PHYS 105
Spring 2019 not offered
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| Crosslisting:
ENVS 235 |
| Certificates: Civic Engagement, Environmental Studies |
What is sustainability? It most certainly is not switching light bulbs or "buying organic," although perhaps those activities contribute to sustainability. The task for our course will be to undertake a scientific inquiry into the conditions for an enduring human presence on Earth. To do so, we must begin with physical principles, examining both what humans require and demand from the world and what the world is capable of providing. Our inquiry will broaden to include chemical and ecological principles, ultimately asking what the social sciences can do to illuminate the problem without violating the physical constraints nature imposes.
Students should have a familiarity with quantitative and algebraic concepts and, above all, a desire to incorporate quantitative thinking into verbal discourse. Writing is also a core element of the course with frequent writing assignments in various formats. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
NSM PHYS |
| Course Format: Lecture / Discussion | Grading Mode: Student Option |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (CIVI-MN)(ENVS-MN)(ENVS)(HRAD-MN) |
Major Readings:
David MacKay, SUSTAINABLE ENERGY WITHOUT THE HOT AIR
Lester Brown, WORLD ON THE EDGE
Hall & Klitgaard, ENERGY AND THE WEALTH OF NATIONS
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Examinations and Assignments:
Writing Assignments, problem sets, reading and blogging |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
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