PHYS 3080 - Sustainable Energy 4 s.h.

Capstone course that applies the principles of chemistry, physics, and earth sciences to the understanding of contemporary alternative energy sources. The course will examine the scientific principles underlying these alternative energy sources, the current usage of these resources as well as the economic and social trade-offs of their usage. This course is intended for upper-level science, engineering and mathematics majors with the appropriate course work.As global energy demand continues to increase and the negative impacts of energy production on the climate grow, developing sustainable sources of clean energy will be a global imperative. This class will examine energy sources likely to have a prominent role in the evolution of a more sustainable energy portfolio including hydro, wind, solar, geothermal and nuclear. For each source, we will consider the resources available, the technological methods by which energy is extracted, converted, stored and distributed and the aggregate impact of energy production. Students will learn a quantitative framework to aid in evaluation and analysis of energy system proposals in the context of physical principles and societal goals. Students should also achieve an awareness of the potential growth and opportunities related to sustainable energy objectives. The course includes a laboratory and will have a hands-on capstone project in which students gain experience creating a small-scale sustainable energy project. A-E only. Offered Spring only.
LA
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 1040 or PHYS 2040 .