Chemistry, Energy, and the Environment

Catalog description

This course explores the flow of energy in modern society from the perspective of chemistry. Topics include the fossil fuels coal, petroleum, and natural gas, followed by an exploration of alternatives, including biomass, hydro, solar, tidal, wind, and nuclear energy sources. Students consider the source of energy, how it is harvested, and the short- and long-term environmental consequences of using each energy source and how these consequences are determined. The course uses the concepts of bonding, thermodynamics, kinetics, and work to investigate these and related ideas. The course also discusses economic and political forces that shape our use of energy. Note: This course counts as a science core course but does not satisfy requirements for the chemistry major or minor.