ENTREP 7037 - Energy Management, Economics & Policy

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2025

You will develop an understanding of tangible ways to profitably reduce fossil fuel consumption and transition to clean and renewable energy with consideration of technical, economic, financing and policy aspects. You will be able to focus on energy management opportunities for specific industries, energy saving opportunities for a range of commonly used industrial processes and technologies, and explore the application of course material to real world situations. Delivery is via a very interactive industry style small group discovery model and provides you with valuable industry-ready knowledge and skills.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code ENTREP 7037
    Course Energy Management, Economics & Policy
    Coordinating Unit Entrepreneurship, Commercialisation & Innov Centre
    Term Semester 1
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week in Semester 1; Intensive in Winter School
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Incompatible ENTREP 3006
    Assessment Individual and group assignments, quizzes
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Joelle Hawa

    Program Director Contact Details: Innovation and Entrepreneurship
    Name: Dr Matt McKinlay
    Email: matthew.mckinlay@adelaide.edu.au


    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes

    On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1 Express the imperative to focus on reducing fossil fuel based energy in the coming decades and associated opportunities this presents, with consideration of the inherent complexity.
    2 Evaluate options to inform the development of industry strategies to profitably decouple greenhouse gas emissions from the operation of a range of industries, with specific examples.
    3 Identify factors causing rising ‘Peak’ and ‘Base’ load electricity demand, and how renewable energy, energy management, and energy efficiency can reduce such demand.
    4 Present how various forms of renewable energy can be generated, with consideration of strengths and weaknesses of each
    5 Explain specific opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions of a city, with specific reference to the ‘Carbon Neutral Adelaide’ program, and explain considerations related to their implementation in Adelaide
    6 Debate the relative pro’s and con’s of various options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in specific industries from a technical, economic and policy context.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    2,3,4,6

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    1,2,4,5

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    1,4,6

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    1,2,4,5

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    1,4,6

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    1,5,6
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    No text required.
    Recommended Resources
    There is a wide range of material on the course topic available.

    The following provides some additional reading guidance if you are interested in reading further on the topic.

    • Factor 5: Transforming the Global Economy through 80% Improvements in Resource Productivity (Earthscan 2010)
    • Whole System Design: An Integrated Approach to Sustainable Engineering (Earthscan 2008)
    • The Stern Review of the Economics of Climate Change (Cambridge 2006)
    • IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) reports.

    Library Resources
    The University of Adelaide’s Barr Smith Library provides a range of learning resources including texts, journals, periodicals, magazines, and access to online databases and information services. It also offers a virtual library which is accessible via the University’s website. Access to the Library's electronic resources.

    Online Learning
    MyUni is the University of Adelaide's online learning environment. It is used to support traditional face-to-face lectures, tutorials and workshops at the University. MyUni provides access to various features including announcements, course materials, discussion boards and assessments for each online course of study.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course is offered in blended learning mode.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    As a guide, a 3 unit course comprises a total of 156 hours work (this includes face-to-face contact, any online components, and self directed study).

    Learning Activities Summary

    This is a draft schedule and session dates are a guide only. The timetable may be changed during the course delivery if necessary.

