EGEE 401 - Energy in a Changing World
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
Energy is in transition, with increased international energy demand and increasing environmental pressures. Transitions, approaches, and outcomes necessary to reconcile ensuring energy accessibility, reliability, security, and sustainability are addressed.
The role of energy is increasingly important in light of imminent climate change, critical ecological constraints, transitioning energy policies, supply disruption and competition for energy. This course evaluates the existing energy infrastructure and energy/fuel use, both domestic and international, along with evolving technologies and implementation challenges to manage and meet growing energy demands. This course seeks to provide a holistic view and to serve all students interested in an energy or energy-related career. Students will understand the interrelationships between legislative, technology, environmental, and international factors associated with energy production, processing, distribution, and utilization.
Objectives
Increasingly, energy is an issue influencing national security, quality of life, national economics, and global as well as local environmental challenges. Energy is intrinsically linked to the environment and the international challenges of producing and utilizing energy at a reasonable cost with the appropriate human and environmental concerns. We refer to the attributes of energy in our world in terms of accessibility, reliability, security, and sustainability. It is desirable to produce engineers, scientists, and energy business personnel who understand the energy system at a holistic level and can navigate these attributes in terms of competing priorities while applying systems thinking to reach desired outcomes. This course provides this holistic experience and introduces the students to the many aspects of the energy business.
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
EGEE 101 or EGEE 102 or CHEM 112.
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 class work.
Major Assignments
Infographics (27% of total course grade)
Some lessons are accompanied by an infographic based on the weekly assigned readings and utilizing models and data from a range of sources. The idea is to promote learning (and retention!) by offering you an opportunity to confirm what you have learned from the readings and to help you draw connections between various topics or concepts related to this course.
Essays (33% of total course grade)
Some lessons include a topic where you will be asked to write an essay (most essays are 325 words +/- 10%). These essays should take the material reflected in the specific unit and provide you an opportunity to display your understanding of the issue, in your own words.
Discussions (18% of total course grade)
The discussions will be conducted online and will cover the lesson topics.
Midterm Review (10% of total course grade)
The midterm review will consist of a currents event essay assignment connecting content covered to date with a current event.
Final Exam (10% of total course grade)
The final exam will be comprehensive of all topics covered in this course.
Course Schedule
| Week | Topic | Assignment |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Energy Provision |
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| 2 | Understanding Energy Outlooks |
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| 3 | Using Energy Outlooks |
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| 4 | Energy Transition- Fossil Fuels to Renewables |
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| 5 | Energy Transition- Using Less Energy Smarter |
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| 6 | Transportation |
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| 7 | Energy in the Industrial Sector |
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| 8 | Midterm Review |
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| 9 | Energy Approaches- Global |
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| 10 | Energy Approaches- USA |
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| 11 | Energy Approaches- USA Cont. |
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| 12 | Energy and Climate Change |
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| 12 | Energy Food Water Nexus |
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| 13 | Climate and Water |
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| Final Exam | ||