RSE3243 Bioenergy
Faculty of Engineering
RSE3243 Bioenergy is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Engineering, offered in 2026 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It needs ENG2005 and unlocks 1 unit.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 50%
- and 4 other tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
Reviews
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Requisites
Before RSE3243
Prerequisites
Pass these before you enrol.
After RSE3243
1 unit list RSE3243 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Overview
This unit provides foundational knowledge of the bioenergy industry, including feedstocks, processing and end-use of products. The unit provides insight into biomass energy resources and bioenergy technologies, including the properties and characteristics of the resources, conversion and utilisation processes, as well as industrial application. Economic cost-effectiveness will be examined. You will also conduct a lifecycle analysis of the various pathways to determine the energy return on energy invested. Other issues, such as impacts on food availability, land availability and the social and political impacts, will also be covered.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- QuizzesQuiz / TestThreshold hurdle10%
- Problem setExerciseThreshold hurdle10%
- Biodiesel labWrittenThreshold hurdle20%
- Group presentationPresentationThreshold hurdle10%
- Final assessmentExaminationThreshold hurdle50%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Construct mass and energy balances for biomass-based energy systems.
- 2
Describe the chemical and biological processes utilised in bioenergy conversion pathways.
- 3
Design systems and technologies for biomass utilisation to produce bioenergy products.
- 4
Appraise techno-economic assessments and lifecycle assessments for bioenergy production processes.
- 5
Describe the social and political issues around bioenergy.
- 6
Effectively work in a team and communicate through oral and written reports.
Workload and teaching
- Practical activities24 hours
- Laboratories6 hours
- Workshops20 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of 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.
The unit involves active learning with problem solving exercises, quizzes and group assignments. Important concepts and terminologies, fundamental and application aspects of bioenergy will be delivered during the lecture and practical classes.
Where it fits
RSE3243 is part of 5 areas of study in the 2026 handbook.
- CHEMENG04Chemical engineering technical electivesChemical engineeringNo reviews yet
- CIVILENG03Civil engineering technical electivesCivil engineeringNo reviews yet
- ENVIRENG03Environmental engineering technical electivesEnvironmental engineeringNo reviews yet
- RNWENMNR02Studying an engineering specialisationRenewable energy engineeringNo reviews yet
- SUSENMNR03Elective unitsSustainable engineeringNo reviews yet
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Tom Hughes
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Tom Hughes
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for RSE3243?
You need ENG2005 before you enrol.
What can I take after RSE3243?
RSE3243 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 1 unit, including RSE4050.
When is RSE3243 offered?
In 2026, RSE3243 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.
How much work is RSE3243?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does RSE3243 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 4 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include RSE3243?
RSE3243 is part of Chemical engineering, Civil engineering, Environmental engineering, Renewable energy engineering and Sustainable engineering.