Entry requirements

120 credits in natural science, earth science, or sustainable development. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• critically analyse and apply the concept of energy transition using different definitions, actors and dimensions
• analyse existing infrastructure for fossil energy and possible alternatives
• evaluate and apply future studies to energy systems
• manage and evaluate analytical tools and indicators related to energy transitions
• practically apply mathematical models and forecasting tools to make own projections of historical trends and possible future trajectories
• define and critically problematise future energy transitions in a written analysis
• give constructive criticism of others' texts

Content

The change in energy systems over time and the concept of energy transition. The historical and current evolution of components in energy systems, including technological, social and political influences. Case studies of selected global and national developments. 

Comparisons of different possibly significant future components of the energy system, with a focus on primary energy and the available resource base. Consideration of the different factors which may significantly affect how the energy system may evolve over the coming decades. Detailed explanations of universal patterns of energy transitions. Peculiarities of changing energy use in the world's leading economies. Analysis of the attempts to decarbonize and reduce dependency on fossil fuels by shifting towards low-carbon, alternative, and renewable energy technologies.

Introduction to the application of numerical and other tools for the analysis of developments in the energy system. Analysis of changes in energy systems over time with methodological approaches such as time series or decompositional anaysis.

Instruction

Lectures, guest lectures, seminars and hand-in exercises. Compulsory participation in seminars and presentation or project work.

Assessment

Written assignments (2 credits), written and oral presentation of individual project work with seminar and opposition (3 credits).

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.