IDST 279.....SPRING, 1999
1/26/99 17:14 PM
EARTH, WIND, AND SUN: EMERGING ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE TWENTY FIRST CENTURY
11 MWThF Instructor: Rama Viswanathan
Office Hours: 4 MW, 3-5 Th, 3.30 F Office: 413 Chamberlin Hall
Phone: 363-2273
Email: ramav@beloit.eduCourse Description
This course will study emerging energy technologies for the twenty first century, with an emphasis on renewable and environmentally friendly energy sources. Recent advances in chemistry and physics coupled with computer-based design and management methodologies have dramatically increased the efficiency of technologies like wind, geothermal, solar, and fuel cells to the point where they will soon be economically viable. A practical, "hands -on" interdisciplinary approach will be used in lectures, presentations, and field trips to various research institutions and onsite installations in the vicinity. In addition to a practical introduction to the technologies, their economic and social impact as well as environmental and aesthetic concerns will be addressed. Students will be expected to work in teams (preferably composed of two members who have different expertise/majors) on a major project. Possibilities for a project include a feasibility/environmental impact study, a proof-of-concept demonstration, a "hands-on" field implementation and study of recent techniques or technology, or a computer-based simulation.
A study of emerging energy technologies is crucial for students majoring in environmental studies, as well as others interested in the area. The topic lends itself (and needs) an inter-disciplinary approach, with contributions from chemistry, physics, computer science, geology, art (architecture), and economics. The instructor has developed expertise in the chemistry and physics of some of the energy technologies (in particular solar), and hopes to complement his presentations through invited guest lectures by faculty in other disciplines (economics, geology, art), as well as external experts in some of the areas (e.g., from UW-Madison.) The course structure will emphasize discussion, and will also include guest lectures, field trip(s), and project presentations.
Prerequisites: Must have completed all distribution requirements, or consent of instructor.
Textbook and Syllabus
Textbook: "Energy and the Environment." R.A. Ristinen and J.J. Kraushaar.
Week 1: Chapter 1 (Energy Fundamentals), Chapter 2 (Fossil Fuels)
Week 2: Chapter 3 (Heat Engines)
Week 3: Chapter 4 (Solar Energy)
Week 4: Chapter 7 (Energy Conservation). Also, Economics (including models for Cost-benefit analysis.)
Week 5: Chapter 5 (Alternative Energy Sources).
Exam I in class on Friday, Feb. 19.
Week 6: Chapter 6: (Nuclear Energy, including Fusion)
Week 7: Chapter 8 (Transportation)
Week 8: Chapter 9 (Effects of Energy Consumption: Air Pollution)
Week 9: Chapter 10 (Global Effects). Exam II in class on Friday, March 26.
Week 10: Comparison of Strategies for Developing v/s Industrialized Nations.
Week 11: Public Policy and Ethical Issues.
Weeks 12,13 Discussions of On-going Projects...Progress Reports.
Week 14 Final Presentations of Group Projects (details TBA.)
Exams, Assignments, and Grades
*** Total Points for the Course = 500 ***
The course grade will be based on class attendance and participation in discussions and short presentations (200 points), two examinations (75 points each), and the group project (150 points).
Distribution of points for the group project: 30 points are reserved for a two page outline to be turned in by the end of the fifth week of class, 20 points are allocated to an in-class progress report (Week 12 or 13, per schedule TBA), 50 points for the final presentation, and 50 points for a final project report consisting of at least six pages of text (intermediate spaced) excluding appendices, bibliography, references, etc. Detailed guidelines for the project report and presentations will be provided later.
Class attendance is mandatory. Make sure you sign the attendance sheet for each class. Participation in field trips is strongly encouraged. If you miss classes or field trips, you are responsible for reviewing the missed material. Note that I will not give exams on days and at times other than what is scheduled. I will not extend assignment deadlines or accept late assignments. Exceptions may be made if there are extenuating circumstances like illness or a personal emergency (supported by detailed documentation from your doctor or the Dean of Students). In any case, I will make the final decision as to what legitimately constitutes extenuating circumstances.