Energy and Environment from Coursera

This course deals with both renewable and non-renewable energy. By applying scientific principles and considering real-world examples, you will examine:

1. Non-renewable fossil fuels with a focus on coal, petroleum and natural gas and the benefits and

consequences of using each.

2. Renewable fuels such as wind and solar and identify that even renewable “green” energy sources

have impacts as well as benefits.

3. Biodiversity and global change, which are the integrating units of environmental science.

Additionally, you will explore answers to the following questions:

1. How do we evaluate coal, oil, and natural gas from an environmental science perspective?

2. What regulates energy conversions and losses in human-built systems?

3. How much energy “flows through your fingertips?”

4. How do we evaluate hydro, solar, wind, and biomass from an environmental science perspective?

5. How can we increase efficiency and conservation?

You also take a tour of the Dartmouth Powerplant and listen to a conversation with Dartmouth Sustainability Director, Rosi Kerr. Furthermore, you will take a field trip to a PV tracker solar system, visit a straw bale house, and have a conversation about waste vegetable oil as an energy source in India.

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: An Overview of Non-renewable Energy

This module explores some concepts related to energy such as its forms, conservation with a special stress on non-renewable energy.

Module 2: Fossil Fuel and Future of Energy

This module describes how energy use and energy resources, specifically coal, oil, and natural gas, have varied over time.

Module 3: The World of Renewable Energy

This module explores the patterns of renewable energy use and explains the hydro, solar, wind, and biomass energy. It also discusses how energy use can be decreased and efficiency can be increased.

Module 4: Effects of Global Change

This module explores the impacts of global environmental changes including feedback loops, ocean acidification, sea level rise, and human equity issues.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for learners with intermediate to advanced knowledge in environmental science

Explores renewable and non-renewable energy sources, providing a comprehensive understanding of the respective advantages and disadvantages

Instructors Andy Friedland are recognized for their expertise in environmental science

Emphasizes the environmental impact and benefits of different energy sources, equipping learners to make informed decisions

Course materials include a mix of readings, videos, discussions, field trips, and hands-on labs, enhancing the learning experience

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Energy and Environment with these activities:

Review High School Physics Concepts

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By reviewing high school physics concepts, you will strengthen your foundational knowledge in areas such as energy, mechanics, and thermodynamics, which are essential for understanding the course materials.

Browse courses on Physics

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Review your high school physics notes or textbooks.
Focus on topics related to energy, such as energy conservation, thermodynamics, and power.
Solve practice problems to test your understanding.
Attend a review session or consult with a tutor if needed.
Complete a practice quiz to assess your readiness.

Read 'Energy' by John R. Fanchi

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Understanding the fundamentals of energy from a textbook will build a solid foundation to improve comprehension and retention of course materials.

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Procure the book.
Read the preface and skim the table of contents to get an overview of the book's organization and main topics.
Start reading Chapter 1 and take notes on key concepts and definitions.
Complete Chapter 1 and answer the review questions at the end of the chapter.
Continue reading subsequent chapters in order, taking notes and answering review questions as you go.

Attend the 'Renewable Energy Sources for the Future' Workshop

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By attending the workshop, you will gain exposure to industry experts and learn about the latest advancements in renewable energy technologies.

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Research and identify a workshop related to renewable energy sources.
Register for the workshop.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions.
Take notes and ask questions to enhance your understanding.
Follow up with the workshop organizers or speakers to connect and learn more.

Four other activities

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Solve Practice Problems on Energy Calculations

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Solving practice problems allows you to apply the concepts you learn in the course and will help you build problem-solving skills.

Browse courses on Renewable Energy

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Review the lecture notes and textbook readings on energy calculations.
Find a set of practice problems online or in a textbook.
Attempt to solve the problems on your own.
Check your answers against the provided solutions.
Identify any areas where you need more practice and review the corresponding course materials.

Create a Poster on the Pros and Cons of Non-Renewable Energy

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By creating a poster, you will organize and summarize the advantages and disadvantages of non-renewable energy sources, which will reinforce your understanding and ability to recall this information.

Browse courses on Non-Renewable Energy

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Brainstorm a list of pros and cons of non-renewable energy sources.
Organize your list into categories, such as environmental impact, economic impact, and social impact.
Design a poster that visually represents your list using charts, graphs, or images.
Write a brief description of each pro and con on the poster.
Present your poster to the class or share it online for feedback.

Design an Energy-Efficient Home

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This project allows you to apply the principles of energy efficiency and renewable energy to practical design, promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation for sustainable building practices.

Browse courses on Renewable Energy

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Research energy-efficient building materials and technologies.
Design a floor plan that incorporates passive solar design principles.
Calculate the energy consumption of your design using energy simulation software.
Propose renewable energy sources to meet the remaining energy needs.
Present your design to a panel of experts for feedback and evaluation.

Create a Comprehensive Study Guide

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To enhance your understanding, organize and summarize course materials, including notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams, which will facilitate efficient review and retention of information.

