Course Catalog Description:

The current means of providing energy for our society are not sustainable. The need for   secure, alternative, and clean sources of power is increasingly apparent. This course provides an  overview of the energy problem & covers the ways we currently obtain & use power as well as   the scientific and technological issues involved. Distribution Area: Natural Sciences (NS). 3 Lec. Hrs, 3 Credits

Note: The interpretation & implementation of the above description, as well as the           emphasis given to the various topics, are updated every semester the course is offered. Also, more info on distribution courses is available from Academic Support Services & Undergraduate Studies.)

Course Goals:

•   To gain an appreciation of the current situation regarding global energy resources.

•   To understand how global demands for power are currently being met.

•   To understand the limits sustainability has on our current means of power production and to learn about alternative sources of power.

•    To have a formative knowledge upon which to evaluate options for meeting our energy needs in the future.

Textbook & Required Reading Material:

Richard A. Muller’s book, “Energy for Future Presidents – The Science behind the          Headlines”, W. W. Norton & Co., NY 2012, is the only required text you need to buy. This book organizes, summarizes & evaluates most of the major energy-related concepts & issues we will  discuss in the course. It is available online at umassbostonshop.com by selecting & clicking        sequentially on “BOOKS”, “FALL 2022”, “PHYSIC”, “134” & “Submit” . Even if you don’t      ever run for president, you will probably find reading this book to be enlightening & enjoyable.

The information in Muller will be updated & supplemented by introductions to the course sessions, background notes & feedback to HW’s, as well as links to articles online. All such        material will be on our Blackboard course website & you are welcome to suggest items of           interest.

Course Requirements:

Listed below are the deliverables for this course & their approximate percentage               contributions to the grade.  They involve homework assignments & assessments (i.e. quizzes & a final exam). Note: All deliverables related to this course must be completed.

•   Weekly HW assignments*

•   Mid-term & End-term Assessments (quizzes 1 & 2)

•    Final exam Total

40%

15%

30%

100%

*The HW’s are formative assessments, with no limit to the number of attempts; the more you learn by doing them, the better you will do in the course. See the Release & Due Dates.

Method of Instruction & Textual Submissions:

The course is arranged into weekly sessions. Each session, consisting of readings and      assignments, will be available in the “Weekly Sessions” folder on the Blackboard website Menu. The Course Outline for the weekly course sessions is also available in the “Start Here” module.  Refer to the weekly session folders frequently, for assignments, updates & feedback.

When composing any text-based information (answering essay questions, posting            messages, etc.) compose your text with your word processor (preferably as a docx), spellcheck it and save it on your computer. Then upload it to Blackboard. This way, you’ll have a copy of      what you composed, if you need one.

Blackboard Messages & Email Communication:

The Messages tool on the course website may be used for any course-related questions & comments. It may also be used to communicate with other members of the class. This tool is for use in Blackboard only; you can ONLY send messages to your instructor and other students        enrolled in your course. Please use your personal email account only to send private messages & indicate this course (energy or 134) in the subject line.

Academic Integrity:

It goes without saying that all the principles and standards that sustain academic integrity are just as applicable in the online environment as they are in the classroom. Our interactions      with one another must be based on mutual respect, and our inquiries guided by a firm                  commitment both to pursue the truth and to acknowledge the possibility that we might be wrong. Given the ease with which information (& misinformation) flows across the Internet, it is            particularly important that every student understand and respect the rules governing academic     honesty.

We will operate on the assumption that every class member is thoroughly familiar both   with UMass Boston Code of Student Conduct.  If you're not, please consider these documents to be part of your first reading assignment! The bottom line is this: words copied from another        source must be so-indicated (with quotation marks or indenting) and such sources, as well as any from which you have paraphrased or drawn significant evidence, must be fully and precisely       identified. Please don't hesitate to consult with me should you feel in need of any clarification.

Students with Documented Entitlements:

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 offers guidelines for curriculum modifications and adaptations for students with                   documented disabilities. However, our course’s pedagogy is quite flexible regarding individual   accommodations, so it’s likely that outside intervention, e.g., from the UMB Ross Center, will be unnecessary. Just inform me concerning your needs, preferably before the end of the Drop/Add   period, & they will be addressed.

Technical Support:

The instructor is not capable of providing technical support. Please use the IT helpdesk, help on the Blackboard site, or other online sources, if you have trouble.