NIGK13005U Energy Systems and Climate Mitigation

Volume 2026/2027
Education

MSc Programme in Climate Change
MSc Programme in Environmental Science

Content

The purpose of the course is to provide the student a fundamental understanding of energy systems, the associated energy technologies and their climate impact. Special emphasis will be given to renewable energy technologies. The course consists of the following themes:

 

1. Energy concepts and thermodynamics. 

2. Energy and economic development. 

3. Renewable and non-renewable energy resources and energy technologies 

4. Energy production and it’s climate impacts. 

5. Energy systems management

Learning Outcome

 A student having completed the course will be able to: 

Knowledge: 

  • Understand and describe the interrelations between energy systems and the climate.
  • Describe the renewable energy technologies available to mitigate climate change. 


Skills: 

  • Analyze exsisting energy systems, at all scales, and their contributions to climate change and mitigation. 
  • Evaluate the appropriateness of alternative strategies for transformation of the energy systems for climate change mitigation. 


Compentences: 

  • Contribute constructively to the design of sustainable energy systems at all scales.
  • Work in inter-disciplinary groups to solve problems related to energy systems and climate change mitigation.

Please see Absalon.

Basic understanding of natural and anthropogenic drivers of climate change or qualifications corresponding to the course Climate Change, an Interdisciplinary Challenge, and the course Climate and Society.

Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is recommended. Some exercises require basic mathematical skills equivalent to introductory courses in mathematics on BSc level.
Teaching is based on a mix of class room lectures, individual work on exercises, self-study, group work and student presentations. Furthermore an excursion to a power plant is organised if possible.
A number of external lecturers are invited to teach on specific topics.

To provide the student hands on experience a significant part of the course is allocated to a self-elected case project on planning/​designing/​proposing a renewable energy supply.

The course curriculum builds on a textbook(s) together with lecture notes and articles. Notes and articles are made available on Absalon.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 40
  • Preparation
  • 112
  • Theory exercises
  • 30
  • Excursions
  • 4
  • Exam
  • 20
  • Total
  • 206
Oral
Individual
Collective
Peer feedback (Students give each other feedback)

Feedback is provided in various forms throughout the course. Teacher’s oral feedback on exercises, on-line quizzes, students own reflections over learning progress and peer feedback.

Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Oral exam on basis of previous submission, 25 minutes
Type of assessment details
The final exam is oral, building in part on a submitted group essay, and in part on a topic from the curriculum selected at the exam.
The student cannot participate in the oral exam if the essay is not submitted.
Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Several internal examiners
Re-exam

Same as the ordinary exam.

If all group members fail a group submission, the group must submit a new group essay 2 weeks prior to the reexam week.

If only one group member fails, the group member must submit a new individual essay 2 weeks prior to the reexam week.

Criteria for exam assesment

Please see learning outcome.