Our use of energy affects everything from human health to the global climate. The objective of this course is to provide students with a qualitative understanding of the physical concepts surrounding the production, the storage, the conversion, and the consumption of various forms of energy in our modern society. As in PHYS 1010: Physics for Future Leaders, there is an emphasis on the understanding of the physical concepts rather than the mathematics. Topics include energy consumption, the Hubbert model, thermodynamics, environmental effects of fossil-fuels, climate change and human activity, the greenhouse effect, production of electricity, nuclear power and nuclear waste, renewable and green energy sources, fuel cells, and transportation issues. Prerequisite: No prior physics or math required. Open to students in all degree programs. English as a second language students must have completed ESL level 3 or higher.
Our use of energy affects everything from human health to the global climate. The objective of this course is to provide students with a qualitative understanding of the physical concepts surrounding the production, the storage, the conversion, and the consumption of various forms of energy in our modern society. As in PHYS 1010: Physics for Future Leaders, there is an emphasis on the understanding of the physical concepts rather than the mathematics. Topics include energy consumption, the Hubbert model, thermodynamics, environmental effects of fossil-fuels, climate change and human activity, the greenhouse effect, production of electricity, nuclear power and nuclear waste, renewable and green energy sources, fuel cells, and transportation issues. Prerequisite: No prior physics or math required. Open to students in all degree programs. English as a second language students must have completed ESL level 3 or higher.
