Course coordinator
Associate Professor Remo Cossu
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Civil Engineering School
This course forms part of a major which provides students with the skills to work in the water and environment sector of the Civil and Environmental Engineering profession. The global transition to renewable sources of energy is gaining momentum with hydro-power and ocean-power technologies becoming a key part of the world's future energy mix. This course enables students to gain fundamental knowledge of the multi-faceted approach of fluid powered energy generation and provides them with the ability to assess these systems based on their technical, regulatory and efficiency requirements as well as their interactions with the natural and built environment. The course broadly covers hydroelectric power schemes, marine renewable energy systems (waves and tides) and offshore wind systems. The course also provides an overview of the legal regimes relevant to Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) Systems, including property rights, climate change and energy, marine environmental protection and maritime safety and security. This sets the foundation for a career in the sustainable energy engineering sector by enabling students to perform energy resource assessment and design solutions to meet the challenges of implementing renewable systems.
21st century solutions involve sustainable and alternative energy resources. The offshore renewable energy industry, whilst still in its nascent state, has significant market potential around the world. For instance, Energy Europe (OEE) has forecast a €653b market potential by 2050 for wave energy alone. There is an increased demand from the engineering industry for graduates that have specialised training in the design, operation and management of renewable energy systems – driven by federal government targets to increase the amount of renewable energy as a portion of the country’s overall energy mix. This is exemplified by Australia’s goal to be reliant on 20% of renewable energy by 2030.
An understanding of the environment and available energy resources is the foundation of modern renewable energy management. Fluid mechanics concepts as well as monitoring strategies and data analysis provide the starting point for examining, analysing, and designing marine renewable energy systems. A variety of different systems are available or in the process of being tested, ranging from fixed and floating offshore wind turbines, nearshore and open water wave energy converters, vertical and horizontal axis tidal turbines, as well as hydroelectric dams. Topics covered in the course include:
1. Basic fluid mechanics concepts and thermodynamics.
2. Energy demand and need of the Blue Economy.
3. Resource characterisation.
4. Characterisation and analysis of marine renewable energy systems.
5. Physical and numerical modelling of energy systems.
6. Analysis and design of hydroelectric power systems.
7. Environmental Impact Assessment, legal framework and economics of renewable energy systems.
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
MATH1051 and MATH1052
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ENGG1001 and CIVL2131 and CIVL2530
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
CIVL4112
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Remo Cossu
Professor Tom Baldock
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
This course applies engineering principles to develop industry-relevant information on fluid powered renewable systems and is considered and is considered a fundamental course in the modern engineering curriculum. CIVL6112 introduces the analysis of marine renewable energy and hydro power (pumped power storage) systems. The aim of the course is to develop a sound understanding of the fundamental technologies that have been established and are emerging to harness energy from wind, waves and water flows. The course will use basic fluid mechanics principles and their application to professional marine engineering problems. These fundamental principles are applied to real-world engineering problems. As a result of taking this course, students will comprehend modern fluid powered energy conversion systems, and grasp the basic design and analysis processes in renewable energy.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Describe the fundamental physical processes used for fluid-powered renewable energy systems including the mathematical models that are commonly used to approximate these processes
LO2.
Apply time series and spatial analysis methods to analyse multi-variable data sets to examine the potential performance of fluid-and-marine-powered energy generation systems
LO3.
Explain, communicate and apply methods/models for analysis of fluid- and marine-powered energy generation systems that are used in resource assessment and environmental impact studies
LO4.
Analyse the performance and feasibility of energy production systems that employ technologies for: a) Offshore Wind energy b) Tidal energy c) Wave energy d) Hydro-electric energy
LO5.
Critically review fluid- and marine-powered renewable energy projects with respect to the current and future state of the industry
LO6.
Apply fundamental engineering concepts to solve basic design problems of ocean and hydro power systems
LO7.
