Mar 29, 2024  
Website Catalog (In Development) 
    
Website Catalog (In Development)

PHS 116 - Global Warming: Energy and the Environment


Learn about the causes and effects of global warming and other environmental threats including ozone depletion and acid rain.  How does the way we use energy affect our changing global climate?  How much energy does it take to drive our cars or light, heat and cool our homes?  How can we save energy and will saving energy make a difference?  Discover positive things we can do as a society and as individuals to help reduce human impact on the climate.  Investigate the sources of the energy we use every day.  Energy sources include: fossil fuels, nuclear, and alternative sources such as solar, wind, biomass, hydropower and geothermal energy.  Current scientific topics may be introduced by both students and instructors.  Laboratory activities include hands-on experiences, field trips and energy use analysis.

Credits: 4
Hours
3 Class Hours, 3 Laboratory Hours
Course Profile
Learning Outcomes of the Course:

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

  1. Use the concept of rates to describe various processes and problems.
  2. Define velocity, acceleration and displacement.
  3. List Newton’s Laws of motion and predict motion of objects using Newton’s Laws.
  4. Define and use the concepts of work and energy to solve problems.
  5. Use the concept of a model.
  6. Describe and solve problems using the concepts of gravity, electric charge, and magnetic force.
  7. Describe the origin and treatment for particulate and gaseous air pollution.
  8. Define and use the basic principles of thermodynamics to describe the operation of various plants and the treatment of thermal pollution.
  9. Describe the operation of a nuclear power plant and the possible consequences thereof.
  10. Describe the energy technology of the future and the possible consequences thereof.
  11. List and discuss the problems associated with the alternatives to conventional motor vehicles.
  12. Describe a sound wave, the human ear, and noise pollution.
  13. Discuss the prospects for mass transportation.
  14. Describe remote sensing of materials.
  15. Discuss the prospects for materials recycling.