FYS1030 – Physics of Energy Resources
Course content
The course gives a basic introduction to the use of energy and energy resources from a sustainability perspective. The goal of the course is to give the students sufficient knowledge about thermodynamics and the principles of energy production, transformation and use to be able to discuss energy-related questions using a quantitative approach.?
The course gives an introduction to both renewable and non-renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, hydro, wave, tidal, geothermal, nuclear, bio and fossil energy sources, in addition to distribution and storage of energy. We will discuss the basic physical principles underlying the different energy resources and challenges related to greenhouse gas emissions, resource use, other environmental impacts and supply stability.?
Learning outcome
After completing the course, you are able to:
- outline the laws of thermodynamics and the fundamental principles of energy production, transformation, and use.
- describe the main characteristics of the most common renewable and non-renewable energy resources and technologies for energy distribution and storage.
- discuss energy-related questions in light of factors such as greenhouse gas emissions, energy payback time, supply stability, storage, safety and access to resources.
- do simple calculations in order to assess different energy solutions.
- collect and use data and background material from external sources in order to analyze problems within the subject of energy resources.
- communicate your findings using different genres of science?communication.?
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for?in Studentweb.
This course is part of the Sustainability Certificate.
Formal prerequisite knowledge
No prior knowledge beyond Higher Education Entrance Qualification.
This course does not require in-depth knowlede in physics or mathematics, and is suitable for physics students at the start of their studies, as well as students from other areas.
For physics students in different levels of study, the course gives good examples of how the fundamental physics from other courses is put to use in climate issues.
Teaching
The course includes a mandatory quiz/survey in Canvas which needs to be completed. The quiz is a mapping of your background and motivation for taking the course.
You will lose your place on the course if you do not complete the survey by 1 February.
The course is taught for a whole semester. The teaching is divided into three parts:?
- Self-study with teaching videos and weekly seminars
- Work on individual written assignments, including one writing seminar
- Work on group projects, including 3 guidance meetings and one seminar where the submitted projects are presented
The individual assignment must be approved before you can proceed to the group projects. An approved individual assignment is valid for 3 years.
Rules for mandatory assignments can be found here.
It is mandatory?to be present at the presentations of group projects.
Examination
Home exam in the form of a project assignment
- Students are divided into groups of 3 or 4 students who will do a project together.?
- The assignment is to be presented to the group approximately one week after it is submitted.
- The project assignment and the presentation must be passed in order to pass the course.
The individual assignment must be approved before you can proceed to the group assignment. An approved assignment is valid for 3 years.??
Language of examination
The examination text is given in Norwegian. You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about?the grading system.
Resit an examination
This course offers both postponed and resit of examination. Read more:
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.