Formula sheet for Exam 1(PDF format)
Final Grades (new)
This syllabus is located at: 
In approaching this (and all) classes, please note the following ancient chinese proverb:
can open the door,
but you must enter by yourself.
Prerequisites:. Basic math will be used.
Energy and the Environment (2nd Edition), R. Ristinen and J. Kraushaar
Calculators may be used during Exams and quizzes. So, if you do not have one a basic, simple scientific calculator with trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions is all that you need.
Content: The course is aimed at non-technical majors with an interest in the conflict generated by the desire for a clean and healthful environment and the desire for the higher standard of living made possible by inexpensive energy sources. The course begins with definitions of power and energy with emphasis on common terms such as BTUs, horsepower, miles per gallon, and kilowatt hours. Reserves of the exhaustible sources of energy (coal, oil, natural gas, and uranium) will be discussed and projections will be made of the times at which these will become exhausted as a result of increased population and improved standards of living. The thermodynamic limits to improved energy efficiency will be discussed and techniques for making use of waste heat. Alternate energy sources (wind, solar, geothermal, tides, and hydroelectric) will be discussed and projections will be made of their possible future impact. The politics of nuclear waste disposal. These topics are the first eight chapters of the text.
You'll have: 1) The ability to answer questions such as the energy savings of more efficient appliances or automobiles, or the installation of storm windows or attic insulation. There are many professions (city planning, for example) where questions of this type must be answered. 2) The knowledge to practice good citizenship through the ability to understand and make informed decisions about legislation relating to the regulation of energy sources, pollution from energy sources, energy efficiency standards, "zero" pollution vehicles and public investment in mass transit.
Lectures: 11:30-1:00 Tuesday and Thursday in . The lectures supplement but do not substitute for the reading. Lectures will cover the major topics, emphasizing and discussing the important points. They are not sessions to regurgitate material already written in the text. Your personal participation is important, and it is critical that you read the assigned material before lecture. Time permitting, several lectures will cover special topics beyond the scope of the text. These will be announced before hand.
The exams will be closed-book, but you will be given one side of an 8 1/2 x 11-inch sheet with most of the needed equations. Calculators are allowed. The exams will be graded and handed back the following week (hopefully). Solutions will be discussed and posted.
Final Exam: The final exam will be at 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Saturday, May 10. It will cover the entire course, with some emphasis on the more recent material. You will be given one 8 1/2 x 11-inch sheet of formulas.
Grading:The course will be graded on a
plus/minus grade scale and the grade will consist of the following components
(though I reserve the right to make grade adjustments based on performance
trends and participation):