UCD School of Agriculture Food Science & Veterinary Medicine Master of Science Sustainable Energy & Green Technologies

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1 The is one-year taught Masters programme structured in three semesters as follows: (1) Semester 1 (30 Credits) Common to all students and focusing on Science and Technology modules covering Energy Systems, Energy Resources & Environmental Sustainability, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Energy Efficiency, and Waste-to-energy Processes and Systems. The contents of individual modules will include quantitative and analytical assignments, laboratory and group work, and a foundation module on Research Skills & Techniques. During this semester, each student will be required to identify and develop the scope of their major research project, which will be further developed and completed in the third semester. (2) Semester 2 (30 Credits) Students will take modules in Renewable Energy Projects Evaluation & Market Analysis, Innovation and Technology Transfer, Energy Conversion & Storage, Energy Systems Integration, and Life Cycle Assessment of Renewable Energy Systems (3) Semester 3 (30 Credits) the major individual Research Project. The individual research project will be assessed by written thesis, short oral presentation and summary report. Students will be assigned a mentor for guidance in completing the Minor Thesis. Assessment will be by examination, and individual and group based coursework, and the research project.

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3 Semester 1 Modules: Module Details BSEN40330 Energy Systems & Sustainable Environments Credits 10 Dr Kevin McDonnell Module Description What will I learn: Part 1 (2.5 Credits) Worldwide importance of energy systems, historical and current energy perspectives, concepts and applications of energy systems. Estimation and evaluation of energy resources. Part 2 (5 Credits) Sustainable Energy systems; approaches to energy systems analyses and sustainability metrics. Biological Carbon Capture Storage, including the following processes: soil carbon, CO2 to energy, Forests & forest ecology, Digestate from Anaerobic Digestion (AD) process, Biochar Grassland management, Biomass to oil. Part 3 (2.5 Credits) Comprehensive overview of the principal types of renewable energy-including solar, thermal photovoltaics, bioenergy, hydro, tidal, wind, and wave. In addition the underlying physical and technological principles of renewable energy systems and the future prospects of different energy sources. Energy efficiency analyses including energy balance, cost-benefit analysis and cost-efficiency analysis of various energy scenarios and renewable energy choices. BSEN30360 Life Cycle Assessment Level 3 Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Part 1: - Demonstrate knowledge of the historic evolution of energy systems including fossil fuel energy systems; - Discuss the worldwide importance of energy systems, energy use and associated world trends, and factors which influence them. Part 2: - Articulate the knowledge and rationale underpinning sustainable energy systems - Discuss the potential renewable energy systems including the role of biological carbon capture storage to contribute to a sustainable energy future. Part 3: - Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamentals of renewable energy technologies and systems. - Apply knowledge, understanding and problem solving abilities to perform energy efficiency analyses in broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts. What will I learn: This module introduces the principles and methods of life cycle thinking and life-cycle assessment (LCA) with specific reference to agricultural and energy systems using attributional LCA. The module will be based around the ISO methodology and will involve developing a LCA model using MS-Excel.

