Our Energy Future
S07
John Bullock
Of all the scientific and technical problems confronting the world today, perhaps none is more pressing than the need to develop alternative energy sources. Our current dependence on fossil fuels, and oil in particular, has led to a myriad of political, environmental, economic, and social issues that will only be exacerbated as the developing world increases its demand for energy. This course will examine the problems of fossil fuels and the relative merits of alternative energy sources from a physical science perspective. Beginning with discussions focused on the nature of energy and the Laws of Thermodynamics, we will examine how fuels work, including the chemistry of combustion reactions. As part of these discussions we will also examine the molecular basis of global warming. Using these concepts as a starting point, we will then take a rigorous look at the viability of alternative energy sources such as hydrogen, biofuels, nuclear, as well as other renewable sources such as wind and solar. Student projects will focus on the technical aspects of energy alternatives and place that work in a larger social and economic context.