Text:
Energy
and the Environment by R. A. Ristinen and J. J. Kraushaar 2nd Ed.(John
Wiley 2006)
Phys 105
Energy and the Environment Fall 2008
Text:
Energy
and the Environment by R. A. Ristinen and J. J. Kraushaar 2nd Ed.(John
Wiley 2006)
Professor: Dr. Mesgun Sebhatu. Office: Sims 203 Tel. (803) 323-4935. E-Mail: sebhatum@winthrop.edu
Office Hours: MWF 10-10:50 or by appointment
Brief Course Description
: PHYS 105 a one-semester course that covers the fundamentals of, energy, surveys energy resources, energy utilization (past, present and future) and points out the impact on the local and global environment. The aim is for students to be aware of the important role energy plays in a technological society and the associated environmental effects and resource limitation problems. The course is largely descriptive and is primarily intended for non science majors. However, a scientific calculator and knowledge of high school algebra will be necessary. Videos that address energy and environment related topics will be shown in class and students will be required fill out questionnaires as they watch the videos. The questionnaires are collected at the end od the video session and graded. Students in this course will also be required to use the Internet and access the energy and environment related web sites to supplement the material covered in the book and the lectures.Course Objective: The major objective of the course is to provide students with a basic understanding of the fundamentals of energy (its definition, types, forms and usage), usage ( past, present and future), the key role it plays in modern society, its relevance to everyday life, technology, and the environment. PHYS 105 should equip students with the necessary scientific background and terminology to appreciate, follow in the media, and enable them to discuss energy and environment related issues that affect society and prepare them to participate in energy policy decisions as knowledgeable citizens. Guidelines for the writing requirement in this course will follow.
The course is divided into four units. Each unit will have a test and homework. Detailed study guides and home work assignments will be provided for each unit. Students will also be shown videos and they will fill out questionnaires as they watch the videos.
(Ch. 0) Units and systems of measurement; scientific notation (powers of 10); Newton's Laws
(Ch. 1) Energy Fundamentals. Video I: The Science of Energy
(Ch.2) Fossil Fuels. Video II: Energy Choices-A changing Environment
(Ch. 3) Heat Engines
Test #1:Test on Unit I; Friday , Sept. 19
(Ch.4) Renewable Energy Sources I: Solar Energy.
Video III: Choices -- Some Brighter Ideas(Ch.5) Renewable Energy Sources II: Alternatives: Hydro power, Wind Power, OTEC, Biomass, Geothermal, etc.
d
Unit III
(Ch. 6) The Promise and Problems and Nuclear Energy;
Video IV: Fallout-Nuclear Energy and Destruction(Ch. 7) Energy Conservation
Study Guide and Home Work Assignments for Unit III
Test #3:Test on Unit III; Friday , Nove14 1
( Ch 8) Transportation: Mostly about automobiles
(Ch. 9) Air Pollution. Mostly About Acid Rain
(Ch. 10) Global Effects
: We will focus on Green House Effect ( Section 10.3) and Ozone Depletion (Section 10.2)Three short movies about 20 min. long will cover the three important environmental issues that concern our biosphere: Global warming, Ozone depletion and Acid Rain. If Time permits a move titled "The Endangered Planet" will be shown.
Test #4:Test on Unit IV; Friday . Dec.5
A Comprehensive Final Exam on Parts I, II, III, and IV on Friday Dec. 12, 8:00-10:30 AM
Computation of Final Grades
: The best three of the four test grades will be averaged and contribute 60% towards the final grade. Homework, Writing Assignments, Completion of Video Related Questionnaires etc. will constitute 10 % and the Final Exam will contribute 30%.Assignment of the letter grades depends on the numerical grade distribution. Usually, above 90% is an "A", 80-89 a "B", 70-79 a "C", 60-69 a "D", and below 60 is an "F".Make Up Tests: A student who misses a test will obtain a "0" for it. As soon as a student contemplates missing a test due to extenuating circumstances, the student should make his/her reasons clear to the instructor. The instructor may make arrangements for taking the test, preferably early. this is only done when the circumstance for missing the test is judged to be reasonable by the instructor. It will be highly risky to contemplate missing a test.
Class Attendance Policy: It is
very important that a student attends all classes. The book and selected websites are
used as a basis for the course. However, the lectures will include material from
outside sources as needed. Videos will be shown in class and there will be
worksheets that will be completed as you view the videos . Students who miss
classes will be at a serious disadvantage. The attendance policy followed in
this course is the same as that which appears in the recent Winthrop University
Catalog. Briefly, "If a student's absences in a course total 25% or more of the class
meetings for the course, the student will receive a grade of N, F, or U, which ever is
appropriate." Please read your catalog for details. Students
who leave early or come excessively late will be marked absent. If an emergency forces a
student to be late or to get up and leave, it is polite and proper to let the instructor
know. Students will be encouraged to ask questions and participate in class discussions.
However, carrying lengthy conversation, reading or writing materials external to the
course during the class period is intolerable and considered disruptive.
Websites Related to this course
Link to an Environmental Geology Course offered at U 0f Colorado
(The above figures and info from our text)
Link to an Environment and Energy Course offered at U of Oregon
(The nuclear energy topic is relevant to PHYS 105)