    Week
    Content Assessments
    Overview and Core Principles
    1 'Decoupling Energy Pollution and Economic Growth', 'Economics of Climate Change: The Stern Review' and 'Achieving a 60% Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050'
    2 'Carbon Down, Profits Up – Multiple Benefits of Energy Efficiency', 'Responding to the Complexity of Climate Change', and 'Integrated Approaches to Energy Efficiency and Low Carbon Technologies'
    3 Quiz Preparation (Unsupervised) and Quiz (In University Computer Suite Supervised by Tutor)  Quiz 1: In-Class 4-5pm covering Weeks 1 and 2
    Improving Energy Efficiency, by Technology and Sector
    4 'Energy Efficiency - Resource Productivity Improvement and Rebound', and
    'Improving the Energy Efficiency of HVAC Systems' 
    5 'Improving the Energy Efficiency of Motor Systems'
    6 'Improving the Energy Efficiency of Boilers and Steam Distribution Systems'
    Mid Semester Break
    7 Public Holiday
    8 'Improving Energy Efficiency in Manufacturing Industries' and 'Improving Energy Efficiency and Passenger Vehicles'
    Understanding Renewable Energy and Energy Management
    9 Quiz Preparation (Unsupervised) and Quiz (In University Computer Suite Supervised by Tutor) Quiz 2: In-Class 4-5pm covering Weeks 4 - 8
    10 'How Do We Make Electricity From Wind, Steam, Moving Water, and Gas?'
    11 'Factors causing rising ‘Peak’ and ‘Base’ load electricity demand', 'Energy Management to Reduce ‘Peak Load’ Electricity Demand', and 'Energy Management to Reduce ‘Base Load’ Electricity Demand'
    12 Quiz and Group Assignment Working Session with Tutor Quiz 3: In-Class 3-4pm covering Weeks 10-11
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    #Assessment TaskTask TypeLengthWeightingLearning Outcomes
    1 Participation Individual ongoing 5% 1-6
    Online Assessment 1  Individual  90 minutes  20%  1, 2
    3   Online Assessment 2  Individual  120 minutes  30%  2
    Group Assignment  Group  500 words/student  25%  5, 6
    Individual Assignment  Individual  1,500 words  20%  5, 6
    Total 100%
    Assessment Related Requirements
    Students should attend all classes in order to pass the course. There is considerable experiential learning during classes that build your knowledge and thus enable you to be successful in this course.

    Course results may be subject to moderation by the Assessment Review Committee.
    Assessment Detail
    Online Assessment 1: Open Book, Short Answer.
    Undertaken remotely or in a CAT Suite.

    Online Assessment 2: Open Book, Short Answer.
    Undertaken remotely or in a CAT Suite.

    Delivering a Carbon Neutral Adelaide
    Create a mock expression of interest to provide services to the Adelaide City Council to deliver a specific element of the 'Carbon Neutral Adelaide' plan related to the material in the course and based on existing solutions.

    Future Options for Delivering a Carbon Neutral Adelaide
    Create a mock expression of interest to provide services to the Adelaide City Council to deliver a specific element of the 'Carbon Neutral Adelaide' plan based on an innovative future option.
    Submission

    All text based assignments must be submitted via MyUni:

    • Assignment Submission: Assignments should not be emailed to the instructor; they must be lodged via the MyUni Course site (unless specified to do both).
    • Cover Sheet: Please include in the assignment a completed University of Adelaide Assessment Cover Sheet (found in MyUni, under Modules) providing details of yourself and your team members (if applicable), your assignment, the course, date submitted, etc. as well as the declaration signed by you that this is your (your team’s) work. Note that the declaration on any electronically submitted assignment will be deemed to have the same authority as a signed declaration.
    • Backup Copy of Assignments: You are advised to keep a copy of your assignments in case the submitted copy goes missing. Please ensure that all assignment pages are numbered. If your assignment contains confidential information, you should discuss any concerns with the Course Lecturer prior to submission.
    • Assessment extensions request: An application for Assessment Extension should be made before the due date of the assignment to the Course Lecturer. Normally, extensions will only be granted for a maximum of two weeks from the original assignment submission date. Extensions will only be granted in cases of genuine medical, compassionate or extenuating circumstances. See sections 3 and 7a) i. in particular on assessment extensions in the Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment (MACA) Policy.
    • Failure to submit: Failure to submit an assignment on time or by the agreed extension deadline may result in penalties and may incur a fail grade. Note that a late penalty of 5% of the total available marks for that assessment item will be incurred each day an assignment is handed in late (Unless otherwise stated in 'Assessment Related Requirements' or 'Assessment Detail' above). Assignments handed in after 14 days from the due submission date will fail even if a 100% mark is granted for the work.
    • Resubmission: of an assignment after reworking it to obtain a better mark will not normally be accepted. Approval for resubmission will only be granted on medical or compassionate grounds.
    • Appealing a mark or grade: If you are dissatisfied with your mark or grade, you may request a review or re-mark. There must be academic or procedural reasons for your request, so you can’t simply request a re-mark because you are disappointed with your result. For more information on the process see Assessment Grievance: Appealing a mark or grade
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.