Environmental and Energy Engineering

Core modules:

Introduction to Fuels and Energy

The module covers the following topics:- Introduction to energy: sources, history, classifications, units

- Primary energy - Introduction to coal

- Primary energy - Introduction to oil and natural gas

- Primary energy conversion - heat to power

- Introduction to electrical systems and energy carriers

- Primary electricity - nuclear

- Energy end use - transport

- Introduction to combustion processes I

- Introduction to combustion processes II

- Energy futures

15 credits

Applied Energy Engineering

Applied Energy Engineering comprises three experiments: coal characterisation, gas boiler efficiency and renewable energy. The main objectives of this module are (a) experimental studies of some of the energy principles that chemical engineering is relying on and (b) development of skills for collecting and interpreting data and draw conclusions. In addition, collecting and reviewing literature concerning a particular experiment is also essential for this module. After each experiment you will write a laboratory report, which is guided by these principles and finally apply the data and knowledge to suggest an open-ended design for an energy system for an urban scenario.

15 credits

Environmental Engineering

The module will have three main focus areas: air pollution, water pollution and soil pollution. The module will prepare you for tackling pollution problems, both in terms of methods for preventing the pollution from occurring in the first place and with methods for remediation of polluted sites in the environment.

15 credits

Energy Systems and Management

The module provides a broad study of conventional and renewable Energy Systems and an advanced knowledge of selected emerging energy technologies. It develops practical skills and confidence in carrying out energy management tasks such as conducting an energy audit.

15 credits

Systems for Sustainability

This module introduces sustainability relevant to the environmental impact of chemical processes and industry. The module covers the concepts of systems analysis by introducing systems-level thinking. Tools to examine process sustainability will be included such as life cycle analysis and circular economy.

15 credits

Research Project

The application of scientific and engineering principles to a solution for practical problems of engineering systems and processes is developed throughout the course and demonstrated in particular by the research project. Each student registered for the Masters degree in 'Energy and Environmental Engineering' and in 'Energy Engineering with Industrial Management' is required to complete a research-based portfolio. The research project is worth 60 credits. This is the most important individual module in the course, assessing the student's ability to conduct research on an individual level, also including group aspects when applicable. The topic for study is selected in consultation with appropriate members of the teaching staff, from a list of projects offered alongside the research interests of academic supervisors in the department. You will choose a research project that best fits your own interests and conduct unique and original research in that area. Projects vary from industrially-based problem solving to laboratory- or computational-based research and development of new processes or ideas. The research portfolio is a major part of the degree and you will be allocated an academic supervisor who provides advice and guidance throughout the period of study. Opportunities exist for research studies to be carried out in collaboration with other university research centres, as well as industrial organisations. Furthermore, you will have the chance to conduct your research project as part of a team of other students on your course, where each student will focus on different aspects of the project. You will present your project as portfolio consisting of a Technical Review (submitted individually or as a team if working on a team project) and a Dissertation (submitted individually in every case). The dissertation will include a lay summary to communicate to a variety of audiences. You will also be required to present your research work as a poster presentation during the academic year.

60 credits

Optional modules - examples include:

Petroleum Engineering

This module gives an overview of current and future technology for the oil and gas industry. It includes the origins of petroleum and its refining, as well as introduction to biofuels.
This module covers:
- the origins, types and quality of refinery feedstock and products
- detailed analysis of various sections of petroleum processing in refineries
- introduction to advanced topics in petrochemical engineering such as catalyst development, desulphurisation, pollution control and hydrogen production
- details on key biofuels and their strategic importance and the technological challenges of viable large scale production

15 credits

Low Carbon Energy Science and Technology

Low carbon technologies are an essential requirement if the world's energy needs are to be met without causing irreversible changes to the planet's climate. This module will cover why there is a need for various different technologies that can help to meet the world's energy needs without releasing large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. Various different technologies that aim to meet this need will be introduced and then a select number will be studied in more detail. The aim of the module is to enable the student to make critical assessments of the different low carbon technologies backed by sound scientific understanding of their limitations and advantages.

15 credits

Nuclear Reactor Engineering

The module provides a broad base introduction to the theory and practice of nuclear reactors for power production. This includes those aspects of physics which represent the source of nuclear energy and the factors governing its release, as well as the key issues involved in the critical operation of nuclear cores. The relation of the science underlying successful operation with the needs for fuel preparation and engineering designs is emphasised. The module aims to provide students with a clear grasp of those aspects relevant to the design and operation of nuclear reactors along with an understanding of the principles of reactor design. The module will cover the techniques used to prepare nuclear fuels and process spent fuel. Students will develop an understanding of the present and future roles of nuclear reactors in energy provision.

15 credits

Bioresources and Bioprocessing (PGT)

This module provides an overview of bioresources and their applications in the bioeconomy. The different types of bioresources, their characteristics and how that affects their applications will be discussed. Technologies, including chemical and biochemical methods, that are used for processing bioresources will be explored. Production of bioenergy from bioresources will be discussed.

15 credits

Electrochemical Engineering

This module covers three key topics:
1.Fundamentals of electrochemical kinetics and thermodynamics
2. Electrical and mass transport and electrochemical characterisation
3. Energy storage and conversion – fuel cells, batteries & supercapacitors

15 credits