One of the greatest challenges facing our planet is how to supply electricity to a rapidly growing population with an appetite for electric power. Limited resources and irreversible changes to our climate threaten catastrophic consequences unless intelligent decisions are made, but the scale of the problem makes it difficult to gain proper perspective.
For an energy technology to be viable, it must be economical and satisfy the policies that have been established to address social and environmental concerns. Only those technologies that lie in the nexus of the three disciplines - technology, policy and economics - can be deemed viable. Depending on location, each of these will vary and the optimum energy technology for a given location will vary accordingly.
Engineering Short Course: Energy & the Environment
Summer 2013
Cost: $600
3 units
Course Summary
This short course sets out to instruct the student on how to understand decision making regarding energy and the environment, and will provide a unique educational experience. The challenges will be explored via lectures and experiential learning.