This module gives students the tools to analyse energy and material flows, and teaches them how to conduct both qualitative and quantitative research. Students that are interested in the energy transition can take this module.

NOTE: following this module does not guarantee direct access to the master Energy Science. 

In 2025-2026 this module consists of the following courses:
Period 4: Research Skills GSS - 7,5 EC (ENG)
Period 4: Introduction to Energy and Material Analysis 7,5 EC (ENG)

After the Research Skills GSS course, you will be able to:

• Describe and reflect on the multidisciplinary character of Global Sustainability Science.
• Interpret and assess the opportunities and limitations of doing multidisciplinary research in Sustainability Science.
• Classify and carry out analysis using a variety of the most important basic quantitative and qualitative research methods for conducting empirical research in Sustainability Science.
• Explain and make judgements about appropriate research techniques and strategies in a given situation.
• Interpret the findings of empirical research, as well as make predictions and draw conclusions about the meaning and limitations of research findings.

Leerdoelen van de cursus Energie en Materiaalanalyse:  

• Het begrijpen van basismethoden om energie- en materiaalstromen te analyseren.
• Het in kaart brengen van de energiehuishouding op micro- en mesoniveau en het effect van een aantal kenmerkende energie-innovaties hierop.
• Het kunnen definiëren van een voetafdruk (bijv. energetisch, CO2, maatschappelijk) van een aantal kenmerkende energie- en transportinnovaties.
• Economische haalbaarheidsanalyse van innovaties gebaseerd op energiewinsten.
• Het gebruik van relevante tools Excel/R voor basis energie- en materiaalanalyse.

Learning goals Introduction to Energy and Material Analysis:

• Understanding the concept of sustainability and the need for energy analysis.
• Applying energy management methods to assess the impact of various characteristics for new energy technologies.
• To build arguments for the most optimum scenarios, based on the calculation of carbon footprint for several sectors.
• Understand how to analyze the economic feasibility of energy innovations based on energy gains.
• Using Excel and/or Python coding for basic energy and material analysis.
• Applying all the above-mentioned learning objectives in a concrete project as part of their assessment.

• Having passed at least 120 EC from your Bachelor programme including the propaedeutic year
• Having a background in either life, natural and/or social sciences with a strong affinity in the field of mathematics and in natural sciences (systems analysis, chemistry, physics, biology, energy science)

For Research Skills GSS:

Bryman, A. (2015). Social research methods. Oxford university press (5th edition).
ISBN: 9780199689453

Voor Energie en Materiaalanalyse: Nog nader te bepalen

For Introduction to Energy and Material Analysis: To be determined

Information about the timetable can be found in MyTimetable. The timetable is definitively known approximately 4 weeks prior to a new teaching period.

Academic year 2025-2026:
Period 4 (20 April 2026 – 26 June 2026)

Information about the assessment can be found under 'tests' in the OSIRIS course catalogue for each course. Per course, you can see which assessment methods will be used and how each component has been weighted.

It is important to know that when you register for a course, you are automatically registered for the first test options of that course.

There is a maximum of 5 places for this module. If there are more interested students, students will be placed in the order of application in OSIRIS.

Academic year 2025-2026:
You can hand in the learning agreement until 15 February 2026