Course coordinator
Dr Tony Heynen
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- Intensive
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Chemical Engineering School
This course examines the fundamental importance of energy transitions for achieving sustainable development. During the course, students will explore a variety of global change issues including resource depletion, population, consumption, security and conflict and investigate the ensuing implications for energy. With a focus on both the developed, fast developing and developing countries by applying a range of legal, political, regulatory and behavioural frameworks, the course examines mechanisms required to achieve a transition towards a low carbon future.
This course enables students to become familiar with the range of grand challenges currently being faced around the world. The focus is on both the developed and developing world as well as countries in between.ﾠ During the course, students will explore a variety of global change issues and investigate the ensuing implications for energy, resources, population, consumption, security and conflict as well as relations between states.ﾠ Students will be provided with basic facts and the capacity to argue clear cases around mechanisms to achieve a transition towards a low carbon future by applying a range of legal, political, regulatory and behavioural frameworks.
Course requirements
Assumed background
This course has no assumed background knowledge.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
ENGY2x is not compatible with ENGY7002, and ENGY4000
Restrictions
Restricted to MSE, GDSE, GCSE, MEI, GCEI, MEngSc and MEngSc(Man) students.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Tony Heynen
Guest lecturer
Professor Mark Moran
Tutor
Ms Tammy MacGinley
Mr Prabhakaran Vanaraja Ambeth
Ms Michelle Ida Anslem
Mr Eduardo Ariztia Manterola
Mr Jamie Hughes
Mr Chun On Poon
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
This course is taught in Intensive mode.ﾠ Students are advised to check the Learning Activities section for the course timetable.ﾠ In particular, attendance and participation - on campus (recommended) or online - is required at the Intensive Modules across two consecutive days (9am-5pm Brisbane time, each day), as well as 5 x weekly 3-hour workshops.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to provide students with an understanding of key global challenges that may slow or impede the successful transition to a low carbon economy. Using the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as basis, the course will examine the implications of these for both developed and developing countries. With a particular focus on energy access (SDG7), the course aims to develop comprehensive knowledge and competence to enable students to critique various development paradigms and drivers of change.ﾠ At a project level, the course gives students the tools to consider stakeholder, cultural and enviornmental implications of energy proposals alongside those of a techno-economic nature.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Understand and critique the multi-dimensional role of energy in achieving sustainable development goals.
LO2.
Adopt a systems approach when examining energy access issues such as the energy trilemma.
LO3.
Critically evaluate development paradigms and the contributions of the public and private sectors in achieving sustainable energy access for all.
LO4.
Demonstrate an understanding appropriate technology for energy access projects.
LO5.
Articulate the social and stakeholder impacts of energy proposals and management of social licence to operate.
LO6.
Reflect on sustainability leadership and working in multi-disciplinary, professional teams.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Foundation Modules Quiz
|
10% |
3/03/2025 9:00 am |
| Presentation |
Group Presentation: Community Energy Proposal (community and stakeholders)
|
11/03/2025 - 12/03/2025 |
|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Project |
Report: Community Energy Proposal
|
45% |
24/03/2025 4:00 pm |
| Project |
Individual Project: Energy Trilemma Case Study
|
45% HURDLE - MUST PASS |
11/04/2025 4:00 pm |
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
Foundation Modules Quiz
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
3/03/2025 9:00 am
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
Multiple-choice quiz on Blackboard, to test understanding of Foundation Modules. This is a non-invigilated exam and is not restricted in terms of information resources, including AI.
Reading: 0 minutes
Duration: 60 minutes
Format: Multiple-choice, Short answer
Submission guidelines
Via Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
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)
Group Presentation: Community Energy Proposal (community and stakeholders)
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Presentation
- Due date
11/03/2025 - 12/03/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Please refer to Blackboard for details. This assessment is conducted in scheduled workshop times. In-class attendance is recommended, but assessment can also occur via Zoom video.
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
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.
Report: Community Energy Proposal
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Project
- Weight
- 45%
- Due date
24/03/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Students will work in teams, initially through in-class workshops, to develop a proposed energy solution for a given community. The report should include an assessment of the appropriateness of the chosen technology, proposed business model and the impacts on the SDGs. Refer to Blackboard for more details.
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
Please submit via TurnItIn under Assessment page of course Blackboard site.
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.
Individual Project: Energy Trilemma Case Study
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Oral, Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 45% HURDLE - MUST PASS
- Due date
11/04/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
National Case Study (Individual Project)
Strategy for improving a nation's Energy Trilemma Index
Using the World Energy Council Trilemma Index http://www.worldenergy.org/data/trilemma-index/ you will focus on one nation to become the focus of your case study. The main aim for your work is to propose to the nation's government an intervention that will help to move the nation towards a more positive trend on the Index (i.e. up the ladder and therefore closer to 1). The WEC national report will provide you with a starting point for your work. However, you are expected to research widely to discover more detailed information about the nation. This will include gathering information on current and expected energy demands, existing energy sources, current policy and regulatory framework. You are advised to use case studies from other nations, and academic articles, to help inform your approach.
Your submission for the Individual Project consists of:
1. Written Responses to key criteria, using systems diagrams
2. Presentation explainer on connections with SDGs
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.
Hurdle requirements
This assessment task is an Identity Verified Assessment Hurdle. You must pass this assessment item to pass (receive a grade of 4 or higher) this course.Submission guidelines
Please submit via Turnitin under the Assessment page of the course Blackboard site.
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: Overall course grade typically <35% and/or failure to complete assessment items. |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Overall course grade typically 35 - 44 %. Lack of evidence of competency in the course material to the degree that staff believes would negatively impact on future MSE participation. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Overall course grade typically 45 - 49% AND/OR fails Individual Project. Falls short of satisfying the basic requirements for a Pass. |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Overall course grade typically 50 - 64% AND passes Individual Project. Demonstrates core competencies in course knowledge and skills necessary to undertake further MSE courses. |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: As per 4 except overall course grade typically 65 - 74%. Demonstrates a clear grasp of the underlying concepts, and competency in the specific skills taught in this course. |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: As per 5 except overall course grade typically 75 - 84%. Very good achievements in all tasks, demonstrating a clear grasp of course concepts and skills. |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Overall course grade typically >85%. Outstanding achievement across course, clearly demonstrating critical analysis and insight into course concepts, and effectively articulated connections between course knowledge and wider social, economic, and environmental contexts at global, regional and national levels. |
Additional course grading information
To pass the course (grade >=4) students ﾠmustﾠ pass the individual assessment piece "Individual Project".
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Students with a grade of 3 are eligible for a supplementary assessment.
- Where the grade of 3 has resulted from a failure in the Individual Project, the supplementary assessment will be in the form of a revised Individual Project (written responses and recorded presentation).
- Where the grade of 3 has resulted from a mark of less 49% or less, the supplementary assessment will be in the form of a revised Individual Project (written responses and recorded presentation).
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
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Please refer to the ENGY7002 Blackboard site
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/
Pasqualetti, M.J. (2022). The Thread of Energy. Oxford University Press.
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 |
Not Timetabled |
Foundation Modules Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
General contact hours |
Intensive Modules - Days 1 & 2 Intensive modules run 9am-5pm Monday and Tuesday in Week 2.
Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Multiple weeks From Week 3 To Week 7 |
Workshop |
Workshops 5 x weekly 3-hour workshops, including:
Learning outcomes: L03, 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.