Outline

Overview

Are you addicted to fossil fuels? What are the wider impacts of the forms of energy that power our lives? What is the nature and scale of the problem and can we chart a pathway to a sustainable future? This OLE will inform climate and energy questions with real-world data and raise issues regarding who wins and who loses when it comes to energy supply and its impacts on society and the environment. You will learn about: the unsettling methane risk, whether we have already emitted too much carbon to stay below 1.5°C (and the degree of confidence), the unsustainability of business-as-usual and the psychological barriers to change. Our world faces major challenges in resource sufficiency and impacts on our biosphere, yet misinformation and disinformation often drown out evidence-based discussion. This OLE will enable you to understand and influence that debate and play your part in the low-carbon transformation.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Physics Academic Operations
Credit points	2
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Maryanne Large, maryanne.large@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Maryanne Large, maryanne.large@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Fabian Sack, fabian.sack@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 22 August 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Out-of-class quiz	Module 1 Quiz-Early Feedback Task Online quiz; 5 questions-#earlyfeedbacktask	5%	Week 02 Due date: 11 Aug 2025 at 23:59	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Module 3 quiz Online quiz, 10 questions	10%	Week 04 Due date: 27 Aug 2025 at 23:59	20 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Module 2 quiz Online Quiz; 7 questions	10%	Week 04 Due date: 31 Aug 2025 at 23:59	20 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Workshop participation Group work centred on preparing for the multimedia project and the app	15%	Week 04 Due date: 29 Aug 2025 at 23:59	2 hours	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Module 4 quiz Online Quiz; 5 questions	5%	Week 06 Due date: 14 Sep 2025 at 23:59	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Module 5 quiz Online Quiz; 5 questions	5%	Week 07 Due date: 21 Sep 2025 at 23:59	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Research analysis	Multimedia Project Multimedia submission and literature review	50%	Week 07 Due date: 21 Sep 2025 at 23:59	1300 words or 2 min video and 1000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Online Quizzes (1-5): Weekly online quizes covering topics in the lectures. Each quiz has between 5-10 questions and you can have multiple attempts at each quiz. Completing each module’s quiz is required to proceed to the next module. For full credit, the quiz must be completed by the due date.

Module 1 Quiz-#earlyfeedbacktask

Workshop participation: Active participation in a 2 hour workshop where group work will centre on preparing for the multimedia project and the appropriate sourcing of evidence. Workshop attendance is mandatory (either in-person or online attendance options).

Multimedia Project: This consists of a 300 word simulated letter to the editor, or a 300 word simulated blog, or a simulated 2 minute social media video post on a relevant climate/sustainability topic of your choosing, together with a 1000 word literature review presenting scientific evidence supporting the postion taken in the letter, blog or post.

Assessment criteria

This unit is marked on the basis of Pass / Fail where students are awarded a grade of Satisfied requirements or Failed requirements as set out in this table.

Result name	Mark range	Description
Satisfied requirements	50 - 100	The learning outcomes of the unit of study have been met to a satisfactory standard. [Add any assessment specific requirements]
Failed requirements	0 - 49	The learning outcomes of the unit of study have not been met to a satisfactory standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

Satisfied requirements

50 - 100

The learning outcomes of the unit of study have been met to a satisfactory standard.

[Add any assessment specific requirements]

Failed requirements

0 - 49

The learning outcomes of the unit of study have not been met to a satisfactory standard.

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	Module 1: What's the problem? Introduction and overview of contemporary issues in climate change.	Independent study (2 hr)
Week 02	Module 2: Evidence Based Policy for Future Generations	Independent study (2 hr)
Week 03	Module 3: Meeting our Energy Needs Sustainably	Independent study (2 hr)
Week 04	Workshop: climate change in the media.	Workshop (1.5 hr)
Week 05	Module 4: The Affluence Addiction	Independent study (2 hr)
Week 06	Module 5: Quantifying Energy Provision	Independent study (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Workshop attendance is mandatory (either in-person or online attendance options)

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 2 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 40-50 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. Explain the current state of climate change science debate and how and why it differs from public perception.
LO2. Analyse the drivers of global energy needs and how they could be met sustainably.
LO3. Analyse the influence of individual consumption choices on global economic, environmental and social systems
LO4. Integrate multiple interdisciplinary perspectives on climate change
LO5. Communicate the urgency and need for humans to adopt sustainable practices

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.

The unit assessments have been streamlined in response to student feedback.

Additional information

EQUITY, ACCESS AND DIVERSITY STATEMENT

The School of Physics recognises that biases, bullying and discrimination, including but not limited to those based on gender, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion and age, continue to impact parts of our community disproportionately. Consequently, the School is strongly committed to taking effective steps to make our environment supportive and inclusive and one that provides equity of access and opportunity for everyone.

The School has three Equity Officers as a point of contact for students who may have a query or concern about any issues relating to equity, access and diversity. If you feel you have been treated unfairly, discriminated against, bullied or disadvantaged in any way, you are encouraged to talk to one of the Equity Officers or any member of the Physics staff.

More information can be found at https://sydney.edu.au/science/schools/school-of-physics/equity-access-diversity.html

Any student who feels they may need a special accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact Disability
Services: https://sydney.edu.au/study/academic-support/disability-support.html who can help arrange support.

Science student portal

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.

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

Early feedback task

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

OLET1672: Sustainability: Climate and Energy

Semester 2a, 2025 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

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