Sustainability and Energy Engineering MSc

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a crucial tool for evaluating the environmental impacts of a product, process, or activity throughout its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal. LCA aligns with broader sustainability goals, such as reducing carbon footprints, achieving net-zero targets, and contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). It provides a framework for measuring and improving environmental performanceBy mapping the energy and materials used and waste produced, LCA helps identify hotspots and opportunities for reducing environmental impacts. This can lead to more sustainable product designs and processes, supporting decision-making by providing detailed insights into the environmental performance of different options. LCA is often used to meet regulatory requirements and standards, such as ISO 14040 and 14044. It also supports external reporting and communication to consumers, enhancing transparency and credibility of sustainability claims.This module gives an introduction to life cycle thinking and assessment, taking a systems approach to environmental assessment. The goal and scope of assessment, data inventory and results interpretation are all discussed, along with evaluation of methodological choice. The LCA tool SimaPro is introduced and then used to conduct a life cycle assessment.

Applied Energy Engineering comprises three experiments: coal characterisation, gas boiler efficiency and renewable energy. The main objectives of this module are (a) experimental studies of some of the energy principles that chemical engineering is relying on and (b) development of skills for collecting and interpreting data and draw conclusions. In addition, collecting and reviewing literature concerning a particular experiment is also essential for this module. After each experiment you will write a laboratory report, which is guided by these principles and finally apply the data and knowledge to suggest an open-ended design for an energy system for an urban scenario.

The module will have three main focus areas: air pollution, water pollution and soil pollution. The module will prepare you for tackling pollution problems, both in terms of methods for preventing the pollution from occurring in the first place and with methods for remediation of polluted sites in the environment.

The module provides a broad study of conventional and renewable Energy Systems and an advanced knowledge of selected emerging energy technologies. It develops practical skills and confidence in carrying out energy management tasks such as conducting an energy audit.

The module covers the following topics:- Introduction to energy: sources, history, classifications, units

- Primary energy - Introduction to coal

- Primary energy - Introduction to oil and natural gas

- Primary energy conversion - heat to power

- Introduction to electrical systems and energy carriers

- Primary electricity - nuclear

- Energy end use - transport

- Introduction to combustion processes I

- Introduction to combustion processes II

- Energy futures

The application of scientific and engineering principles to a solution for practical problems of engineering systems and processes is developed throughout the course and demonstrated in particular by the research project. Each student registered for the Masters degree in 'Energy and Environmental Engineering' and in 'Energy Engineering with Industrial Management' is required to complete a research-based portfolio. The research project is worth 60 credits. This is the most important individual module in the course, assessing the student's ability to conduct research on an individual level, also including group aspects when applicable. The topic for study is selected in consultation with appropriate members of the teaching staff, from a list of projects offered alongside the research interests of academic supervisors in the department. You will choose a research project that best fits your own interests and conduct unique and original research in that area. Projects vary from industrially-based problem solving to laboratory- or computational-based research and development of new processes or ideas. The research portfolio is a major part of the degree and you will be allocated an academic supervisor who provides advice and guidance throughout the period of study. Opportunities exist for research studies to be carried out in collaboration with other university research centres, as well as industrial organisations. Furthermore, you will have the chance to conduct your research project as part of a team of other students on your course, where each student will focus on different aspects of the project. You will present your project as portfolio consisting of a Technical Review (submitted individually or as a team if working on a team project) and a Dissertation (submitted individually in every case). The dissertation will include a lay summary to communicate to a variety of audiences. You will also be required to present your research work as a poster presentation during the academic year.

This module provides an overview of bioresources and their applications in the bioeconomy. The different types of bioresources, their characteristics and how that affects their applications will be discussed. Technologies, including chemical and biochemical methods, that are used for processing bioresources will be explored. Production of bioenergy from bioresources will be discussed.

This module gives an overview of current and future technology for the oil and gas industry. It includes the origins of petroleum and its refining, as well as introduction to biofuels.
This module covers:
- the origins, types and quality of refinery feedstock and products
- detailed analysis of various sections of petroleum processing in refineries
- introduction to advanced topics in petrochemical engineering such as catalyst development, desulphurisation, pollution control and hydrogen production
- details on key biofuels and their strategic importance and the technological challenges of viable large scale production

Low carbon technologies are an essential requirement if the world's energy needs are to be met without causing irreversible changes to the planet's climate. This module will cover why there is a need for various different technologies that can help to meet the world's energy needs without releasing large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. Various different technologies that aim to meet this need will be introduced and then a select number will be studied in more detail. The aim of the module is to enable the student to make critical assessments of the different low carbon technologies backed by sound scientific understanding of their limitations and advantages.

The module provides an introduction to the theory and practical aspects of nuclear reactors for power (electricity) production. This includes those aspects of physics which represent the source of nuclear energy and the factors governing its release, as well as the key issues involved in the critical operation of nuclear cores. The relation of the science underlying successful operation with the needs for fuel preparation and engineering designs is emphasised. The module aims to provide students with a clear grasp of the aspects relevant to the design and operation of nuclear reactors along with an understanding of the principles of reactor design. The module will cover the techniques used to prepare nuclear fuels and process spent fuel. Students will develop an understanding of the present and future roles of nuclear reactors in energy provision.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a crucial tool for evaluating the environmental impacts of a product, process, or activity throughout its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal. LCA aligns with broader sustainability goals, such as reducing carbon footprints, achieving net-zero targets, and contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). It provides a framework for measuring and improving environmental performanceBy mapping the energy and materials used and waste produced, LCA helps identify hotspots and opportunities for reducing environmental impacts. This can lead to more sustainable product designs and processes, supporting decision-making by providing detailed insights into the environmental performance of different options. LCA is often used to meet regulatory requirements and standards, such as ISO 14040 and 14044. It also supports external reporting and communication to consumers, enhancing transparency and credibility of sustainability claims.This module gives an introduction to life cycle thinking and assessment, taking a systems approach to environmental assessment. The goal and scope of assessment, data inventory and results interpretation are all discussed, along with evaluation of methodological choice. The LCA tool SimaPro is introduced and then used to conduct a life cycle assessment.

