Energy Resources


CEE 173A/207A and ESys 103    Fall Quarter  MWF 1:15-3:05

Welcome to Energy Resources

This course presents an overview of oil, natural gas, coal, nuclear, hydro, solar, geothermal, biomass, wind, and ocean energy resources in terms of supply, distribution, recovery and conversion, environmental impacts, economics, policy, and technology. The opportunities for energy efficiency, electric power basics, the changing role of electric utilities, transportation basics, and energy use in developing countries are also studied.

Our Goals for Your Experience in CEE 173A/207A & ESys 103

 

  • That you develop a greater awareness of what allows you to turn on a light or fill up your car with gas.
  • That you come away from the class better informed voters and consumers (appliances, cars, light bulbs, windows, etc.)
  • That the field trips are a valuable experience where you can see energy resources being developed and used.
  • That you leave the class with a good basic understanding of the answers to the following questions:

    Where are our energy resources located and how big a supply of them do we have?

    What are the patterns of energy use?

    How are energy resources recovered/developed and converted into useful forms of energy?

    What impact do these resources have on the environment?

    Why have regulations and economics favored the use of certain resources over others?

  • That you remember the class as fun but demanding and a great learning experience!
  • That you let us know how to improve the class in the future.

One of the most important purposes of this class is to get students interested in the earth and energy sciences. Throughout the course of the class, We will be happy to answer questions you have about different majors in these areas, different careers in the energy and earth sciences, summer opportunities, other classes and other faculty you might wish to speak with.

Jane Woodward and Karl Knapp