Core Domains: Carbon Cycle, Climate Change, and Environmental Sustainability; Fundamentals of Energy
Prerequisite: MATH 1503. A comprehensive exploration of key topics related to climate, energy, and sustainability. Study of the carbon cycle and earth system processes at multiple temporal and geographical scales. Introduction to fundamental principles of energy systems, covering diverse energy forms and their conversions. Students will develop the knowledge and skills to analyze, design, and implement sustainable energy solutions. (F)
Core Domains: Historical, Societal, and Economic Impacts of Energy; Systems Modeling, Analysis, and Tradeoffs
Prerequisite: ENGL 1213 or EXPO 1213. Explores how energy systems can be viewed from a social perspective. Combines several academic approaches on society to present a comprehensive overview of the components of and historical changes in energy systems. Reviews ethical theories to help identify issues of moral concern in existing energy systems, and ways energy transitions can address them. (Sp) [III-SS]
3 credit hours, online course
This interdisciplinary course teaches students to evaluate energy systems by integrating environmental, economic, and social sustainability perspectives through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA), and Cost-Benefit Analysis methodologies. Students from diverse academic backgrounds collaborate to assess energy projects holistically, balancing technical performance with economic viability and societal impacts while developing skills to communicate findings effectively to policymakers, businesses, and the public.
1 credit hour, repeated 3 times
This seminar course exposes students to a wide range of sustainable energy topics and current issues through presentations by experts from academia, industry, and national laboratories. Students develop interdisciplinary communication skills by preparing and presenting their own research interests to audiences outside their area of expertise, fostering effective collaboration between STEM and non-STEM students.