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Gather all course materials, including notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams.
Organize the materials by topic or module.
Summarize the key concepts and ideas from each material.
Create practice questions or exercises to test your understanding.
Review the study guide regularly to reinforce your learning.

Career center

Learners who complete Energy and Environment will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Renewable Energy Engineer

Renewable Energy Engineers design, install, and maintain renewable energy systems, such as solar panels and wind turbines. The 'Energy and Environment' course covers a variety of renewable energy topics, including hydro, solar, and wind energy. Taking this course may be useful for someone who wants to become a Renewable Energy Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Engineer

Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers develop and implement plans to reduce the environmental impact of organizations. They may work in a variety of industries, including energy, manufacturing, and transportation. The 'Energy and Environment' course covers topics such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, and the environmental impact of energy production, which are all relevant to this role. Therefore, taking this course may be helpful for someone who wants to become a Sustainability Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists conduct research to understand environmental problems and develop solutions to protect ecosystems and human health. It is likely that an Environmental Scientist will work with renewable and non-renewable energy sources. 'Energy and Environment' includes modules on both renewable and non-renewable energy, which would help build a foundation for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Petroleum Engineer

Petroleum Engineers design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from the earth. Non-renewable fossil fuels are the primary focus of the 'Energy and Environment' course. Taking this course can help future Petroleum Engineers to better understand the environmental impact of their work and develop more sustainable practices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Petroleum Engineer

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers apply engineering principles to protect the environment and public health. Many Environmental Engineers work to reduce pollution, clean up contaminated sites, and develop sustainable energy sources. The 'Energy and Environment' course covers topics such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, and the environmental impact of energy production, which are all relevant to this field. Therefore, taking this course may be helpful for someone who wants to become an Environmental Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Climate Scientist

Climate Scientists study climate change and its impacts on the planet. They may work in a variety of settings, including universities, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. The 'Energy and Environment' course covers topics such as global change and climate impacts, which are relevant to this role. Therefore, taking this course may be helpful for someone who wants to become a Climate Scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Scientist

Wind Turbine Technician

Wind Turbine Technicians install, maintain, and repair wind turbines. They also troubleshoot problems and ensure that turbines are operating safely and efficiently. The 'Energy and Environment' course covers topics such as wind energy and the environmental impact of energy production, which are both relevant to this role. Therefore, taking this course may be helpful for someone who wants to become a Wind Turbine Technician.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wind Turbine Technician

Air Quality Engineer

Air Quality Engineers evaluate air quality and develop plans to reduce air pollution. They may work in a variety of industries, including energy, manufacturing, and transportation. The 'Energy and Environment' course covers topics such as energy efficiency and the environmental impact of energy production, which are relevant to this role. Therefore, taking this course may be helpful for someone who wants to become an Air Quality Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Air Quality Engineer

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators are responsible for the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants. They monitor equipment, ensure that environmental regulations are met, and troubleshoot problems. The 'Energy and Environment' course covers topics such as energy efficiency and the environmental impact of energy production, which are both relevant to this role. Therefore, taking this course may be helpful for someone who wants to become a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

Natural Resource Manager

Natural Resource Managers oversee the management of natural resources, such as forests, water, and wildlife. They may work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private landowners. The 'Energy and Environment' course covers topics such as natural resource management and conservation, which are relevant to this role. Therefore, taking this course may be helpful for someone who wants to become a Natural Resource Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Natural Resource Manager

Environmental Planner

Environmental Planners develop and implement plans to protect the environment. They may work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private consulting firms. The 'Energy and Environment' course covers topics such as environmental planning and policy, which are relevant to this role. Therefore, taking this course may be helpful for someone who wants to become an Environmental Planner.

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Environmental Lawyer

Environmental Lawyers represent clients in environmental cases. They may work in a variety of settings, including law firms, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. The 'Energy and Environment' course covers topics such as environmental law and regulations, which are relevant to this role. Therefore, taking this course may be helpful for someone who wants to become an Environmental Lawyer.

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Conservation Scientist

Conservation Scientists study and work to protect wildlife and their habitats. They may work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and universities. The 'Energy and Environment' course covers topics such as environmental impacts and conservation, which are relevant to this role. Therefore, taking this course may be helpful for someone who wants to become a Conservation Scientist.

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Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineers apply scientific research to design new chemical processes and devise innovative ways to safely and economically produce new products. An understanding of non-renewable fuels, including coal, petroleum, and natural gas, is important in this field. The 'Energy and Environment' course from Dartmouth College covers these topics, making it a beneficial foundation for a career as a Chemical Engineer.

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Power Plant Operator

Power Plant Operators are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of power plants. They monitor equipment, ensure that environmental regulations are met, and troubleshoot problems. The 'Energy and Environment' course covers topics such as energy production, efficiency, and environmental impact, which are all relevant to this role. Therefore, taking this course may be helpful for someone who wants to become a Power Plant Operator.

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Energy and Environment

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