GSC 1116 - Energy and the Environment

Credits: 4
Consumption of energy resources maintains and advances civilizations. Working from basic physical concepts and models of depletion and growth, we’ll learn how the human race exploits available renewable and non-renewable resources. We will also compare the relative advantages and disadvantages of various means of energy extraction, generation, and distribution associated with such energy sources as fossil fuels, solar, biomass, and nuclear. Finally, understanding energy also means considering environmental impacts. To this end, we’ll explore how energy extraction and consumption impact our Earth’s biosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.
Prerequisites MAT-1001 and MAT-1002 or MAT-1100
Cross-listed with Environmental and Policy Science 1116.
McDaniel Plan: Scientific Inquiry