Course Description: (3 credits) An examination of energy technologies that will enable society to move from an economy based on fossil fuels to one based on sustainable energy.



Required Textbook: None. Articles will be provided.



Objective: The objective of this course is for students to better appreciate the political, social, technical, and economic issues that society is facing with regard to our energy future. This course will provide an introduction to the technical challenges of sustainable energy, and everyone in society will be engaged through their political, economic and life-style decisions.



Topics: After reviewing the history of energy consumption and effects of fossil-fuel usage, we will examine the options for moving from an economy based on fossil fuels to one based on sustainable energy. This will be accomplished by critically analyzing a number of topics that have appeared in the scientific literature, popular press, and government reports.



European energy issues will be highlighted. Examples include:

    Transportation Energy Issues

    Sustainable Energy Generation

    Questions about the Hydrogen Economy

    Defusing the Global Warming Time Bomb

    A Solar Grand Plan

    Is Ethanol for the Long Haul?

    The Rise of Renewable Energy



Basic scientific principles underlining these and others topics will be reviewed in class.



Grading: Grading for this class will consist of:

    Journal = 20 %

    Writing Assignments = 50 %

    Attendance and Participation = 30 %.



Paper Policy: Due dates will be communicated verbally or in writing. Late papers will not be accepted and will receive a grade of zero.



Attendance Policy: Absences must be approved by Professor Gatzke in advance to be considered an excused absence. Absences due to emergencies will be considered on an individual basis.