- Energy Systems

Institution:

The Evergreen State College

Subject:

Description:

Faculty: E. J. Zita (physics, astronomy) Major areas of study include energy, physics, environmental studies, mathematics. Upper-division science credit will be awarded for upper-division work. Class Standing: Sophomores or above; transfer students welcome. Prerequisites: One year of college science, strong writing and pre-calculus skills. How is energy created and harvested, stored and transformed, used and abused Energy Systems is a mathematical and applied study of the ways energy is produced and changed by nature and humans. We will study issues of energy generation and use in society and in the natural world, using intermediate physics and mathematics. One goal is to gain a deeper understanding of issues involved in achieving a sustainable energy society. Another goal is to study interactions between the Earth and Sun, from an energy perspective. We will examine energy science and technology, and related topics such as energy policy and environmental concerns, climate change and global warming. We typically study alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, and bio-fuels as well as conventional sources of energy such as hydro, nuclear, gas, and coal. This is a good program for students interested in environmental science and energy physics. We start with skill building and background study, and finish with research projects related to energy. Classes meet full-time in fall and winter. Students may continue their research projects in spring as an independent learning contract, if they choose. While calculus is not a prerequisite for Energy Systems, students who know calculus may use it in their coursework or research projects. Students who have not yet learned calculus can do so through a separate coordinated module. A primary goal of this program is to illustrate the power and beauty of physics and mathematics in the context of energy systems. In the seminar component of Energy Systems, we will explore social, political, and/or economic aspects of energy production and use. Topics may include global warming, environmental concerns, the effects of the Sun on Earth's climate, energy needs of developing countries, the possibilities and requirements for a "hydrogen economy," or similar topics. Student research projects are a major part of Energy Systems. Students will choose a research question that particularly interests them, and, usually in small teams, design and carry out their research investigations. Research projects involve quantitative analysis as well as hands-on investigations. For example, research could include field work, energy analysis of an existing system (natural or constructed), or design of a new small-scale energy system, possibly with community applications. Past projects have included solar systems for homes, energy generation from waste products, water purification for boats or farm composters, analysis of efficiency of campus buildings, and generation of auroral infrasound from solar magnetic storms. Students should be willing to work in teams and to use computer-based learning tools, including the Internet. We may have some online seminars using chat-room software. The Energy Systems program will coordinate with students in environmental studies programs who want to learn more about energy. Look for program details and updates on the Academic Program Web page, linked to the professor's homepage. Total: 16 credits each quarter. Enrollment: 25 Special Expenses: $15 equipment fee. Program is preparatory for careers and future studies in energy and the environment, natural science, physics, engineering and education. This program is also listed under Environmental Studies. A similar program is expected to be offered in 2009-10.

Credits:

16.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.evergreen.edu

Phone Number:

(360) 867-6170

Regional Accreditation:

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Calendar System:

Quarter

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