Energy production and consumption contribute to human-driven climate change, and the policies that influence a nation-state's use of energy are increasingly important to our future. In this course, students will learn about the physics and engineering of energy on a global scale, with an emphasis on market shifts toward low-carbon, renewable sources, and they will be invited to explore this complex issue through lenses of environmental sustainability, politics, and economics. Students will work in teams to craft potentially viable energy plans for the future, weighing cost, environmental and human risk, and larger geopolitical impacts.

Course Requirements:

The course grade is based on homework, two midterm exams, and a final written report and presentation. Student progress is tracked by weekly homework assignments based on the reading and lectures. Students prepare written energy plans distributed to the class prior to presentation. Presentations are graded for meeting pre-established criteria and students may receive extra credit by providing written critique of each other's plans.

Intended Audience:

While PHYSICS 210 requires no formal prerequisite courses in physics or math, knowledge of physics at the high school level and some appreciation for statistics is recommended. The course should be of interest to students in the Program in Philosophy, Politics and Economics, the School of Public Policy, the Program in the Environment, Earth and Environmental Sciences and the College of Engineering.