CHE5806 · Low-carbon technology

Overview

In this unit, you’ll explore sustainable engineering practices and greener alternatives designed to minimise greenhouse gas emissions. The focus is on low-impact technologies that support the decarbonisation of carbon-heavy sectors like manufacturing, heavy industry, transport, construction, agriculture, and waste management. You’ll examine a range of low-carbon solutions - from advanced materials and additive manufacturing to green manufacturing methods and smart digital tools - and learn how to choose the right option for different applications. Key principles like green chemistry, bioconversion, and circular design will give you a solid foundation for understanding how low-carbon technologies work in practice. You’ll also build skills to reduce energy waste and transform traditional industrial processes into cleaner, low-carbon systems. The unit wraps up with an introduction to carbon capture and storage as a technique that complements the use of low-carbon technologies.

Areas of study: E6013 Master of Applied Engineering - Specialisation: Decarbonisation and net zero

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Continuous assessment: 100% The assessments in this unit are designed to demonstrate the achievement of the advanced learning outcomes and standards expected of Master’s level coursework.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Analyse the efficiency and engineering principles of low-carbon operations for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in energy and industrial systems.
2. Evaluate the sustainability and energy efficiency of low-carbon technologies in relation to economic, social, and environmental factors.
3. Integrate low-carbon technology with carbon capture and storage methods to meet net-zero goals and optimise resource use.

Workload

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.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.