Text: Energy and the Environment by R. A. Ristinen and J. J. Krashaar (John Wiley 1999)

Professor: Dr. Mesgun Sebhatu. Available immediately after class and at other times by appointment.

Office: Sims 203; Tel. 2113x4935. E-Mail: sebhatum@winthrop.rdu

Brief Course  Description: PHYS 107X a one-semester course that covers the fundamentals of, energy, surveys energy resources, energy utilization(past, present and future) and points out the impact on the local and global environment. The aim is for students to be aware of the important role energy plays in a technological society and the associated environmental effects and resource limitation problems. The course is largely descriptive and is primarily intended for non science majors. However, a calculator will be a necessity and knowledge of high school algebra will be helpful. Students in this course will also be required to use the Internet and access the energy and environment related web sites to supplement the material covered in the book and the lectures.

Course Objective: The major objective of the course is to provide students with a basic understanding of the fundamentals of energy (its definition, types, forms and usage), usage ( past, present and future), the key role it plays in modern society, its relevance to everyday life, technology, and the environment. PHYS 107X should equip students with the necessary scientific background and terminology to appreciate, follow in the media, and enable them to discuss energy and environment related issues that affect society and prepare them to participate in energy policy decisions as knowledgeable citizens

Tentative Course Outline and Test Schedule

Unit I (June 3 - 10)

(Ch. 1) Energy Fundamentals. Video I: The Science of Energy 

(Ch.2) Fossil Fuels. Video II: Energy Choices-A changing Environment 

(Ch. 3) Heat Engines

Unit II(June 10 - 17)

(Ch.5) Renewable Energy Sources II: Alternatives: Hydro power, Wind Power, OTEC, Biomass, Geothermal, etc.

Study Guide and Home Work Assignments for Unit II
Test #2  on Unit II: Monday, June 17

(Ch. 7) Energy Conservation

Unit IV(June 25 - July 2)

(Ch. 9) Air Pollution. Video V: Endangered Planet-the Environmental Cost of Growth

(Ch. 10) Global Effects

Computation of Final Grades:The four test results will be averaged and contribute 22.5% each towards the final grade. Homework from the book and the Inernet will constitute 10%..  Assignment of the letter grades depends on the numerical grade distribution. Usually, above 90% is an "A", 80-89 a "B", 70-79 a "C", 60-69 a "D", and below 60 is an "F".

Make Up Tests:A student who misses a test will obtain a "0" for it. As soon as a student contemplates missing a test, it is preferred that the student make his externuating circumstances  clear to the instructor so arrangements for taking a test, preferably early, can be made.

Class Attendance Policy: It is very important that a student attends all classes. The book is used as a basis for the course. However, the lectures will include material from outside sources as needed. Videos will be shown in class and there will be worksheets that will be completed after viewing the videos . Student's who miss classes will be at a serious disadvantage The attendance policy followed in this course is the same as that which appears in the recent Winthrop University Catalog. Briefly, "If a student's absences in a course total 25% or more of the class meetings for the course, the student will receive a grade of N, F, or U, which ever is appropriate." Please read your catalog for details. Students who leave early or come excessively late will be marked absent. If an emergency forces a student to be late or to get up and leave, it is polite and proper to let the instructor know. Students will be encouraged to ask questions and participate in class discussions. However, carrying lengthy conversation, reading or writing materials external to the course during the class period is intolerable and considered disruptive.
 

Energy and Environmrmt Related Links

South Carolina Energy Office