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Energy and Sustainability in the 21st Century (Part I)
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:29:46
Abstract
Part I of this course covers the energy-related topics in this two-semester course. The importance of energy to life and our modern culture is explored and placed in the perspective of the ongoing energy transition in the context of necessary and urgent decarbonization efforts. How much energy do we need and how can it be provided in a way that enables a sustainable existence?
Objective
Why is energy important for life, economy and our society? How did energy use change over time? Which effects did these changes have on the environment? What are the physical basics of energy technologies? When, why and how did technology and science of energy come together? What are the limits and benefits of all the various energy technologies? How can different energy technologies be compared? Can we understand the changes in the current energy systems? How will the energy systems of the future look like? How fast can we and should we enforce the current energy transition? Which could be the overall guide lines for a working and sustainable energy system of the future?
Content
1. Introduction to Energy – what is it all about 2. Energy and making use of it – a short history of energy use and an overview on energy technologies 3. Coal, oil and natural gas – fossil fuels 4. Renewables I: Biomass, Hydropower, and Wind Energy – from traditional use to the modern concepts 5. Renewables II: Geothermal, Tidal power and Solar Technologies – new renewables to lead the change 6. Nuclear power, radioactivity and ultimate storage – the quest for a safe technology 7. Breeding and Nuclear Fusion – can it work at all? 8. Energy Storage – the need to increase capacity and for new technologies 9. Climate Change and Decarbonisation of the Energy Mix – how much time do we have? 10. Energy Efficiency, Buildings and Mobility – new Technologies, Rebounds and new Ways of life? 11. Energy Systems – how everything can play together 12. Life Cycle Assessment of Energy Technologies – problems and possibilities 13. Economics of Energy, Learning Curves, Technology Assessments and Innovation. 14. The Actual Energy Transition and Decarbonisation – How is your 2040, 2050?
Resources
Literature
The Physics of Energy, R.L. Jaffe, W. Taylor, 2018 Clean Disruption of Energy and Transportation, T. Seba 2014 Energy and Civilization: A History, V. Smil, 2018 Renewable Energy – Without the Hot Air, D.J.c. Mackay 2009
Learning Materials (Links)
- Moodle course
- Moodle-Kurs / Moodle course
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC , DZ , SHE , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 30 minutes
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Energy and Sustainability in the 21st Century (Part I) |
|
2 h weekly |
| exercise | Energy and Sustainability in the 21st Century (Part I) |
|
1 h weekly |
Offered In
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Physics Teaching Diploma (Detailed information on the programme at: Please note that the course number will change from HS24 onwards. This change will have no effect on the courses and performances already completed and will be recognised for the respective degree.)
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Spec. Courses in Resp. Subj. w/ Educ. Focus & Further Subj. Didactics (Core courses that counted towards the Bachelor or Master programme in physics or comprised additional admission requirements in subject didactics are not eligible for the teaching diploma.)
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Compulsory Elective Courses (Further course offerings from the category Educational Science are listed under "Programme: Educational Science for Teaching Diploma and TC".)
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Physics TC (Detailed information on the programme at: Please note that the course number will change from HS24 onwards. This change will have no effect on the courses and performances already completed and will be recognised for the respective degree.)
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