4 Credits 5 Prof Nicholas Holden It will focus on the four common stages of LCA: (i) definition of the Goal and Scope; (ii) Life Cycle Inventory Analysis; (iii) Life Cycle Impact Assessment and (iv) Interpretation with a specific focus on carbon footprint, water footprint and energy audit. Case studies will consider LCA studies of agricultural systems, energy systems and selected industrial processes and products. BSEN40320 Waste to Energy Processes & Technologies Credits 10 Dr Thomas Curran Module Learning Objectives: (1) Define and describe the concept of Attributional Life Cycle Assessment, summarize and assess the strengths and limitation of life cycle thinking as a decision support methodology for agricultural, energy or industrial systems; (2) Organize and manipulate data sources in order to undertake an LCA to calculate the carbon footprint, water footprint and energy audit of a product or process; (3) Convey the findings of the LCA in written format including critique of methodology, data, uncertainty and interpretation. What will I learn: Part 1 (5 credits) Fundamental principles of waste management, with particular emphasis on organic wastes. Waste generation and characterization, and techniques for waste collection, storage, transport, utilization (including recycling and recovery). Focus is on the application of engineering science to develop integrated waste management systems. Part 2 (2.5 credits) Waste-to-energy technology: mass burning & modular combustion, refuse derived fuel systems, anaerobic digestion, composting. Comparison and benchmarking of the technologies with respect to energy efficiency, environmental impacts, costs etc. Hazardous waste generation, producer responsibility and legislation. Part 2 (2.5 credits) Waste-to-energy projects implementation concepts: risk assessment (waste, energy and materials market, environmental protection & legal issues); implementation process including; feasibility, siting, procurement/ownership, financing, plant construction & operations. On completion of this module students should be able to: Part 1: - Describe the waste management hierarchy and principles of composting, anaerobic digestion and incineration; - Demonstrate specialized, detailed knowledge of the essential elements of a waste management plan; - Communicate the knowledge and rationale underpinning the design and operation of a modern landfill. Part 2: - Articulate the scientific principles of waste to energy processes and describe the practicable options for set scenarios; - Integrate knowledge to assess the most appropriate waste-to-energy conversion processes with due regard to the available technologies, waste

5 ANSC50010 On-line Research Skills for Graduate Students Level 5 Credits 5 Dr Philip Owende feedstock, and active policies and legislation including environmental protection considerations. Part 3: - Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge on the issues to be considered when planning and implementing waste-to-energy process plants and be able to defend choices/decisions. This module covers a range of early-stage research skills tailored towards the needs of graduate students in the Life Sciences. The module employs a combination of e-learning using materials delivered via the Blackboard VLE and face-to-face workshops with discussion of specific case studies. The e-learning elements of the module are determined for individual students based on the skills needs assessment of the Research and Professional Development Plan and cover the following specified learning activities:- working with your supervisor/collaborators, - project management, - intellectual property in the research context, - research ethics, - career planning, - getting published, attending conferences, presenting and networking. The workshops introduce, augment and complement the activity-based e-learning elements by providing a forum for reflective practice and team-based discussion of issues and case studies. On completion of this module students should be able to: - create criteria for monitoring and reporting progress, identify and manage project risks, - explain the elements of Intellectual Property in an academic/research setting and recognise the responsibilities of individual researchers - identify and address ethical problems - conduct an annual appraisal of career opportunities and goals - recognise the value of constructive criticism and review, understand the skills, materials and confidence required to plan and deliver at an academic conference - recognise the requirements, skill sets, attitudes and aptitudes which will support their development towards autonomy as a researcher.

6 Semester 2 Modules: BSEN30330 Renewable Energy Projects Evaluation & Market Analysis Level 3 Credits 5 Dr Kevin McDonnell BMGT42130 Innovation and Knowledge Transfer I Credits 2.5 Prof F. Roche BMGT42140 Innovation and Knowledge Transfer II: Transferring Technology from Renewable energy integration. Market development issues and challenges to large-scale deployment. Supporting policy frameworks and National and EU targets. Impacts of key factors supporting the development of renewable energy projects (e.g., economics/finance, risks, laws and regulations). Market trends/status and utilisation of market information to develop strategic opportunities. Market penetration and contention with or removal of barriers. Current and potential future regulations/directives, protocols and research needs. Renewable energy project evaluation, market analysis and policy case studies (biomass, small hydro, solar thermal & photovoltaics, wind etc.). On successful completion of this module students should be able to: 1. Describe the impact of factors supporting the development of renewable energy projects. 2. Demonstrate an understanding of market development, challenges, policy framework and targets for renewable energy. 3. Analyse market information and demonstrate knowledge of market penetration including potential barriers to renewable energy projects. 4. Apply knowledge, understanding and problem solving abilities to future regulations/directives, protocols and research requirements to support renewable energy development.5. Assess relevant renewable energy project case studies considering the influence of policy and markets. The Innovation and Knowledge Transfer modules will provide an introduction to the area of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the context of the Knowledge Economy. Part I will focus on the entrepreneurial process in the journey from identification of the innovative idea through to the launch of a successful business. It will identify the key factors influencing success along the way. Concepts will be explored by way of case studies and question and answer sessions with successful entrepreneurs, telling their real-life success stories. Students from all schools will find this module interesting, as it will encompass cases from the Arts and Humanities, through to Business & Law as well as technology disciplines such as ICT, Engineering & Life Sciences. The emphasis of the module will be to create an awareness of how innovative ideas can lead to commercial opportunities and identify the entrepreneurial qualities required to convert these ideas into viable business propositions. On completion of this module students should be able to: 1. Thoroughly understand the concepts of innovation, entrepreneurship and the knowledge economy, as it relates to their area of expertise. 2. Understand the value of knowledge in forming the basis of a business opportunity and intellectual asset, and its potential for exploitation. 3. Understand the stages in the process of new venture creation, the requirements to successfully manage each stage, and the supports that are available for those who want to do it. 4. Understand the requirements to develop and present a winning business plan that will attract support from investors. The Innovation and Knowledge Transfer modules will provide an introduction to the area of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the context of the Knowledge Economy. Part 2 will cover the management process required to transform an innovative idea into a commercial opportunity or business proposition. It will detail the stages and processes involved in the management and commercialisation of intellectual property (IP). Students from all schools involved in the creation of knowledge in the form of intellectual property will find this module interesting. Students will be provided with a fundamental understanding of how to manage the development of IP and transfer this asset to the Knowledge Economy.

