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SK2711 Environmental physics 6.0 credits

The course covers the physics of solar energy, the carbon cycle, carbon-based, nuclear, and renewable energy, the Green-house effect, and how mankind affects the environment. The emphasis is on conceptual understanding of the relevant physical mechanisms.

Course offerings are missing for current or upcoming semesters.
Headings with content from the Course syllabus SK2711 (Spring 2022–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )

Content and learning outcomes

Course contents

Solar energy, the carbon cycle, the Green-house effect, fossil-fuel energy, heat engines, nuclear power, fission and fusion, renewable energy from sun, wind, water, biosources, environmental pollution in air, water, noise and radiation, climate changes, sustainable development.

Intended learning outcomes

The course covers the physics of solar energy, the carbon cycle, carbon-based, nuclear, and renewable energy, the Green-house effect, and how mankind affects the environment. The emphasis is on conceptual understanding of the relevant physical mechanisms.

The student will learn to:

  • solve problems regarding the solar radiation, the Earth's carbon cycle and the Green-house effect
  • analyze the structure of the atmosphere and the biospheric radiation balance
  • perform calculations on conventional carbon-based and nuclear energy
  • evaluate renewable energy sources - solar, wind, water, and bio
  • analyze effects on the environment, various sources of pollution, as well as aspects of sustainable development of mankin

Literature and preparations

Specific prerequisites

Introductory courses in Termodynamics and Modern Physics at BSc level or equivalent.

English B / English 6

Recommended prerequisites

Introductory courses in Termodynamics and Modern Physics at BSc level or equivalent

Equipment

No information inserted

Literature

No information inserted

Examination and completion

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

Grading scale

A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Examination

  • TEN1 - Written examination, 6.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

A written exam: TEN, 6 hp, grading scale A-F.

Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination

No information inserted

Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination

Yes

Examiner

Ethical approach

  • All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
  • In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
  • In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Further information

Course room in Canvas

Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas. A link to the course room can be found under the tab Studies in the Personal menu at the start of the course.

Offered by

Main field of study

Engineering Physics, Physics

Education cycle

Second cycle

Add-on studies

No information inserted

Contact

Vladislav Korenivski (vk@kth.se)

Supplementary information

The course may be canceled with less than 10 registered