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.
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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
Course disposition
No information inserted
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
Introductory courses in Termodynamics and Modern Physics at BSc level or equivalent.
Recommended prerequisites
Introductory courses in Termodynamics and Modern Physics at BSc level or equivalent
Equipment
No information inserted
Literature
Environmental Physics, Sustainable Energy and Climate Change, E. Boeker and R. van Grondelle, Wiley 2011 (3rd edition), as well as own teaching material.
The textbook is available as e-text (English).
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 hp, betygsskala: 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
No information inserted
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 web
Further information about the course can be found on the Course web at the link below. Information on the Course web will later be moved to this site.
Course web SK2711Offered 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