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EGEE 101 - Energy and the Environment

This is a sample syllabus.

This sample syllabus is a representative example of the information and materials included in this course. Information about course assignments, materials, and dates listed here is subject to change at any time. Definitive course details and materials will be available in the official course syllabus, in Canvas, when the course begins.

Overview

This course will introduce students to the various types of energy, their impact on the environment, and the economic factors that influence an energy portfolio. It is designed to be fun and informative. It will provide a basic understanding and appreciation of energy and environmental concepts.

Energy is the lifeblood of any society. The information and principles learned in this course will allow the students to make sound judgments in the area of "personal energy choices." There is increasing concern about the influence of human activities, particularly energy use, on global climate change. This has an impact on global business aspects. Students in all walks of life need to be exposed to the basic concepts to appreciate the positions of policymakers, scientists, and industry over the interrelationship between greenhouse gas emissions and global climate change. The students will acquire knowledge, which will enable them to critically evaluate any energy-related concerns of society. This is important for any college graduate for responsible citizenship and stewardship.

Objectives

When you complete this course, you will understand and appreciate energy and environmental concepts and interconnectedness and will be prepared to:

  • Analyze energy consumption patterns.
  • Discuss various energy resources that power modern society.
  • Examine the energy conversion processes.
  • Explore interrelationships between energy use and industrial progress and environmental consequences.
  • Discuss future energy alternatives.

Required Materials

Typically, there are no required materials for this course. If this changes, students will find a definitive list in the course syllabus, in Canvas, when the course begins.

Prerequisites

None

Expectations

We have worked hard to make this the most effective and convenient educational experience possible. How much and how well you learn is dependent on your attitude, diligence, and willingness to ask for clarifications or help when you need them. We are here to help you succeed. Please keep up with the class schedule and take advantage of opportunities to communicate with us and with your fellow students. You can expect to spend an average of 8 - 10 hours per week on classwork.

Major Assignments

  • 3 Midterm Exams (30% of total course grade)
  • 1 Final Exam (20% of total course grade)
  • 12 Pre-class Activities (10% of total course grade)
  • 6 Homework Assignments (30% of total course grade)
  • Participation Points (10% of total course grade)

Course Schedule

Course Schedule
WeekTopicAssignment
0Syllabus and Course Orientation

Non-Graded Activities

  • Personalize your Canvas space.
  • Set up Canvas notifications.
  • Learn what is expected of you.

Required Assignments

  • Discussion: Introduce yourself to your classmates.
  • Pre-class 1: Introduction to Energy and the Environment
  • Homework 1: Orientation
1
  • Introduction to Energy
  • Overview of Energy Sources
  • Home and Global Energy Use
  • Pre-class 2: Energy, Power, and Efficiency
  • Participation Question(s)
  • Begin Homework 2: Energy, Power, and Efficiency
2
  • Energy Forms and Conversions
  • Power
  • Efficiency
  • Pre-class 3: Coal
  • Participation Question(s)
  • Complete Homework 2: Energy, Power, and Electricity
3
  • Introduction to Coal
  • Global Coal Use
  • Impacts of Coal
  • Pre-class 4: Petroleum
  • Practice Questions
  • Homework 2
4
  • Introduction to Petroleum
  • Global Petroleum Use
  • Petroleum Recovery Methods and Impacts
  • Pre-class 5: Natural Gas
  • Participation Question(s)
  • Begin Homework 3: Fossil Fuel Use
  • Midterm 1
5
  • Introduction to Natural Gas
  • Natural Gas Use
  • Pre-class 6: Climate Change
  • Participation Question(s)
  • Homework 3 
6
  • Climate Change Basics
  • Impacts of Climate Change
  • Pre-class 7: Nuclear Energy
  • Participation Question(s)
7
  • Science of Nuclear Energy
  • Nuclear Power Plants
  • Impacts of Nuclear Energy
  • Pre-class 8: Wind Energy
  • Participation Question(s)
  • Begin Homework 4: Nuclear and Wind Energy
8
  • Science of Wind Energy
  • Challenges of Wind Energy
  • Pre-class 9: Solar Energy
  • Participation Question(s)
  • Complete Homework 4: Nuclear and Wind Energy
  • Midterm 2
9
  • Introduction to Solar Energy
  • Types of Solar Energy Technologies
  • Pre-class 10: Hydropower
  • Participation Question(s)
  • Begin Homework 5: Solar Energy and Hydropower
10
  • Introduction to Hydropower
  • Global Hydropower
  • Tidal Power
  • Pre-class 11: Biomass and Geothermal
  • Participation Question(s)
  • Complete Homework 5: Solar Energy and Hydropower
11
  • Biomass
  • Geothermal
  • Pre-class 12: Other Climate Solutions
  • Participation Question(s)
  • Begin Homework 6: Biomass and Geothermal
12
  • Carbon Capture and Sequestration
  • The New Hydrogen Economy
  • Electric Vehicles and the Smart Grid
  • Complete Homework 6: Biomass and Geothermal
  • Participation Question(s)
  • Homework 10
  • Midterm 3
Final Exam