7 Research to the Knowledge Economy Credits 2.5 Prof F. Roche The module will begin by examining some success stories and then addresses the requirements to manage and protect intellectual property rights (IPR) in areas such as ICT, Life Sciences, Engineering, Food and Energy. The potential routes to commercialisation and the key business feasibility questions will be considered: can the product be made, will someone buy it and is it possible to make a profit? This module will provide an essential grounding in matters relating to the exploitation of IP, for students interested in both academic and industrial careers. On completion of this module students should be able to: 1. Thoroughly understand the process of identifying, capturing, developing and commercialising opportunities arising from their research. 2. Conduct research using best laboratory practice, which will ensure that the resulting intellectual property can be protected, managed and exploited. 3. Assess the most appropriate routes to market be they through licensing or sale of IP, or establishment of a service or campus company spin-out. 4. Make the business case to potential funders and investors. 5. Advise researchers and their colleagues on how to exploit the commercial potential of research projects. BSEN40280 Energy Conversion & Storage Credits 7.5 Dr Philip Owende Part 1 (2.5 Credits) Fundamentals of renewable energy processes: heat engines (thermo-mechanical, thermo-chemical, electrochemical, and photoelectric processes and technologies); on-shore and off-shore energy conversion; innovative energy storage devices; energy carriers, synthesized fuels. Emphasis is on advanced energy technologies, energy efficiency, systems performance & minimisation of environmental impacts. Introduction to principles of multiple sources of renewable energies. Part 2 (2.5 Credits) Deployment of energy storage technologies: introduction to storage and renewable energy systems; technical and economical advantages of energy storage; electricity storage systems; characteristics of energy storage techniques, and; comparison of the different storage techniques (viz., field of application, energy efficiency, investment etc.). Part 3 (2.5 Credits) Part 3 focuses on renewable energy deployment in transport, due to its importance in Irish context: Supply chains of liquid and gaseous transportation fuels; alternative transportation technologies and infrastructure for advanced future transportation systems (land, water and air); environmental and social impact assessments. Models/tools for estimating the energy consumption and emissions in different transportation systems; evaluation of external impact factors and means of reducing pollution and optimizing energy consumption. Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Part 1 - Demonstrate knowledge of fundamentals of energy conversion and storage processes, and the associated technologies; - Apply their knowledge, understanding and problem-solving abilities to resolve theoretical problems in renewable energy conversion and storage. Part 2 - List and describe the technical and economic advantages of energy storage; - Analyse the characteristics (e.g., storage capacity, available power, efficiency, autonomy, cost etc.) and compare advantages of different energy

