Outline

Overview

This unit of study addresses physical principles and environmental impacts of energy generation and use. Different energy carriers, global energy resources, the economics associated with energy conversion, the politics and culture surrounding energy conversion and use, and renewable energy technologies are discussed. A key focus of the unit is on building numeracy skills for performing useful calculations related to energy and greenhouse gas emissions. This unit of study includes several field trips to energy utilities and associated energy sites.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Physics Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Yinyan Liu, yinyan.liu@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written work	Written task take-home assignment on an energy-related topic	50%	Formal exam period Due date: 16 Nov 2025 at 23:00 Closing date: 23 Nov 2025	3500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Quizzes Online quizzes at beginning of lecture	10%	Multiple weeks	10 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Seminar presentation In groups of two, students will prepare and present a particular topic.	20%	Multiple weeks Due date: 12 Nov 2025 at 23:00 Closing date: 12 Nov 2025	10-12 minutes, 1-2 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Data analysis	Calculations assignment Take-home calculation assessment based on the tutorials	20%	Week 10 Due date: 19 Oct 2025 at 23:00 Closing date: 22 Oct 2025	take-home assignment, two weeks time	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Quizzes: Combined marks of the quizzes (Week 4, 6, 8 and 10). Quizzes will be online at the beginning of the session and contain 4-5 multiple choice questions about the lecture contents.
Calculation assignment: One assignment based on short calculations. Questions will be handed out at least a week before the assignment is due. Assignments are to be submitted through turnitin via the Canvas site for this course. If there is no extension applied for, late submission will result in penalties. According to the University guidelines, there will be an immediate deduction
of 20% of the marks for the task, and then a further 10% deduction each day until the task is submitted. For practice, there will be exercise sheets given out during the semester, with worked answers provided later.
Written task: Essays are to be submitted through turnitin via the Canvas site for this course. Early submission of essays is
welcome. If there is no extension applied for, late submission will result in penalties. According to the University guidelines, there will be an immediate deduction of 20% of the marks for the task, and then a further 10% deduction each day until the task is submitted. Guidelines for scientific essay writing will be discussed in class.
Seminar presenation: Preparation and performance in the seminars in which you are directly involved. The seminar assessments will be on the basis of material content, strength of the position put forward, and participation in the general discussion.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	1. Socio-economic aspects of energy; 2. Introduction to energy forms and units	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Welcome and course introduction	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 02	Traditional energy resources and electricity generation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Electricity generation and how do electricity markets work?	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Australia's greenhouse response	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Electricity Networks	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	How viable is new fossil electricity generation in Australia	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Life-cycle costs of electricity and practical aspects of energy use.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	How much do we need to consider life-cycle effects of energy technologies?	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 06	Solar	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Solar technology: options and limitations	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Other renewable energy technologies	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Which renewable energy technology?	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 08	High Renewable Energy System	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Calculations tutorial	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 09	Energy storage	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Delivering reliability: gas or batteries?	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Buildings and energy conservation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Buildings and Planning	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Nuclear Energy (ANSTO excursion)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Guest lecture: climate and energy policy (Dr Graham Sinden)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Energy research policy – clean coal, energy storage, H2, biofuels, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and fuel cells	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Transport systems	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Towards a carbon-neutral future	Tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Tutorials: Students are required to attend the tutorials and seminars

Requirements: You are required to bring your laptop or tablet to the lecture in those weeks when quizzes are scheduled.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. be aware of the profound importance of energy in modern societies
LO2. understand fundamental energy concepts such as energy sources, energy conversion and energy efficiency
LO3. make connections between energy use, energy technology, policy and sustainable development
LO4. develop analytical skills for assessing energy issues
LO5. demonstrate critical thinking in the seminars and in essays on topics relating different scientific aspects of energy use
LO6. have a good overview of renewable energy technologies
LO7. explain, with social and economic factors, the current general energy situation and how it is related to greenhouse gas emissions, then generalise these into different future energy scenarios
LO8. argue coherently for a particular point of view, both verbally and in a written form
LO9. do simple but comprehensive energy calculations.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Unit structure was redesigned following student feedback

Additional information

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory
As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

ENVI5707: Energy - Sources, Uses and Alternatives

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links