Sustainable Energy & Environmental Impact

This module is suited for anyone interested in understanding and addressing the challenges of energy sustainability. It is particularly relevant for students and professionals pursuing careers in environmental science, engineering, renewable energy, or resource management. 

Individuals seeking to expand their knowledge of energy systems, renewable technologies, and sustainability metrics will benefit from the practical and analytical skills developed in this course.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

(1) Demonstrate knowledge of the historic evolution of energy systems including fossil fuel energy systems.
(2) Evaluate the worldwide importance of energy systems, energy use and associated world trends, and factors which influence them.
(3) Critique the knowledge and rationale underpinning sustainable energy systems.
(4) Investigate the potential renewable energy systems including the role of biological carbon capture storage to contribute to a sustainable energy future.
(5) Analyse the fundamentals of renewable energy technologies and systems.
(6) Apply knowledge, understanding and problem solving abilities to construct energy efficiency analyses in broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts.

By taking this module, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of energy systems, including their historical development, current challenges, and future potential in the context of sustainability. You will develop valuable skills in analysing energy resources, evaluating sustainability metrics, and conducting energy efficiency assessments, such as cost-benefit and energy balance analyses.

Through an in-depth exploration of renewable energy technologies—such as solar, wind, bioenergy, hydro, tidal, and wave energy—you will build a strong technical foundation to evaluate their applications and future prospects. Additionally, the module’s focus on innovative processes like Biological Carbon Capture and Storage and biomass utilization will prepare you to contribute to cutting-edge solutions in energy sustainability.

Whether you aim to advance your career in renewable energy, environmental policy, or sustainability, or simply want to make informed energy-related decisions in your field, this module equips you with the interdisciplinary knowledge and analytical skills to drive meaningful change in how energy systems are designed, managed, and implemented.*

This micro-credential is delivered through the UCD online learning platform (Brightspace) and will consist of:

1. Active/task-based learning;
2. Online lectures;
3. Reflective learning;
4. Case-based learning
5. Critical writing

AI is not used for teaching nor are students to use AI for assignments.

A repository of resources will be available to support your learning, and as a UCD student, you will have full access to the library. 

This is a 10 ECTS micro-credential and involves approximately 230 hours of learner effort.

No prior knowledge requirements to be able to follow the module. 

Applicants must hold a Level 8 Honours degree with minimum 2:1 award (NFQ level 8) or international equivalence. 

Those without a Level 8 honours degree but with >5 years professional experience will be considered.

All applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Assignment(Including Essay): Assignment 1: Global Interdependence of factors impacting on energy use and consumption (20%)

Assignment(Including Essay): Assignment 2: Case study energy efficiency analysis.(20%)

Assignment(Including Essay): Assignment 3: Sustainable energy system assessment (20%)

Reflective Assignment: Online journal submission (15%)

Exam (Online): End of trimester online MCQ exam (25%)

(Subject to change)

Group/class feedback, post-assessment

Grad Dip in env sustainability, Grad Cert. in Env sustainability, Msc in env sustainability, Msc sustainable development

On successful completion of this micro-credential, you will receive credits as per the European Credit and Transfer System. These credits are recognised by the awarding institution as credits aligned to learning completed at postgraduate level.

If you have any questions about this micro-credential, or would like to speak to a UCD staff member, please contact (opens in a new window)microcredentials@ucd.ie.