Communication: work in a team and explain design/problem solutions using drawings and presentations, present a proposal to an audience which may include engineers and academics.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Problem Solving Session
|
self-reflection |
22/07/2024 - 25/10/2024 |
| Presentation |
Project Presentation
|
10% |
21/08/2024 - 28/08/2024 |
| Quiz |
In-Semester Exam
|
20% |
4/09/2024 10:15 am |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Reflection | Project Report | 20% |
2/10/2024 - 25/10/2024
Due 4pm |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
50% |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Problem Solving Session
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- self-reflection
- Due date
22/07/2024 - 25/10/2024
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
The weekly tutorial problems will help you prepare for the final exam.
1. Word and illustration problems
2. Mathematical problems
You will complete the problem solving exercises during tutorials assisted by the lecturer.
The tutorial problem solving exercises are formative assessment to help you learn and practise the lecture material and prepare for the end-of-semester examination. Solution of tutorial problems will NOT count towards your final grade. Tutorials are an opportunity to ask the lecturer questions and to clarify unclear points, so that you will be able to pass the end-of-semester examination and graduate.
Submission guidelines
Not a submissible item.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Project Presentation
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
21/08/2024 - 28/08/2024
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Task description
Form a team to give a short presentation on a renewable energy topic covered in this course. The presentation should cover details such as:
- energy conversion / demands
- available resources
- design options
- environmental impact of chosen system
The oral presentation is an opportunity for Q&A and feedback from the rest of the class.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Not a submissible item.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
In-Semester Exam
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
4/09/2024 10:15 am
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04, L06
Task description
The class test will be held during the class in week 8.
- covering all material delivered in weeks 1-7
- open book
- The format will be an MCQ online test (non-invigilated).
More information will be provided closer to the date of assessment.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Project Report
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Reflection
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
2/10/2024 - 25/10/2024
Due 4pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Task description
Form a team and prepare a written report that describes an Offshore Marine Renewable Energy system that will be assessed based on:
· Available resource
· Available technology
· Design solutions
The report should include tables and graphs of your data and should describe, explain the discuss the analysis and interpretation of the data. Include references to the literature to support your description, explanation and discussion.
Suggested sections of the report are:
- Summary
- Introduction
- Site description
- Methodology
- Results and discussion
- Conclusion
- Reference list
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submission via Turnitin.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Final Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L05, L06
Task description
The final exam will include a combination of multiple choice, short answer and problem solving questions.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
To receive an overall grade of 4 or more, a student must achieve at least 45% on the final exam.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | One A4 sheet of typed notes, double sided, is permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 19.99 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Deficient knowledge of the course material and lack of problem solving capacity |
| 2 (Fail) | 20 - 44.99 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Some demonstrated knowledge of the course contents but less than satisfactory ability in problem solving and/or in describing, analysing, interpreting and explaining data. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Slightly less than satisfactory ability to solve problems in the course area and/or to describe, analyse, interpret and explain data. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Satisfactory ability to solve problems of familiar types and to describe, analyse, interpret and explain data that is informed by the literature and is generally clearly expressed. Work often resembles the standard of a professional engineer. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Good ability to solve problems of familiar types and to describe, analyse, interpret and explain field data that is informed by the literature and is generally well expressed. Work resembles the standard of a professional engineer. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Substantial ability to apply the course content to familiar types of problems and some ability to cope with previously unexperienced problems. Excellent ability to describe, analyse, interpret and explain data that is informed by the literature, expressed well and shows some instances of original and insightful thinking. Work reflects the standard of a professional engineer. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Excellent ability to apply the course contents to new and different problems as well as previously practised ones. Excellent ability to analyse data. Showing many instances of original and insightful thinking. Work reflects the standard of a professional engineer. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Tutorial |
Tutorials 12-week activity consisting of various sets of problem sets focused on problem-based learning activities & discussion / review sessions of case studies Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Lecture |
Lectures Lectures will cover all course content and follow the lecture notes on Blackboard, and follows material presented in most textbooks and will usually include worked examples similar to problems given in the tutorials and examination. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05, L06 |
|
Week 1 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
General contact hours |
Contact session Contact sessions for problem solving and assignment discussion Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L05, L06 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course:
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: