RSE3242 Geothermal energy
Faculty of Engineering
RSE3242 Geothermal energy is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Engineering, offered in 2020 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It needs EAE2511, CIV2242 and ENG2005 and unlocks 1 unit.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2020
- Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- No exam
- 4 tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2020 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
Reviews
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Requisites
Before RSE3242
Prerequisites
Pass these before you enrol.
After RSE3242
1 unit list RSE3242 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Overview
This unit offers you a practical introduction to all aspects of geothermal energy. The course covers the development of geothermal energy sources for power (from exploration to development and production), as well as alternative uses for these resources. You will learn about the fundamental processes involved in heat and mass transport in the subsurface, as well as the physics and chemistry involved in electricity production. The course also covers recent developments in geothermal energy - new drilling techniques, enhanced geothermal systems, mineral co-production and low-temperature geothermal systems. You will also be provided with an introduction to the economics surrounding geothermal energy systems.
Offerings in 2020
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Practice exercisesThreshold hurdle16%
- Q&AThreshold hurdle4%
- Group project: Presentations and reportThreshold hurdle30%
- Final assessmentThreshold hurdle50%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Understand and discuss fundamental concepts in all aspects of geothermal engineering, from exploration to development and energy production.
- 2
Apply the underlying theories, concepts and assumptions concerning heat and mass transport to practical geothermal problems.
- 3
Describe the impact of brine geochemistry on geothermal systems, its role in resource classification, scale and corrosion, and mineral co-production.
- 4
Estimate power production from simple geothermal systems.
- 5
Assess economic factors affecting geothermal energy production, and compare the performance of geothermal systems to other energy sources.
- 6
Analyse and critically evaluate emerging geothermal technologies.
Workload and teaching
- Practical activities36 hours
- Lectures24 hours
- Teaching approachEnquiry-based learning
- Teaching approachPeer assisted learning
- Teaching approachProblem-based learning
Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 4-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-8 hours independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.
Where it fits
RSE3242 is part of 3 areas of study in the 2020 handbook.
- CIVILENG01Civil engineering technical electivesCivil engineeringNo reviews yet
- REMINING01Resources and mining engineering technical electivesResources and mining engineeringNo reviews yet
- RERNEWNG01Parts C and D. Resources and renewable energy engineering knowledge, application and professional practiceResources and renewable energy engineeringNo reviews yet
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Stuart Walsh
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Stuart Walsh
Common questions
What can I take after RSE3242?
RSE3242 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 1 unit, including RSE4050.
When is RSE3242 offered?
In 2020, RSE3242 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.
How much work is RSE3242?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does RSE3242 have an exam?
No. RSE3242 has 4 assessment tasks and no exam.
Which majors and minors include RSE3242?
RSE3242 is part of Civil engineering; Resources and mining engineering; and Resources and renewable energy engineering.