Course syllabus - International energy systems

Objectives

The course shall give in depth knowledge on energy conversion and use from a system perspective. The course will give an understanding on how to apply theories and models on development of energy systems in different parts of the world. The course intend to develop the student's ability to write assignments, to search information, and to perform critical analysis of information, literature and other sources in a scientific manner.
 

Learning outcomes

After completing the course students should be able to:
- show knowledge about stakeholders that are important for the development of energy systems and how natural science (e.g. geoscience and ecology), technological, economic and political frameworks influence the conditions for energy systems
- perform a critical analysis and interpretation of a national energy system (design choices, stakeholders, natural science, technological, economic and political contexts)
- discuss and analyse a possible development of a national energy system to promote  sustainable development  
- show ability to integrate knowledge and complex information about policy and policy instrument, different stakeholders, trends, costs, climate-energy and resources for energy systems
- individually perform an investigation of an energy system
- show ability to clearly communicate and present conclusions and methodologies for an own investigation about an energy system
- show abilities in scientific writing and oral presentations regarding an own investigation of an energy system
 

Course content

The course provides definitions of a system and energy system and what system thinking mean, regarding energy systems development in an international context. It includes examples from different parts of the world, description of stakeholders in the energy sector on global, national, regional and local levels, and how natural science (e.g. geoscience and ecology), technological, economic and political frameworks influence the conditions for energy systems, policy instruments and development targets within the energy sector and local conditions for energy systems.
 

Tuition

Lectures, seminars, individual assignment and group work.
The course will use an educational (web based) platform for communication, discussion and presentation of course materials.
 

Specific requirements

150 credits in an energy engineering program or 150 credits in an industrial economic program with the technology base in energy technology. Addition Swedish B/Swedish 3 and English A/English 6 are required. In cases where the course is given in English, exemption from the Swedish B/Swedish 3 is given.

Examination

Assignment (INL3), 3 credits, mark Passed (G)
Seminar (SEM1), 0,5 credits, mark Passed (G)
Examination (TEN4), 4 credits, marks 3, 4 or 5

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding a disability has the opportunity to submit a request for supportive measures during written examinations or other forms of examination, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Examinations at First-cycle and Second-cycle Level at Mälardalen University (2020/1655). It is the examiner who takes decisions on any supportive measures, based on what kind of certificate is issued, and in that case which measures are to be applied.

Suspicions of attempting to deceive in examinations (cheating) are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, and are examined by the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the Disciplinary Board considers the student to be guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Board will take a decision on disciplinary action, which will be a warning or suspension.

Grade

Grading scale: 5, 4, 3

Interim Regulations and Other Regulations

The course assumes knowledge from the course Heat and power tecnology 15 credits, or equivalent.