640-261 Energy and Environment

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

No formal prerequisites are required but a knowledge of elementary physics will be assumed.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

This subject develops students' skills in applying physical reasoning to understanding important contemporary energy issues facing society and the options open to us. It first examines the fundamental issues of population growth and related resource depletion. By developing an understanding of the nature of energy and its conversion from one form into another, students gain an appreciation of the physical principles involved in understanding the advantages and disadvantages of a variety of energy options. These include fossil fuels, energy from nuclear fission and fusion, and renewable energy sources including hydroelectric, wind and solar energies. In addition the subject considers issues of environmental pollution. A research assignment allows students to focus on one area of particular interest.

Assessment

A 2-hour end-of-semester written examination (50%); up to 4000 words of written assignments (50%).

Prescribed Texts

• Kraushaar J J and Ristinen R, Energy Problems of a Technical Society. 2nd Ed., 1993 Wiley.