Course coordinator
Associate Professor Simon Smart
Email is the best contact. Please mark urgent if you need a reply inside 24 hours.
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Chemical Engineering School
This course provides an overview of a wide range of energy systems including energy production from renewable (solar, wind, hydro, ocean, biomass) and non-renewable (fossil and nuclear) resources in the context of climate change and energy transitions. A range of engineering principles will be consolidated (i.e. mass & energy balances, thermodynamic cycles, process optimisation & power generation) in tandem with the application of sustainable development principles and business perspectives.
Our society faces major challenges in energy provision for developing nations, efficient energy production /ﾠutilization in developed nations, resource scarcity, climate change and social license to operate. Therefore, this course aims to provide both background context and skills for improved decision making within this complex system as we navigate towards a decarbonised economy through sustainable development.
Course requirements
Assumed background
This is a 4th year engineering subject - our expectations around critical thinking / managing workload are commensurate with this level -ﾠStudents would be expected to spend approximately 10 hours of work per week (including contact and self-directed study) on this course across the 13 weeks of semester.ﾠ
Engineering skills (fluid dynamics, heat transfer,ﾠ mass and energy balances, ﾠthermodynamics and unit operations) and ﾠknowledge of process modelling ﾠare recommended within a group.
Critical analysis of systems rather than single units is very beneficial. Group work is required and students are assumed to have appropriate project management skills, although these will be augmented during the course.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
(CHEE2030 and CHEE2040) or MECH3400
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
CHEE4024 and MECH4460 and ENGY7000
Course contact
Course coordinator
Professor Anand Veeraragavan
Please email to arrange a time to meet with Prof Veeraragavan outside of class time.
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Simon Smart
Professor Anand Veeraragavan
Dr Peng Chen
Tutor
Dr Hossein Dashti
Mr Mohamed Ibrahim
Ms Kalyssa Sidoti
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
The course schedule will be provided via Blackboard.
Aims and outcomes
The primary aim of this course is to raise the level of student understanding in the areas of energy conversion to electricity ﾠand related environmental and social issues. This will be achieved through lectures which will cover ﾠfundamentals of energy conversion and stationary electricity generation and reinforce practical application of the knowledge gained previously in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics,ﾠ heat & mass transfer, process systems analysis and unit operations.
The course will introduce students to the initial scoping analysis in project appraisal (within the energy space) and will includeﾠ technical, economic, environmental and social assessments. The decision-making process of which technologies to adopt for a given design scenario and how they may be justified / challenged will beﾠ demonstrated.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Explain the fundamental principles associated with conventional and emerging energy systems and sustainable development
LO2.
Competently critique energy systems using thermodynamic analysis to predict energy requirements, outputs, efficiencies and explain environmental impacts
LO3.
Synthesize integrated solutions for a selected energy project by choosing and optimizing various energy technologies and evaluating their technical, environmental, social and economic aspects
LO4.
Effectively communicate to multiple audiences and stakeholders, sustainable engineering solutions to multifaceted energy problems
LO5.
Demonstrate the ability to successfully work as a multi-skilled engineering team by learning from and managing other team members to produce an integrated solution
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poster |
Wind Farm Infographic
|
20% |
24/03/2025 4:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Electricity Generation using Fossil Fuels
|
20% |
7/04/2025 4:00 pm |
| Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Solar Problem Set
|
20% |
12/05/2025 4:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation, Project |
Group Project - Net Zero Energy System
|
40% Report (25%) / Video (15%) |
Report (25%) 9/06/2025 4:00 pm Video (15%) 10/06/2025 4:00 pm
The report is submitted as a group, but the video presentation must be completed independently. |
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
Wind Farm Infographic
- Online
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Poster
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
24/03/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04
Task description
Students will be given raw wind data for several locations in Australia and will then do the preliminary (ie scoping study level) design of a wind farm to meet certain criteria. They will then construct a poster (i.e. single page A0 in digital form) explaining the underlying wind data, relevant features of the wind turbines chosen and a final recommendation for the wind farm.
A full description will be published on Blackboard.
Students will submit individually, but will work in their groups for the assessment.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance. A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit through Blackboard. Students should submit both the Poster file and calculation / analysis files for markers to review.
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.
Assessments must be submitted on or before the due date. Late submissions of assessment items will only be accepted if approval for late submission has been obtained prior to the due date.
