Sustainable Energy Systems
NRE 574 / PHYSICS 419 / PUBPOL 519 / RCNSCI 419
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Senior Standing and strong quantitative skills (e.g. a college physics or economics course)

This course examines the production and consumption of energy from a systems perspective. Sustainability is examined by studying global and regional environmental impacts, economics, energy efficiency, consumption patterns and energy policy. First, the current energy system that encompasses resource extraction, conversion processes (e.g. electricity generation) and end-uses (transportation, residential and commercial buildings, industrial sectors), is covered. Responses to current challenges such as declining fossil fuels, carbon sequestration, emerging technologies (e.g., renewable sources: biomass, wind and photvoltaics; fuel cells) and end-use efficiency and conservation. This is a cross-disciplinary course that draws students from across campus including (but not limited to) SNRE, Engineering, Business, LS&A, RC, Architecture and Public Policy.