Course coordinator
Dr Tony Heynen
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (14/04/2025 - 28/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- Intensive
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Chemical Engineering School
The course introduces key commercial analysis concepts and decision tools including financial concepts such as cash flows, costs of debt and equity, and rates of return, discount rates, NPV analysis for informing the development of a business case. Students will gain an excellent understanding of investment decision making under uncertainty with the application of these concepts to various energy case studies.
This course will focus on investment and finance in the energy sector including assessing business risk and uncertainty. Students will gain advanced understanding of key investment decision making and financial analysis including cash flows, costs of debt and equity, investment valuation and rates of return in the energy sector. These core concepts will be extended to assess the impacts of risk and uncertainty to enable decision making under uncertainty including commodity pricing, carbon pricing and technology costs. Students will develop skills and gain experience applying financial tools for analysis of real-world case studies.
Course requirements
Assumed background
ENGY7004 is a foundation course in the Master of Sustainable Energy ﾠprogram. There are no prerequisites for the course, other than standard MSE ﾠProgram requirements.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
ENGG7901
Restrictions
Restricted to MSE, GDSE and GCSE students. Please emails studentenquiries@chemeng.uq.edu.au for permission.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Tony Heynen
Adjunct Professor John Burgess
Tutor
Ms Tammy MacGinley
Mr Abel Quintero Fuentes
Mr Yuan Hong
Mr Jamie Hughes
Mr Alejandro Rios Arango
Mr Chia-Kai Chiang
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 provideﾠ students with the knowledge and ability to analyse ﾠenergy investments and financial options, and ﾠsubsequently make project investment decisions, taking into account risk, uncertainty and sustainability factors.ﾠﾠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Describe the principles of finance and investment decision making in a company
LO2.
Compare different power generation technologies in terms of their returns on investment and their sensitivities to key financial and technical parameters.
LO3.
Describe and analyse a potential new sustainable energy investment opportunity and communicate the value proposition, in terms of Discounted Cash Flow and Net Present Value analyses.
LO4.
Communicate (both individually and as part of a multi-disciplinary group) the implications of risk and uncertainty on new, complex, energy projects, including the impact on value creation.
LO5.
Provide advice and leadership on evaluating alternative energy development options and making an overall investment recommendation, taking into account environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Foundational Module Quiz
|
10% |
28/04/2025 9:00 am |
| Presentation |
Group Presentation
|
20% |
20/05/2025 - 21/05/2025
Assessment runs in scheduled workshop sessions |
| Project |
Individual Project Report
|
50% Hurdle |
13/06/2025 4:00 pm |
| Presentation |
Exam During Exam Period (School)
|
20% Hurdle |
19/06/2025 - 20/06/2025
9:00-17:00 Online (Zoom) - schedule to be advised. |
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
Foundational Module Quiz
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
28/04/2025 9:00 am
- Learning outcomes
- L01
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.
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
- Identity Verified
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
20/05/2025 - 21/05/2025
Assessment runs in scheduled workshop sessions
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L04
Task description
Please refer to Blackboard for 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
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 Report
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 50% Hurdle
- Due date
13/06/2025 4:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
Please see Blackboard for further 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.
Hurdle requirements
To pass the course (grade of 4 or higher) the student must pass the Individual Project AND the Oral Exam.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.
Exam During Exam Period (School)
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Online
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 20% Hurdle
- Due date
19/06/2025 - 20/06/2025
9:00-17:00 Online (Zoom) - schedule to be advised.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Students will participate in an oral exam (online via Zoom) with a member of the course teaching team. You will be given 5 minutes to read through material before discussing, interview style, for 15 minutes.
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
To pass the course (grade of 4 or higher) the student must pass the Individual Project AND the Oral Exam.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.
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: As per grade 2 and failure to complete assessment items. Overall course grade typically <30%. |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Has not demonstrated any competency and/or class participation in analysis tools and their application for energy investments in sustainable energy technologies. Total course mark between 30-44.5%. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Has not demonstrated an adequate competency in analysis tools and their application for energy investments in sustainable energy technologies. Total course mark between 45-49.5%, AND/OR fails Individual Project AND/OR fails the Oral Exam. |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrating an adequate competency in analysis tools and their application for energy investments in sustainable energy technologies. Total course mark between 50-64.5%, AND passes Individual Project AND passes the Oral Exam. |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrating an understanding of analysis tools and their application for energy investments and the development of strategies for sustainable energy technologies. Total course mark between 65-74.5% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrating a clear grasp of analysis tools and their application for energy investments and the sound development of strategies for sustainable energy technologies. Total course mark between 75-84.5%. |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Clearly demonstrating critical analysis and insight into a range of energy case studies and strategies for sustainable energy technologies. Total course mark >85%. |
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.
- Where the grade of 3 has resulted from a failure in the Oral Exam, the supplementary assessment will be in the form of a revised Oral Exam.
- 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 Oral Exam.
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
Recommended Resources
Higgins Robert C., “Analysis for Financial Management”, Latest Edition, McGraw Hill.
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 8 To Mid-sem break |
Not Timetabled |
Foundation Modules (Self Directed Learning) Learning outcomes: L01 |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
General contact hours |
Intensive Modules: Days 1 & 2 Intensive modules run 9am-5pm Monday and Tuesday in Week 9.
Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Multiple weeks From Week 10 To Revision week |
Workshop |
Workshops 5 x weekly 3-hour workshops, including:
Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Exam week 2 (16 Jun - 22 Jun) |
Not Timetabled |
Oral Exam (Assessment): Scheduled to be confirmed Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, 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.