We address the production and the consumption of energy, its role in the global economy and the markets, its effect global politics and international relations and the influences reflected onto the consumers. The significance of energy in our daily lives is studied along with an insight into the consumption processes and mechanisms while understanding why and how energy is needed. Production of energy is studied with a technological and physical perspective in order to depict how alternative sources of energy are transformed into usable forms of energy. Principles and mechanisms of energy markets are investigated by positioning energy production as a core economic activity. We address how energy production and consumption drives the energy supply chain and decision making processes of parties in the supply chain. The role of energy on global, regional and local policies and their impact on the environment is investigated with an up-to-date perspective.
Energy: Supply Chain, Economics and Geopolitics (IF 401)
| Programs\Type | Required | Core Elective | Area Elective |
| Electronics Engineering | * | ||
| Electronics Engineering | * | ||
| Energy Minor | * | ||
| Industrial Engineering | * | ||
| Industrial Engineering (Previous Name: Manufacturing Systems Engineering) | * | ||
| International Studies | * | ||
| International Studies | * | ||
| Management | * | ||
| Management | * | ||
| Materials Science and Nano Engineering | * | ||
| Materials Science and Nano Engineering (Previous Name: Materials Science and Engineering) | * | ||
| Mechatronics Engineering | * | ||
| Mechatronics Engineering | * | ||
| Microelectronics | * | ||
| Political Science | * | ||
| Political Science and International Relations | * | ||
| Political Science (Previous Name: Social and Political Sciences) | * | ||
| Telecommunications | * |
CONTENT
OBJECTIVE
This introductory course on energy is composed of two parts. The first part (taught by Dr. Kaya) considers the supply and distribution of energy. The second part (taught by Dr. Evin) focuses on energy geopolitics. The course aims to provide a big-picture view of energy supply chains to help students understand the interdependencies between technology, business, economics, environment and international politics regarding energy-related issues.
Note that scientific and technological aspects of energy, which are covered in the FENS elective courses ENS 207 and ENS 315, are not at the core of this course.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Categorize primary energy sources along with their worldwide distribution, supply-demand relations and associated production technologies.
- Discuss the relative advantages and disadvantages (in terms of investment requirements, environmental impact and political risks) of using traditional fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal), renewable energy sources (hydro, solar, wind, biomass) and nuclear energy.
- Explain the dynamics of energy supply chains and energy markets with particular focus on electricity as the most usable form of energy.
- Demonstrate substantive knowledge of how energy relates to social, political, and economic aspects of contemporary life on a national, regional or global basis.
- Demonstrate familiarity with sources and databases to obtain reliable information on energy reserves, production, transmission, and distribution.
- Analyze how energy security and the geopolitics of energy affect national and EU policies as well as international relations.
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ASSESSMENT METHODS and CRITERIA
| Percentage (%) | |
| Midterm | 48 |
| Quiz | 20 |
| Assignment | 16 |
| Case Study | 16 |
RECOMENDED or REQUIRED READINGS
| Readings |
There is no main textbook for the course. Instead, we will use various reading material including book chapters, white papers and reports. Below, we list a number of sample reading material and resources. Additional readings will be posted at SUCourse from time to time. |