New course on Sustainable Energy and Society offered Spring 2013

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Learn more about how energy is created and used in today’s society in ECE 2194.01 “Sustainable Energy and Society.” The course will cover wind, solar, coal, nuclear, geothermal, energy from the ocean, and discuss their impacts on the climate and on us. Intended for non-engineers (although engineering students are welcome), the only prerequisite is college algebra (Math 1148 (104) or higher). The course is taught by Betty Lise Anderson, professor of electrical and computer engineering. The text is free and online.

New Course: ECE 2194.01 – Sustainable Energy and Society

Available as distance learning and in-person course

Class number: #22481 (in-person) or #14168 (online)

Spring Semester MW 9:10-10:05 am     2 credits


Intended for non-engineers, but engineering students are welcome

Description: This course explores how energy is created and used in today’s society. We’ll discuss wind, solar, coal, nuclear, geothermal, energy from the ocean, and discuss their impacts on the climate and on us.

Prerequisites: MATH 104 or higher (college algebra)

Text: Free! Online! Sustainable Energy – Without the Hot Air, David J. C. McCay

Topics:

  • Introduction and motivation
  • What is sustainability? What is engineering?
  • Energy for cars and planes; Energy from wind and solar
  • Energy for heating and cooling; Energy from hydro and offshore wind
  • Energy for food; Energy from wave, tide, and geothermal
  • Engineering better solutions: wind, waves, tides
  • Engineering better heating
  • Engineering more efficient stuff
  • What about coal, oil, and natural gas?
  • Sustainable finite resources
  • Importing renewable energy, long distance energy transport
  • Power fluctuations and energy storage
  • What is the Smart Grid?

Flyer: A PDF flyer is available

Category: Students