Prospectus

nl en

Energy, Environment, and Sustainability

Course
2015-2016

Tags

EES, S

Admissions requirements

Energy and Resource Management

Description

Ensuring a stable supply of energy is a global concern and the focus of increasing attention. The extraction and use of traditional sources of energy, i.e. fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas), is associated with diverse and long-lasting environmental effects and is responsible for the majority of anthropogenic GHG emissions. The continued viability of fossil fuels as a primary energy source is beleaguered by climate-environment risks and security of supply issues affected by physical resource reserves, fuel prices, energy consumption, and unstable geopolitics in many fuel producing regions. Such concerns over climate change and security of supply represent a significant driving force for the implementation of alternative energy strategies focused on sustainable energy sources.

This course adopts an interdisciplinary focus and explores various energy-related issues through an environmental and social lens. For example, we will investigate the socio-political impacts of energy infrastructure development, as well as the links between different energy resources and a range of marine and terrestrial environmental issues.

Course objectives

Upon completing this course students will be able to:

  • Students can think holistically about energy security issues and their links to sustainable development

  • Students can describe how the exploitation and use of various energy sources impacts the environment

  • Students can discuss and identify the socio-political impacts of resource exploitation for energy purposes

  • Students can apply the knowledge gained in class to various contemporary energy issues related issues

Timetable

Once available, timetables will be published here.

Mode of instruction

This course will proceed primarily as a seminar. Each class will include opening remarks/introductory lecture followed by a discussion of assigned readings, class activities, and student presentations. It is expected that students will engage actively in class discussions and debates.

Assessment

Discussion leader: 20%
Group research project: 40%
Individual research report: 40%

Blackboard

There will be a Blackboard site available for this course. Students will be enrolled at least one week before the start of classes.

Reading list

Readings will be made available upon commencement of the course.

Registration

This course is open to LUC students and LUC exchange students. Registration is coordinated by the Curriculum Coordinator. Interested non-LUC students should contact course.administration@luc.leidenuniv.nl.

Contact

Dr. Bríd Walsh, b.m.walsh@luc.leidenuniv.nl