Penalties Apply for Late Submission
Refer PPL Assessment Procedure Section 3 Part C (48)
A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on an SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Course Instance (CI), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
Electricity Generation using Fossil Fuels
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
7/04/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
The complete project description will be posted to Blackboard.
This project will focus on electricity generation using fossil fuels. The project will be completed individually. Students will be required to compare and contrast a range of low emission fossil fuel power plants with the goal of reducing the emissions intensity of the electricity grid in the fictional Downunder Land.
The format of the task will be a short report, with associated calculations submitted if desired.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance. A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Reports should be submitted through Blackboard. Students are welcome to submit their calculation and analysis files if desired.
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.
Assessments must be submitted on or before the due date. Late submissions of assessment items will only be accepted if approval for late submission has been obtained prior to the due date.
Penalties Apply for Late Submission
Refer PPL Assessment Procedure Section 3 Part C (48)
A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on an SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Course Instance (CI), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
Solar Problem Set
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
12/05/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
Students will answer an extended set of tutorial problems. This will culminate in the preliminary (scoping study) design of a solar farm using solar data provided.
A full description (ie questions and criteria) will be posted in Blackboard.
Students submit this task individually, but are encouraged to work in their assigned groups to complete the task.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance. A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submission through link on Blackboard.
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.
Assessments must be submitted on or before the due date. Late submissions of assessment items will only be accepted if approval for late submission has been obtained prior to the due date.
Penalties Apply for Late Submission
Refer PPL Assessment Procedure Section 3 Part C (48)
A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on an SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Course Instance (CI), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
Group Project - Net Zero Energy System
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Online
- Mode
- Oral, Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation, Project
- Weight
- 40% Report (25%) / Video (15%)
- Due date
Report (25%) 9/06/2025 4:00 pm
Video (15%) 10/06/2025 4:00 pm
The report is submitted as a group, but the video presentation must be completed independently.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
The complete project description will be posted to Blackboard.
This project will focus on renewable electricity and hydrogen production to meet climate targets related to emissions intensity and cost, in the fictional Downunder Land. Your team will be required to choose, design and cost the technology solution(s) to meet the project requirements. The choices will need to be justified based on technical details, project economics which may include a carbon price and / or additional environmental constraints. The group report will not use a Peer Assessment Factor, unless Mentors and teams provide adequate evidence of non-participation from group members.
The video demonstration will be undertaken and submitted individually.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance. A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
Students must pass (>50%) of the video demonstration task to pass the course.Submission guidelines
The report will be submitted through Blackboard (as a group report).
The video presentation will be submitted individually through a different link in Blackboard.
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.
Assessments must be submitted on or before the due date. Late submissions of assessment items will only be accepted if approval for late submission has been obtained prior to the due date.
Penalties Apply for Late Submission
Refer PPL Assessment Procedure Section 3 Part C (48)
A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on an SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Course Instance (CI), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: (0-29.99%) 1 (Low Fail) Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: (30-44.99%) 2 (Fail) Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: (45-49.99%) 3 (Marginal Fail): Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: (50-64.99%) Pass: Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: (65-74.99%) Credit: Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: (75-84.99%) Distinction: Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: (85-100%) High Distinction: Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
Students must pass (>=50%) the video presentation of 'Group Project - Net Zero Energy System' to pass the course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Supplementary assessment will take the form of an oral exam testing all components of the course content including the assessment pieces.
It will consist of 8 pass/fail questions. To pass the supplementary assessment students must pass at least 5 questions. The exam will be 45 minutes long.
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 |
|---|---|---|
Not scheduled |
General contact hours |
Mentor Meetings Project teams meet with their mentor and/or one of the course coordinators at regular intervals to discuss progress. Most meetings will occur during the timetabled tutorials; but requests can be made to schedule them at other times (via Zoom or Teams for example). The general structure will be:
Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Multiple weeks |
Lecture |
Guest Lectures Engineers, academics and other professionals working in the Energy and Engineering sectors will be invited to give seminars as guest lecturers. The aim of this activity is to show the students the current problems faced in Australia and internationally and the likely pathway that the industry is taking to solve these problems. Attendance is expected as the guest lecturers volunteer to present. Typical topics include:
Learning outcomes: L04 |
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Core Lectures Core lectures delivered by the teaching team focus on the electricity system and its transition to Net Zero emissions. This will include:
Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Tutorials Tutorial time will be associated with project work and mentor meetings. However, we may cover some fundamentals and advanced aspects of project economics, project risk, and system design. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
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.