Applied Energy Engineering comprises three experiments: coal characterisation, gas boiler efficiency and renewable energy. The main objectives of this module are (a) experimental studies of some of the energy principles that chemical engineering is relying on and (b) development of skills for collecting and interpreting data and draw conclusions. In addition, collecting and reviewing literature concerning a particular experiment is also essential for this module. After each experiment you will write a laboratory report, which is guided by these principles and finally apply the data and knowledge to suggest an open-ended design for an energy system for an urban scenario.

The module covers the following topics:- Introduction to energy: sources, history, classifications, units

- Primary energy - Introduction to coal

- Primary energy - Introduction to oil and natural gas

- Primary energy conversion - heat to power

- Introduction to electrical systems and energy carriers

- Primary electricity - nuclear

- Energy end use - transport

- Introduction to combustion processes I

- Introduction to combustion processes II

- Energy futures

This module will provide you with an opportunity to demonstrate planning and management skills, to show your initiative and to display your technical skills. You will work on an industry focused research project. You will be supervised by an academic member of staff. The technical components of your project may be experimental, theoretical, analytical or design based and most projects will require proficiency in a number of these. Your project is assessed on the basis of conduct, final report and viva.

This module enhances students' foundational knowledge by introducing a more specialist Level 7 understanding of major aero propulsion devices. For example, the rocket design will be mastered from the design lessons and innovations of the rockets of historical importance. The more in depth analysis of the alternative air breathing engines such as ramjet, scramjet, and synergistic air-breathing rocket engine will be investigated. Then the advanced gas turbine off-design performance will be analysed. The advanced gas turbine combustion will also be investigated. Finally, the recent explosive development of electric/hybrid propulsion and aircraft will be examined.

This module will introduce students to the rapidly changing landscape of conventional power generation. The course will provide a greater depth and range of specialist knowledge for advanced plant design for the future including carbon capture. This will provide a foundation for leadership and a wider appreciation of future conventional power station design. Students will become knowledgeable in the sources of pollutants and mitigation techniques employed by the industry and a wider appreciation of social and environmental considerations. The course will permit the students to engage in fundamental design of key components in power generation (burners, boilers) as well as in the simulation of carbon capture plant.

Low carbon technologies are an essential requirement if the world's energy needs are to be met without causing irreversible changes to the planet's climate. This module will cover why there is a need for various different technologies that can help to meet the world's energy needs without releasing large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. Various different technologies that aim to meet this need will be introduced and then a select number will be studied in more detail. The aim of the module is to enable the student to make critical assessments of the different low carbon technologies backed by sound scientific understanding of their limitations and advantages.

The module provides an introduction to the theory and practical aspects of nuclear reactors for power (electricity) production. This includes those aspects of physics which represent the source of nuclear energy and the factors governing its release, as well as the key issues involved in the critical operation of nuclear cores. The relation of the science underlying successful operation with the needs for fuel preparation and engineering designs is emphasised. The module aims to provide students with a clear grasp of the aspects relevant to the design and operation of nuclear reactors along with an understanding of the principles of reactor design. The module will cover the techniques used to prepare nuclear fuels and process spent fuel. Students will develop an understanding of the present and future roles of nuclear reactors in energy provision.

This module is designed to provide you with an understanding of the fundamental concepts and processes associated with hydrology and urban drainage design, and to apply these concepts to a variety of drainage engineering problems. Through lectures, tutorials and individual literature and case study research, you will develop your knowledge of current and developing practice in urban drainage, including the increasingly important roles of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) (also know as 'Sponge Cities').

This module aims: (i) to develop knowledge and understanding of current and developing practice in urban drainage engineering/urban stormwater management; and (ii) to develop skills in applying fundamental hydrological and hydraulic knowledge to drainage design.

This module involves working in groups to address complex, real-world engineering problems. The module will involve receiving, interrogating, and developing a project brief, then drawing on myriad sources to develop options. Students will conduct stakeholder engagement and systems thinking to develop options which meet ecological, ethical, social and technical needs. In doing so will develop holistic concept / scheme stage designs, using engineering calculations to rapidly validate design options, and to inform decision making. Students will then communicate their proposals and reflect on their learning.

This module will provide students with a high level of knowledge and understanding as to how sewer and stormwater drainage systems operate in the UK. Teaching will focus on acquiring knowledge about current and emerging regulatory, management and design practices. Students will be required to understand the environmental and sustainbility issues associated with this type of infrastructure system. Students will apply industry standard design approaches in a case study, considering hydraulic and pollution concepts to evaluate and modify the performance of the case study network to meet current regulatory requirements, anticipated future pressures whilst considering the long term sustainability of the system. Students will be expected to demonstrate their level of knowledge and understanding via application in the case study sewer network.