PHYS 115 - Environmental Physics

3 Credit(s)

Humans use an enormous amount of energy, at the rate of 18 terawatts. Where does this energy come from and how long will it last? What are the consequences to our energy requirements on the environment? This course looks at the role that energy plays in our society and environment. We will first explore the physics of energy in its various forms, learning how to calculate/estimate the energy content of a wide variety of systems. Then we will look at our sources of energy, addressing present and future limitations and crises.

Prerequisite(s): MATH 075.

General Education Course - Liberal Arts Core - Natural Science
Course Frequency: AN

Grading Method: Student option.

Learning Outcomes:

Recall basic principles of energy conservation and identify major environmental issues associated with energy consumption.
Analyze the impact of human activities on ecosystems and climate change, demonstrating an understanding of the underlying environmental science principles.
Evaluate energy consumption patterns in everyday life and propose practical strategies for reducing personal carbon footprints.
Critically assess the advantages and disadvantages of various energy sources in terms of environmental impact, cost, and scalability.
Formulate informed opinions on controversial energy and environmental issues, integrating scientific evidence, ethical considerations, and societal implications.