Energy and Environmental Physics

3 units

This intermediate-level course applies basic physics principles to this increasingly important area. It is designed for all science and engineering majors with an interest in energy and environmental issues. Topics to be covered include population trends, fossil fuel use, renewable energy sources, energy storage strategies and climate change. Particular emphasis will be given to the use of the fundamental laws of physics, such as energy conservation, as well as more general concepts such as local and global stability, chaotic behavior, probability and risk. The aim of the course is the development of analytical skills and familiarity with important concepts, in order to enable an independent and informed view of environmental problems and possible solutions.