PHYS 161 -- Phys of Energy & Envir

Black Island hybrid power system, Courtesy of DOE/NREL [link]

Expanded course description

This is a practical course for non-science majors to introduce the concepts necessary to understand and work with energy (what it is), energy generation (transformation) and energy use. The course focuses on the relationship of energy to our everyday lives (other than eating), the environmental consequences of global energy consumption, and what this means for the future of our lifestyles. There is no question that major changes in our energy consumption habits will be forced upon us in our lifetimes. This course explores why this will happen and what some of the alternatives might be.

Fundamental issues of physics will be discussed with a minimum of mathematics (high school algebra at most).

Time will be spent introducing and developing a reasonably thorough understanding of energy: mechanics (the physics of motion), electricity and magnetism (the most versatile form of energy, and thermodynamics (the movement of heat). The course will also study the mechanical power based on engines (heat, combustion, electrical or solar energy).

The source of and use of fossil fuels and the generation of electricity and nuclear energy will be studied. Finally, there will be a discussion of the environmental consequences (air pollution, global warming) of our energy use.

Group: SCI

Offered 200701.

Syllabus

Although syllabi can change from term to term, a syllabus may provide further information about typical instances of this course.