Cycling for a sustainable future: Considerations around the development of a Masters level module on carbon capture, sequestration and utilisation

Tsalaporta, Eleni; Fitzpatrick, John J.; Byrne, Edmond P.

Cycling for a sustainable future: Considerations around the development of a Masters level module on carbon capture, sequestration and utilisation

Files

Tsalaporta_E_et_al_EESD2018_17_Cycling_.pdf(458.46 KB)

Accepted version

Date

2018-06

Authors

Tsalaporta, Eleni

Fitzpatrick, John J.

Byrne, Edmond P.

Publisher

EESD 2018

Abstract

This paper envisages a masters level module, as part of an integrated masters level degree in chemical engineering (but which can also be taken by other engineers, such as energy engineers), as a suitable module for bringing together broader (societal level) considerations around the implications of contemporary carbon cycle disruption with possible interventions. These would include interventions in particular at the technological level, through the preferential capture, storage and utilisation of carbon. In this way, the module can build on standard undergraduate chemical engineering modules in unit operations, mass transfer and environmental engineering to (while by drawing on research informed expertise of the lecturer) consider specific potential technological interventions in the CCS and utilisation space. It can also however both draw on and add to prior learnings from broader contexts and domains such as in the realms of industrial ecology, ecological economics, technological indeterminism, sustainability narratives and policy, in particular through the use of an overarching context of carbon cycles. It also affords the opportunity for graduate students to develop critical thinking in relation to an ever-evolving socio-technological, economic and policy landscapes, and to help the goal of facilitating the development of fit-for-purpose engineering graduates in the wake of the consequences of ruptured carbon cycles.

Keywords

Carbon cycle disruption , Engineering education , Holistic engineer , Carbon capture , Industrial ecology , Carbon , CO2 recycling , Green engineering

Citation

Tsalaporta, E., Fitzpatrick, J. and Byrne, E. (2018) 'Cycling for a sustainable future: Considerations around the Development of a Masters Level Module on Carbon Capture, Sequestration and Utilisation', EESD 2018 Proceedings: 9th International Conference on Engineering Education for Sustainable Development (EESD), Rowan University, New Jersey, USA, 3-6 June.