Registry
Module Specifications
Archived Version 2022 - 2023
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Description Life cycle assessment (LCA) is widely accepted as the gold standard of holistic environmental impact analysis tools. The LCA methodology was developed to assess the impact that industrial practices have on ecological and biological systems by measuring lithospheric (terrestrial toxicity), hydrospheric (freshwater and marine toxicity, eutrophication), and atmospheric (global warming, acidification, ozone depletion) emissions from a given product system. Within the scope and framework of LCA practice, is the identification of carbon-intensive unit processes, or ‘hotspots’ within a system, and the potential for decarbonisation innovation. This forms a natural synergy between the LCA methodology and decarbonisation initiatives. The objective of this module is firstly to educate students on the concept of “the lifecycle” as it pertains to a product, system, or service. The students will then develop the knowledge and skills required to carry out Carbon Footprinting as part of a full LCA study of a product system. The students will become familiar with, and learn to interpret the ISO 14040 series of LCA standards. Students will develop LCA models for a given product system using LCA software, present their results and make recommendations. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning Outcomes 1. Understand the concept of life cycle thinking and its application to engineering 2. Understand and apply the LCA framework as defined by the ISO 14040 series of LCA standards 3. Compile life cycle inventories for a range of engineering product systems 4. Conduct life cycle impact assessments with suitable impact assessment methodologies 5. Conduct carbon footprinting on a range of product systems and services 6. Identify and develop decarbonisation opportunities in industrial applications | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and
Learning Activities Data managementAssessment of required data and quality; conducting a literature search/review; sourcing primary and secondary data; data normalisation; evaluation of LCA datasetsSystem modellingUse of LCA software for development of product system modelsReportingLCA report compilation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List
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Other Resources None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Programme or List of Programmes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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