8 storage techniques based on potential application/deployment. Part 3 - Demonstrate knowledge of potential applications of renewable energy in the transport sector (land, water and air), and articulate the contemporary challenges and future development and research. - Integrate knowledge of bio-energy resources, conversion technologies, environmental impacts and socio-economic aspects to rationalise pathways for sustainable integration of renewable energy in the transport sector. BSEN40350 Energy Systems Integration Credits 5 Dr Philip Owende Choice awareness of energy resources. Methods for energy demand and supply characterisation (including forecasting). Laws and regulations for local energy production. Micro-generation, cogeneration, tri-generation, and poly-generation systems; energy flows, low-carbon/renewable energy systems, energy systems integration, and bases for sustainable energy systems. Methods and tools for hybrid energy systems integration to provide specified service loads (viz., electricity, heating, and cooling). Energy infrastructure; centralized vs. decentralized systems; on-shore and offshore systems. Energy demand and supply modelling: simulation, econometric and other forms of parameter estimation, input-output modelling, and integrated systems modelling and optimization. Design and analyses based on special purpose computer tools with capability for integration of renewable energy resources and/or conversion technologies for multiple energy systems/sectors (viz. electricity, heat, transport etc.). Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to: (1) Describe and characterise energy supply and demand, and the main energy technologies for electricity, heating and cooling; (2) Describe technology and technologic solutions integration (energy systems design) with specific focus on renewable and sustainable energy systems (including micro-generation, cogeneration and tri-generation); (3) Analyse and optimize integrated energy systems as basis for creation of intelligent energy systems. BSEN40300 Life Cycle Assessment of Renewable Energy Systems Credits 7.5 Prof Nicholas Holden This module is based around using industry standard LCA software to create an attributional LCA project for a renewable energy system. Typical project examples are: (i) Life cycle assessment as Decision Support Tool for biomass-to-energy projects; (ii) Comparative energy consumption and GHG emissions of selected biofuel pathways by LCA; (iii)lca case study of utilisation of crop residues as raw materials for biorefinery systems; (iv) LCA of renewable energy for electricity generation (selected conversion pathways); (v) Comparison of life cycle GHG emissions and energy consumption of combined electricity and hydrogen production pathways; and (vi) Comparison of life cycle GHG emissions and energy consumption of energy conversion pathways with integrated Biological Carbon Capture & Storage (BCCS). The module will consider the types of problems best addressed by LCA, activity data requirements, emission factors, characterization factors and comparison of atrributional LCA with advanced methods including consequential LCA, input-output LCA and life cycle costing. On successful completion of this module students should be able to: (1) Explain the different approaches to LCA that are available, critically assess which is most appropriate for a particular problem; (2) Develop a full LCA, with at least energy audit, carbon footprint and water footprint considered using industry standard LCA software and databases, be able to critically assess and evaluate data and information sources and defend the choices made to develop the LCA model and interpret it; (3) Convey the meaning and implications of a complex system analysis in a consider manner in straightforward written and spoken English.

9 MSc Research Project: BSEN40310 Minor Research Thesis Sustainable Energy & Green Technologies Credits 30 Dr Philip Owende Objective of this module is to enable learners to develop critical research skills, including requisite skills for clear and concise communication of research plans, research progress and findings to experts in Sustainable Energy & Green Technologies area and to society at large. Learners will be expected to contribute to knowledge in Sustainable Energy and Green Technologies, but not necessarily from their original ideas. The focus is on structured inquiry from experiments and/or data collection and analysis, rather than hypothesis or theory to be tested. The module processes will integrate knowledge gained from all other modules in the programme, to develop the rationale for research, set out research objectives and methods, analyse and interrogate data, and draw validated conclusions. Upon successful completion of Minor Research Thesis, learners will be able to: (1) Synthesise research findings, use appropriate research methodologies, while drawing on subject-specific literature and other resources (as appropriate to a project), to present research work or technical reports in a clear and professional style; (2) Communicate their conclusions and the knowledge and rationale underpinning these, to specialist and non-specialist audiences clearly and unambiguously.