FULLY On-Campus. Two Sections

Choose Chinatown or Ocean. See Schedule.

Note: ENRG 3L - the lab is not being offered. 3L is not required.  ENRG 3 and 3L Meet GE and IGETC for Physical Science. See assist.org or a counselor for more information.

Overarching Vision:

• • This course is designed as a GE Science course with a focus on energy systems, alternatives, and their connection with socio-economic systems. We will dig into basic physical, chemical, and biological science processes. We will explore them quantitatively (using numbers) and qualitatively (using concepts). This course is designed to challenge us academically and challenge our conventional view of energy systems.

  • Be prepared to work hard if you wish to succeed in the course. 

Recent ENRG 3 Improvements:

• • Significant changes and improvements to ENRG 3 all around:

    • Short video clips on key topics

    • Updated relevant content as the world of renewable energy is rapidly changing

    • Updates to energy storage

    • Updates to the potential role of Hydrogen

    • Updates to the Nuclear topic. 

    • And more...

Mandatory:

• • Success in ENRG 3 requires:

    • Regular access to internet and computer hardware to complete reading and exercises w/ Canvas.

Textbooks

• • TEXTBOOKS: ENRG 3 requires two textbooks:

    • Renewable Energy 4th ed. by Peake Godfrey Boyle. Oxford University Press, 2018. ISBN:9780198759751

    • It is absolutely a-ok to buy the third edition with copyright of 2012.

      • Link to publisher: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/renewable-energy-9780198759751?cc=us&lang=en&

    • Sustainable Energy - without the hot air by David J.C. MacKay. UIT Cambridge, 2008. ISBN 978-0-9544529-3-3.

      • Available free online from http://www.withouthotair.com/

      • This book can also be purchased as a paperback. 

    • FYI: Purchasing the paperback is easier and more affordable than printing the PDF yourself.

About ENRG 3:

• • Summary:

    • Introduction to the science that underpin alternative energy resources and their implementation in various contexts. Covers: fundamental energy science and math; climate change; national and global energy trends; solar, wind, and hydro resources; photoelectric effect; photosynthesis; geothermal; and nuclear. Explores each resource in terms of technological options, sustainability, and feasibility.

  • Course Objectives:

    • Understand how energy is used in modern society, the magnitude of its use, how we have benefited from it, and how we have been damaged by it.

    • Explore the reasons for seeking alternative sources (i.e. non-carbon)

    • Establish a basic understanding of “Energy Math” and different types of Energy

    • Understand the science and mechanisms behind the most promising “alternative” energy sources as well as the most prevalent sources of energy in use today

    • Explore the integration of alternatives, smart grids, and other hurdles

    • Explore and compare energy alternatives, efficiency, and market responses

    • Describe the scope and options for alternative energy technologies.

    • Be familiar with the economic, societal, and environmental implications of various energy sources, including non-renewable and renewable.

    • Evaluate various energy resources, including their energy value and environmental impact.

    • Demonstrate knowledge of each of the alternative energy sources covered in lectures.