SUST5003: Semester 1, 2026

Units SUST5003 Semester 1 2026 [Normal evening]

Unit outline_

SUST5003: Energy and Resources

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal evening] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

The consumption of energy underpins human development, but it carries environmental and social costs. This unit of study examines how energy is supplied, how it is used and the impact it has on society and on the environment. The unit also looks are critical resources, the most critical being water, and how the critical resources are linked to energy. The module will examine these relationships and how the demand for water, sustainable energy and for critical minerals will require major changes in technology, policy and business systems. Students will gain an understanding of different sources of energy and their uses; the economic, environmental and societal contexts of energy and resource use; the need and scope for a transition from conventional energy sources; sound principles for analysing different resource and energy supply options; the role of international agreements and federal policy in influencing resource and energy use.

Unit details and rules

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

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Gordon Weiss, g.weiss@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written work	Research papers In-class group projects submitted for assessment	15%	Multiple weeks	400 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Review of AI generated paper Review of a generative AI written paper	25%	Week 05 Due date: 27 Mar 2026 at 23:59	750 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	National energy policy Detailed written report	35%	Week 10 Due date: 08 May 2026 at 23:59	4000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Critical materials poster An A3-sized infographic that describes a critical mineral or material	25%	Week 13 Due date: 26 May 2026 at 23:59	A3 single-side poster	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Review paper: In this assessment, you will produce a short document in response to a question using generative AI, and then analyses and critique the AI response.

Research paper: In this assessment, you will write a brief research paper on a specified topic.

National energy policy: Each group will be required to write the energy policy for a selected country. This will require your group to review the current and future energy mix for the nation, understand its renewable resources and then propose a mix of energy types to meet the projected demand. This will test your understanding of the component of the course that covered energy systems.

Tutorial assignments: Some of the group work done in the tutorials will be submitted for assessment.

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 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	Introduction to the course. The basics of energy	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to the course. The basics of energy	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 02	Energy supply and consumption	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Energy supply and consumption	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 03	Old and new fuels	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Old and new fuels	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 04	Generating and supplying electricity now	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Generating and supplying electricity now	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 05	Generating and supplying electricity in the future	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Generating and supplying electricity in the future	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 06	The future of electricity supply and the role of electricity storage	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	The future of electricity supply and the role of electricity storage	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 07	The role of government policy in developing and managing energy systems	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	The role of government policy in developing and managing energy systems	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 08	The clean energy transition	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	The clean energy transition	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 09	Energy and emissions. Carbon accounting	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	The role of government policy in developing and managing energy systems	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 10	The Age of Critical Minerals	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	The Age of Critical Minerals	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 11	Water resources and the energy-water nexus	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Water resources and the energy-water nexus	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 12	Critical minerals, energy and water	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Critical minerals, energy and water	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 13	Waste as a resource and the circular economy	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Waste as a resource and the circular economy	Tutorial (1.5 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: This course has no final exam so it is a requirement for passing that you attend, as an absolute minimum, 10 of the 13 lectures.

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. Demonstrate an understanding of energy production & use, sustainable energy resources & technologies, relevant policy matters, climate change, & energy security.
LO2. Demonstrate an understanding of water resources and the relationship between water and energy.
LO3. Demonstrate an understanding of key mineral resources and the relationship between mineral extraction and energy use and production
LO4. Ability to research a variety of sources of market information, critically assess and form a judgement in the context of energy resources.
LO5. Demonstrate an ability to argue a position on an energy related matter or topic in a convincing and well researched manner.
LO6. Collaborate effectively and collegially with group members to develop an evidence-based policy paper

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.

Changes made to the course to reflect feedback from students. The structure was changed to incorporate additional content.

Additional information

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

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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