Course Syllabus

PHYS 1020 Physics of Energy

Course Description

This course examines the production and use of energy throughout the world. Energy production methods will be studied using current environmental data and basic physics principles, providing a scientific foundation for understanding the world’s current energy demands and needs, as well as its impact on the environment and climate change. Discussions on the future of energy production and of environmental and societal impacts of these energy sources will be an active part of the course.

Justification

This course is designed to examine current traditional sources of energy and to explore alternative sources currently in use and in development. Similar courses are being taught at an increasing number of colleges and universities in Utah and across the nation. The course gives an applicable understanding of how basic physics is involved in our everyday lives.

General Education Outcomes

1. A student who completes the GE curriculum has a fundamental knowledge of human cultures and the natural world. Energy production is dependent on needs and resources, which are in turn dependent on the different cultures around the world. This course will look at the different cultures around the world, exploring why particular energy production methods are utilized in these different regions. Students will show their fundamental knowledge of human cultures and the natural world through a combination of homework, quizzes, written projects, class discussions, or exams.
2. A student who completes the GE curriculum can read and research effectively within disciplines. In order to best answer questions about current issues in energy within our environment today, we need to first be able to research each area from multiple viewpoints. A proper understanding requires thorough research. Students will show their ability to read and research effectively through a combination of homework, quizzes, written projects, class discussions, or exams.
3. A student who completes the GE curriculum can draw from multiple disciplines to address complex problems. Energy demands are a focal point in today’s political arena. To best understand these demands and production methods, we will look at a variety of contributing disciplines, such as history, geology, chemistry, political science, geography, meteorology, etc. Students will have the opportunity to learn about and use knowledge from these fields through a combination of homework, quizzes, projects, class discussions, or exams.
4. A student who completes the GE curriculum can reason analytically, critically, and creatively. In a world with increasing demands for energy and with the increased attention it is receiving in the political world, it is important to be able to view all possibilities in energy production from multiple angles. Students in this course will look critically and analytically at current issues within the field, showing their ability to do so through a combination of homework, written projects, or class discussions.
5. A student who completes the GE curriculum can reason quantitatively.  Students will be able to describe energy basics from a physics perspective as well as actual energy production methods around the world. They will be able to show mathematically the benefits and challenges of different energy production methods. Students will show their ability to reason quantitatively through a combination of homework, quizzes, projects, or exams.

General Education Knowledge Area Outcomes

1. This course will focus on the natural exchanges of energy within the earth and the earth's atmosphere. Students will show their understanding of science in the physical world through a combination of homework, quizzes, projects, or exams. This course will focus on the natural exchanges of energy within the earth and the earth's atmosphere. Students will show their understanding of science in the physical world through a combination of homework, quizzes, projects, or exams.
2. Demonstrate understanding of forces in the physical world. Forces that drive exchanges of energy within the natural world and that allow us to harness that energy for human use will be the primary forces examined in this course. Students will show their understanding of forces in the physical world through a combination of homework, quizzes, projects, or exams.
3. Discuss the flow of matter and energy through systems (in large and small scales). Students will show their understanding of exchanges in matter and energy through a combination of homework, quizzes, projects, or exams.
4. Develop evidence-based arguments regarding the effect of human activity on the Earth. Students will be able to develop evidence-based arguments regarding the effect of human activity on Earth’s climate and human civilizations. Students will discuss the effects of human activity through a combination of homework, written projects, class discussions, or exams.
5. Describe how the Physical Sciences have shaped and been shaped by historical, ethical, and social contexts. These contexts are critical to understanding how energy production has come to be what it is today. Students will show their understanding of these contexts through a combination of homework, quizzes, written projects, class discussions, or exams.

Course Content

Physics 1020 is a general education course that gives students an understanding of basic physics by applying it directly to energy production methods. Energy production methods vary by climate, terrain, technology, demand, and society. As such, this course will look at examples of energy production within many cultures from all continents.

The course will cover discussions in four primary areas:
1. The Physics of Motion, Energy, and Electricity
2. Thermodynamics, Fossil Fuels, and Environmental Effects
3. The Atom and Nuclear Power
4. Renewable sources of energy and current events