Course Description
This course examines the production and consumption of energy from a systems perspective. Students will examine sustainability by studying global and regional environmental impacts, economics, energy efficiency, consumption patterns and energy policy. The course begins by introducing the physics of energy and energy accounting methods, followed by the current energy system that encompasses resource extraction, conversion processes and end-uses. Responses to current challenges such as declining fossil fuels and climate change are then explored, including unconventional fossil fuels, carbon sequestration, emerging technologies (e.g., renewable sources: biomass, wind, and photovoltaics; fuel cells) and end-use efficiency/conservation.
Number of Credits: 3
Download a sample syllabus here
Prerequisite
Graduate standing or permission of instructor
System Requirements
Michigan Engineering IT Recommendation for Personal Computer Requirements.
Course Availability
For more information about when this course will be offered, see our projected course schedule.