PHY123 The Physics of Sustainable Energy

Aims/Description: The module will cover the physics of sustainable energy. It includes discussions framed by the book `Sustainable Energy without the Hot Air' by D MacKay and will cover current energy requirements and what energy could potentially be provided by the various forms of renewable energy. The course will commence with a discussion of the basic physics of energy, power and work and the conversion of energy from one form to another. We examine in detail the history of global energy usage and how we produce and use energy in the UK. We will then explore the impacts that this energy use has on the biosphere and climate and the public perception of such processes. The course will then focus on the energy content of objects and processes we take for granted and will then move on to means by which we can produce energy using renewable technologies, such as wind, wave, solar, biofuels etc. We will also examine nuclear (fusion and fission) energy and will discuss their principles and practical implementation. Finally, we will consider solutions to our energy needs, including transportation, energy conservation, carbon capture and geoengineering.

Staff Contact: LIDZEY DAVID G

Teaching Methods: Lectures, Independent Study

Assessment: Course work, Classroom testing

Information on the department responsible for this unit (Physics and Astronomy):

Departmental Home Page

Teaching timetable

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Teaching methods and assessment displayed on this page are indicative for 2025-26.