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An exploration of the conversion and use of energy, with particular emphasis on the nature of energy and energy systems, the use of energy in contemporary society and the development of energy conversion technologies and energy sources. The course will explain the origin and dimensions of the global energy problem and identify how energy issues and policies affect environmental quality, economic growth and global politics. A substantial portion of the course examines conservation, energy efficiency and renewable energy sources, with a focus on how these may be incorporated to create a sustainable society. This course satisfies certain requirements for Environmental Studies and Environmental Science majors, the SCP requirement in TAS, and the 200-level general education requirement in Nature, Systems and Math. Students entering the course should have sophomore status and have completed a college level math course such as College Algebra, Math with Applications, or Precalculus. Students must have a good working knowledge of algebra for this course. a. The student will understand the nature of energy, its uses, and its effect on both the individual and society. b. The student will understand the historical patterns of energy use and the factors that shaped them. c. The student will have a basic knowledge of natural systems and their laws, the Earth as an interacting system, and the effect of energy use on the environment. d. The student will be able to apply, quantitatively and qualitatively, the laws of physics to energy conversion technology and energy sources. e. The student will know the social, economic and political implications of energy production and consumption from a local, regional, national and global perspective. Required Texts: Hinrichs, R.A., Kleinbach, M., Energy, Its Use and the Environment, (third edition), Philadelphia: Harcourt College Publishers, 2002. (paperback) Makofske, W. Energy and Society -Supplementary Modules-available through Ramapo bookstore
Course Grading and Student Responsibility: The student is responsible for all assignments, for attending class, and for all material covered in class. The solutions to all assigned problems will be gone over in class and/or put on Library Reserve. It is very important that you come to class prepared by completing the assignment for that day. Student evaluation will be based on the following criteria: 1. Exams (Midterm =20, Final=20, Quizzes=20 ) -- 60% 2. Research Paper/Project -- 25% 3. Writing Assignment/Outline -- 10% 4. Attendence & Participation -- 5% The writing assignment/outline and the research paper/project must be turned in on time (see Bulletin Board sheets for due date). The work will be reduced in value by one letter grade for each three days it is late. It is very important to hand your work in on time. You will be assigned problems from the text and also given several HW sheets with extra problems. You should also work through the examples and problems in the modules. Developing solutions to these problems is important for understanding the material and preparing for quizzes and exams. There is a general rule of thumb that you should spend twice as much time outside the classroom for studying as class time. For this class, this would suggest 5 hours per week as the minimum time spent on studying. Schedule 5 hours that you can spend on this class every week. If you are registered with the Office of Specialized Services, please see me at the beginning of the semester to discuss any accomodations that may be necessary.
Attendence is mandatory and will be taken on a regular basis. For zero or 1 absence -- +5 points; for 2 absences -- +4 points; for 3 absences -- +2 points; for 4 absences -- 0 points. For 5 absences, you must make an appointment with the instructor to explain your lack of attendence. More than 6 absences (20% of class time) may lead to an automatic F for the course. Excused absences for serious reasons will be considered but must be documented appropriately in writing. For classes that meet once a week, the point loss for each absence is doubled and more than 3 absences (20% of class time) is reason for failure. If you miss an exam or quiz due to an emergency, contact me immediately. The general policy is that there will be no makeup exams or quizzes. However, if you have a documented excuse, an oral makeup or other exam may be considered at the discretion of the instructor.
Office: G434 Telephone: Voice mail 201-684-7752 or Ext. 7752 Office hours: TF 1-2 PM, W 5:30-6:30 PM or other days by appointment only.
Part I: Energy Use in Societies and the Nature of Energy Flow 1. Introduction A. Course objectives, course requirements and expectations, methods and criteria for evaluation. 2. Energy, Societal Development, and the Fossil Fuel Era A. Energy Use in Historical Context1. Hunter-gatherer society 3. Nature of Energy and Energy Systems A. Energy Laws1. Energy terminology
Part II. Renewable Energy Sources and Technologies 4. Conservation A. Conservation Defined 5. Solar Energy A. Direct Solar - Active and Passive Solar Heating, Solar Thermal Electricity, and Photovoltaics1. Solar energy flows 6. New Technologies and the Decentralized Grid System A. Micropower Options1. Fuel cells Part III: Non-Renewable Energy Sources and Technologies 7. The Fossil Fuels A. Coal, Petroleum, Natural Gas, Synfuels, Oil Shale, Tar Sands1. Formation and Distribution 8. Nuclear Power A. Fission Power1. Nature of radiation and radioactivity Part IV: Conclusions and Summary 8. Interrelationships of Energy, Economics and Environment - Energy Policy A. Energy Paths and Sustainability
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