education cycle

Master’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Single module	5.0	0101

Advanced study in the main field

Second cycle, has second-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Master’s level (A1F)

Grading scale

Language

Swedish

Prior knowledge

- 120 credits in Technology/Technique and/or Natural sciences

- 5 credits Biology

- 5 credits Business Administration or Industrial Economy (see Additional information)

- 10 credits on advanced level in Energy systems or Resource use (see Additional information)

- 5 credits Life Cycle Assessment (see Additional information)

- knowledge equivalent to Swedish 3 and English 5 from Swedish upper secondary school

Objectives

The course will provide a deeper understanding of the transition to more sustainable energy systems in practice. It focuses on the conditions, opportunities and obstacles for organisations and companies in the energy sector or energy-intensive activities to practically implement technologies and processes to achieve global and national sustainability goals in their operations.

After completing the course the student should be able to:

• Describe different dimensions of sustainability, with special emphasis on energy and resource management issues.

• Compare different ways of measuring sustainability, especially with regards to energy and resource utilisation.

• Reflect in writing on sustainable entrepreneurship and describe how ecological, economic and social dimensions of sustainability affect a business.

• Based on a case study, practically handle ethical considerations and trade-offs, and suggest necessary priorities and technical solutions in business development

• Individually argue for sustainability aspects in the energy sector, in both Swedish and English, based on case studies and relevant literature

• Quantify, analyse and relate a company’s or an organisation’s activities to the planetary boundaries and sustainability goals, and to identify potential goal conflicts in the implementation of new technology and new processes.

• Identify, critically review and analyse sustainability work in practice in energy-relevant businesses, and reflect on the role of the engineer and the engineer’s professional ethics linked to sustainable development.

• Relate previously gained knowledge in energy systems and resource management to the practical development work of actors in the sector and their sustainability challenges.

Content

The course covers the following topics:

• Different frameworks and dimensions of sustainability

• Sustainable entrepreneurship and its driving forces

• Practical sustainability work in energy-relevant companies and organisations

• Different ways of measuring sustainability

• Applied sustainability analysis and mapping activities

• Tools for managing target conflicts and ethical considerations

• The engineer’s role and responsibility in practical sustainability work

• Planetary boundaries

• Differences between small and large businesses

The course is given in the form of lectures, guest lectures from relevant companies (eg large energy producers or consumers, smaller organizations) and other players in the energy sector (eg business initiatives, regions, municipalities etc.), student and teacher-led seminars, group work , roundtable discussions and individual presentations. The course also contains a larger case study linked to a specific activity.

Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Formats and requirements for examination

• Approved written synthesis report according to instructions with individual position statement

• Approved individual oral presentation of parts of the case study in English

• Approved participation in round table discussions and group report

• Approved participation in compulsory seminars

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.

• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.

• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.

• For the examination of a degree project (independent project), the examiner may also allow the student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Additional information

The requirement for prior knowledge in energy systems or resource use can be fulfilled by e.g. the course 1TE035 Energy efficiency in buildings - technology and systems 10 hp, TN0284 Bioenergy - technology and systems 10 hp, 1TE038 Wind power - technology and systems 10 hp, 1TE028 Solar energy - technology and systems 10 hp, 1TE754 Analysis of Electric Power Systems 10hp, or 1GV134 District heating systems 5 hp. The requirement for prior knowledge in life cycle assessement can be fulfilled by e.g. the course TN0285 Energy and life cycle assessment 5 hp. The requirement for prior knowledge in Biology can be fulfilled by e.g. the course KE0069 Environmental Impacts of Energy Systems 5 hp. The requirement for prior knowledge in business administration can be fulfilled by e.g. the course FÖ0450 Business Administration 5 credits or 1TE743 Industrial Management 5 credits.

Responsible department

Department of Energy and Technology