Inspired by a growing concern for sustainability and the environmental impact of conventional fuel usage, the Physics of Energy Production provides students with an understanding of the underlying physical principles of carious traditional and alternative methods of energy production. What natural resources are used to power our lives? Are there other (perhaps more efficient, less destructive) methods for cresting energy? Is renewable energy practical on a large scale? These questions are investigated in the classroom, in a laboratory component and at on-site energy research and power facilities. Students will learn fundamental physics concepts, as they pertain to energy, and manipulate the necessary equations describing energy, power and efficiency to examine current and future prospects of different energy sources. The western United States is an ideal area to study practical use and research of energy including coal, hydroelectric, wind, nuclear, ocean wave and geothermal sources. With a theme of sustainability and interdisciplinary training (adding a geosciences perspective), students will participate in hands-on explorations, tour energy and power facilities along the west coast (including Centralia, WA; Portland, Corvallis, Newport, Klamath Falls, OR), quantitatively analyze energy sources and improve communication skills in this physics course.
Course Objectives:
- Students will interact with professionals in research sciences, engineering and industry.
- Students will explore the pros and cons of energy production in the local communities where energy facilities exist.
- Students will see the physical facilities and research labs and get a feeling for the location and scale of energy production.
Course Credit:
PHYS 115: Physics of Energy Production. NS (GUR/GenEd), department credit.