PHY 160 - Energy & the Environment

4 credit(s)
In order to live, humans require energy, and methods of energy production significantly affect the environment in which humans live. This course examines fundamental thermodynamic concepts such as energy and power and then explores the comparative environmental costs and benefits, including potential long term consequences, of producing energy from various sources such as fossil fuels, nuclear reactors, wood burning, solar panels, wind turbines, etc. Methods of estimation and risk assessment are emphasized so that meaningful comparisons between energy sources and their environmental consequences can be made. Also listed as ENV 160.
Core Requirement(s): Counts toward core requirement: Quantitative Reasoning.