Future of Transport (electric)

1
Energy and the Earth’s Environment – OUA SP3
Major Assignment – worth 30% of the overall mark.
Topic Nomination Due: 11th Nov 2013 (emailed to me)
Assignment Due date: 2nd Dec 2013 (to be submitted through Blackboard
Assignment tab)
Essential Information
• The first page of the report must be the RMIT cover sheet, correctly filled out and signed.
This cover sheet is provided as the last page of this document.
• The Assignment must be submitted as a .pdf file – other formats are not acceptable. In most
cases files can be printed directly to pdf (eg through cute pdf writer in Windows, or built-in
to Mac OSX). Alternatively, there are many free pdf convertors available on the web.
• Give the file the following name: secondname_firstname_studentnumber.pdf
Assignment Topic – Alternative Methods of Energy Production
This assignment is an opportunity to more deeply investigate a topic or issue of your choice, within
the guidelines outlined below. Below I suggest a number of topics, but I will happily consider any
other relevant topics, or variations on the suggestions below. However, I need to approve your topic
by the above date.
The Assignment will be in the form of a Scientific Essay on your Investigation (see instructions at
the end of this document). For all topics you should address the topic from a scientific viewpoint –
ie not just with opinions, but with facts. For example, if comparing two competing technologies,
things you might consider include: the set-up costs; longevity; associated pollution; greenhouse gas
production; energy efficiency; other human or environmental impacts; etc. In all cases you need to
search the appropriate literature – including books, the internet and so on.
Clearly the internet provides a wide range of sources. Please use these, but be aware that not all
sources are equally reliable. Be critical of all sources you use, particularly those of companies etc.,
and reference everything. In addition, there are many good books on alternative energy sources
available. See the reference list under Course Documents on blackboard for some example
references.2
Possible Topics
Possible topics are grouped into several categories. The list is not exhaustive – please feel free to
suggest your own topic, but I would expect most topics to fall into one of the following categories.
In all cases you should consider such things as a discussion of the advantages, disadvantages, best
and worst case scenarios, costs, efficiencies, appropriateness for the Australian context and so on.
When you email me with your topic, you need to be specific (eg Comparing Different Energy
Sources: Nuclear Fission vs. Wind).
1) Comparing Different Energy Sources
• this would involve choosing two technologies and comparing them (eg Wind vs.
Photovoltaic; Nuclear Fission vs. Hydroelectric; etc).
2) Detailed Appraisals of a Potential Electricity Generation Method
• this would involve choosing a particular electricity generation method, and providing an in
depth analysis of this method.
3) Future of Transport
• assess the viability of one or more alternatives to petrol for powering transport (hydrogen;
electric; electric hybrid; biodiesel; etc). You could consider transport for cars, larger
vehicles (buses & trucks), aircraft etc, as each might have different requirements.
4) Australian Case Studies
• there are many large scale electricity production technologies being planned or considered
for Australia, including (but not limited to): Geothermal, Solar (Concentration, Updraft,
Photovoltaic or Hybrid), Wind (well established), Nuclear, Tidal, Wave, etc. Choose a
particular proposal, go to the web sites of the companies or bodies proposing them, and
provide an analysis of the viability of the technology. Compare with other technologies.
5) Assorted
• the transmission problem – analyse the effects of transmission losses on various proposed
technologies.
• carbon sequestration. Assess if this is a viable technology for reducing CO2 emissions from
coal, gas and oil fired power plants, and compare it with the alternative of investing in lower
carbon emitting technologies.
• Your ideas?3
Written Report Format and Structure
1. The report must be word processed, contain about five (5) A4 pages of text, plus diagrams,
tables etc (maximum 12 pages total). Minimum Font size 12 point, 1.5 line spacing.
2. Report Structure. The report should be in a format similar to that outlined below:
• Title
• An informative title – what question is being asked?
• Introduction & Background
• Explain the background to the question
• Results & Discussion
• Present your argument, including quantitative justification, graphs, tables,
equations, etc etc). Depending on your topic and your own preferences, you
may or may not include mathematical analysis of certain relevant
problems. Label Figures, Tables etc clearly, and provide a caption
describing each (including the course).
• Conclusion
• Summarize the results of your enquiries (brief – 50-100 words)
• Bibliography
• Include a complete bibliography.
3. You MUST reference all sources of information. A standard citation system should be used,
which identifies type (book, journal, online, video), title, authors(s), publisher (and edition if
relevant) and location, and the page(s) used from your source. Online citations should include
the URL, but this is not sufficient on its own. The aim is for others reading your assignment to
be able to find your sources and read them if it is interesting. Use footnotes1 or give references
in brackets [Bryant, p.3, (2001).] with the full reference in the bibliography.
4. Diagrams and figures may be copied from source material and used in the assignment, as long
as they are properly referenced.
PLAGIARISM
This must be your own original work, not text copied from the internet or other sources. Reports
will be checked for plagiarism using software called “Turnitin” upon submission. If a significant
amount of text is found to be copied or inappropriately referenced, your mark will be reduced
accordingly. If copying is excessive, you will receive a mark of zero, and further action may be
taken. You can find out more about RMIT policy on plagiarism at:
http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/academic-integrity.
You will be marked on:
• The structure of the report
• The content, quality and structure of your discussion.
• Your ability to clearly explain your ideas.
• Your ability to use supplementary material (graphs, tables etc) which support your argument
(rather than just putting them I because they look nice).
1 G. Bryant, “Major Assignment Handout PHYS2119”, (2013).

Last Completed Projects

Are you looking for a similar paper or any other quality academic essay? Then look no further. Our research paper writing service is what you require. Our team of experienced writers is on standby to deliver to you an original paper as per your specified instructions with zero plagiarism guaranteed. This is the perfect way you can prepare your own unique academic paper and score the grades you deserve.

Use the order calculator below and get started! Contact our live support team for any assistance or inquiry.

[order_calculator]