Course  Description

Survey of the Methods of Energy Production, and the Physical, Environmental, and Social Impact of Each Method

Prerequisites:  One-year of college level calculus, one-year of college level physics

Course Objectives

The overall objective of this course is to provide the student with an understanding of the costs and benefits of the various methods for meeting society's energy needs. In particular, students in the class should:

• understand the physical principles and constraints related to electricity generation, transmission, and consumption
• understand the broad categories of methods for producing electrical power,
• understand the costs and benefits of the various means of electrical production,
• understand the costs and benefits of renewable means of electrical energy production,
• understand the environmental impacts of fossil-fuel based electrical energy production, and
• understand the environmental regulations related to energy production

Text

Aubrecht, Gordon J. 2006. "Energy, Physical, Environmental, and Social Impact, Third Edition." Pearson/Addison Wesley Publishers, San Francisco, CA. ISBN 0-13-093222-1

Grading and Exams

There will be two tests during the semester and one comprehensive final examination. There will also be a group project that will require an oral presentation and a short (4-8 page) written project report. Homework problems will also be assigned and graded. The final numerical grade will be a weighted average of the tests, the final, and the homeworks, as follows:

Mid-term test:  30% 
Homeworks:      10%
Group Project:  30%
Final:          30%   

Group Project

Groups of three students each will complete a project that has the following components

1. a group oral presentation of approximately 30 minutes
2. a paper of 6-9 pages
3. four sample homework problems (with answers) covering the subject matter of the project
4. A two-page flyer in .pdf format suitable for emailing to the class

The subject of the project should be a controversial topic related to Energy and the Environment that is suitable for presenting opposing viewpoints. An example project might be "More Nuclear Power Plants for the U.S., Yes or No?" The oral presentation and paper should have three sections

1. An introduction to the subject (e.g. Nuclear Power)
2. An argument supporting one particular side of an argument (e.g. the US needs more nuclear power plants)
3. An argument for the dissenting point of view (the US should not build more nuclear power plants)

The four components of the project will be weighted as follows:

Oral Presentation: 30%
Two-page Flyer:    20% 
Homework Problems: 25% 
Paper:             25%

Student Conduct

All materials submitted for grades (e.g. test and final problems, homework assignments) must represent the student's original work. Students may discuss homework problems, including comparing answers. Copying another student's work, or copying a solutions manual is strictly forbidden. It is the responsibility of every student to know and observe the requirements of the UNCC Code of Student Academic Integrity. This code forbids cheating, fabrication or falsification of information, multiple submissions of academic work, plagiarism, abuse of academic materials, and complicity in academic dishonesty. Any student violating the code will be subject to the penalties described in this document. If in doubt, please ask before you engage in any activity about which you are unsure.

Students are responsible for meeting all class deadlines (e.g. completing homework assignments, taking tests and finals). Students must appear at the designated time to take in-class tests and finals to receive any credit, unless prior approval is granted for an alternate time. You will not be granted alternate test or final times afterwards.