Energy, Environment, and Everyday Life from Coursera

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Syllabus

Course Orientation

You will become familiar with the course, your classmates, and our learning environment. The orientation will also help you obtain the technical skills required for the course.

Week 1: How It All Starts and Ends

The course starts by looking at the basic principles of energy sources at the level of the atoms and molecules. This shows how everything from wind energy to nuclear energy share the same basic concept. We then go on to blow some stuff up and explain the statistics of what forms of energy are used around the world – who has them, who uses them, and who produces them. “How Things Work” segments start with a bang (fireworks) and then get both louder (bell towers) and softer (silencers).

Week 2: Getting and Using the Power

Here we dig into the two most frequent uses of energy and how to make it into useful devices, namely, the engines in cars and making electricity. How exactly does an engine work, and are there ways to make them better? How do they tie into the basic physics from the first week? We also find out what is so “smart” about the electric grid and how it is changing over time. “How Things Work” features airports, hybrid cars, and really flashy electricity (i.e., lightning!).

Week 3: Why Coal Is Dirty

Fossil fuels still dominate the energy landscape, and this week we go into them deeply, starting with coal. What is it? Where does it come from? Who has it? Who uses it? What problems does it cause? We will explore global warming and, more importantly, what can be done about it. You get to control the world in a climate model and see how bad (or how good) the future can be. “How Things Work” takes you into a coal power plant, a trash transfer station, and a waste treatment plant, so grab your shovels and hard hat, and let’s dig in!

Week 4: Oil and Gas – With Us Forever?

Oil and natural gas are the most used and most popular energy sources in the world. What are they? Where do they come from? Who uses, needs, and makes them? All the facts and the controversies over pipelines and hydraulic fracturing (fracking) are discussed in detail. All of this is tightly tied to economics so grab your wallets – you will really see where your money goes! "How Things Work” takes us to high places – an observatory, a cell phone tower, and a laser light show!

Week 5: Renewables – What Is New under the Sun

Renewable energy sources finally make an appearance this week. Here we will tell you about everything powered by the sun directly and indirectly. This includes photo-voltaic, passive solar design, wind, and biofuels. Again, their inner working, what is needed, and how much it costs are the focus. You will see Prof. Ruzic make moonshine and show you how you can, too. “How Things Work” takes you to an actual windmill and brewery, and, just for fun, an ice skating rink.

Week 6: More Renewables and Your Radioactive World

We finish up renewables this week by discussing those coming from water – hydropower, geothermal, waves, and tides. You will even see Prof. Ruzic walking on water. Then, the world of the nucleus is opened up to you. What is radioactivity and how much should be feared? What is the basis for fission and how does a power plant differ from an atomic bomb? “How Things Work” looks at the visual world – from why the sky is blue to how a 3D IMAX movie system makes it seem like you are really there.

Week 7: Nuclear Power Problems and Solutions

This week covers the heart of nuclear power. We will follow the fuel from the ground and into the reactors. We also cover the major accidents in the history of nuclear power in detail. Do you remember Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and/or Fukushima? Do you want to understand in detail what worked and what did not, how much is costs, and if it is all worthwhile? Then be sure to watch the videos this week. “How Things Work” takes a lighter view – we visit a football stadium, go backstage at a theater, and even peer into the mind by exploring brain-scanning MRIs.

Week 8: Our Future Is Bright!

What does the future hold? We’ll start with how to hold the spent nuclear fuel and then talk about the modern “third generation” reactors being built today that have safety systems requiring no mechanical or human intervention. This leads to reactors that can make more fuel than they use and also to nuclear fusion – the energy source of the sun. “How Things Work” explores cooking/grilling, how microwave ovens work, and super computers, taking you to arguably the largest and fastest computer in the world.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Offers variety in video content with 'How Things Work' segments

Teaches about fossil fuels, which are still prevalent in the current energy market, and the environmental impact

Provides overview of nuclear power and its relationship to accidents

Includes hands-on demonstrations and examples, like corn fields and dams

Addresses the relationship between energy policy and economics

Covers various renewable energy sources and demonstrations, such as solar, wind, and biofuels

Reviews summary

Energy in the modern world

Learners say that the Energy, Environment, and Everyday Life course is a great course that provides an excellent foundation on the relationship between energy and the environment. The course is comprehensive, covering a wide range of topics, including the science of energy, energy resources, energy and the environment, and energy policy. The course is also well-structured, with clear and concise explanations. Professor Ruzic is described as engaging and knowledgeable, and he makes the material easy to understand. Overall, learners say that this course is a valuable learning experience.

The course content is comprehensive and well-structured.

"The course content is well-structured, providing a comprehensive overview of the intricate relationship between energy, the environment, and our daily lives."

Professor Ruzic is knowledgeable and passionate about the subject matter.

"Professor Ruzic's teaching style is not only engaging but also incredibly insightful."

"His passion for the subject matter shines through in each lecture, making complex concepts easy to understand."

Peer grading can be unfair.

"The only reason why I am leaving a low rating is because of the unfair peer grading done in this course."

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, Environment, and Everyday Life with these activities:

Read "Energy: A Beginner's Guide" by Vaclav Smil

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Gain a comprehensive overview of energy sources, technologies, and their environmental implications by reading this introductory book, providing a strong foundation for the course content.

View Oil on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the book.
Set aside dedicated time for reading.
Take notes and highlight important concepts.
Discuss the book's ideas with others or write a summary to reinforce your understanding.

Calculate energy efficiency of everyday appliances

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Determine the energy consumption of common household appliances, like refrigerators, washing machines, and light bulbs, to gain practical insights into energy usage in daily life.

Browse courses on Energy Efficiency

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Gather information on the power ratings (in watts) of the appliances.
Measure the operating time of each appliance in hours per day or per week.
Calculate the energy consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh) using the formula: kWh = power (watts) × time (hours).
Compare the energy consumption of different appliances and identify areas for potential energy savings.

Form a study group with classmates

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Enhance your learning by collaborating with peers in a study group, discussing course materials, solving problems together, and supporting each other's understanding.

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Identify classmates who share your interests or learning style.
Schedule regular study sessions.
Review course materials together.
Work on assignments and projects collaboratively.

Three other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all six activities

Create an infographic on renewable energy sources

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Design an infographic that visually presents the advantages and disadvantages of different renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal, to enhance your understanding of their environmental impact and potential.

Browse courses on Renewable Energy Sources

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Research different renewable energy sources and gather data on their benefits and drawbacks.
Choose a visually appealing infographic template or create your own.
Design the infographic using clear and concise language, incorporating charts, graphs, or images to illustrate the data.
Share your infographic with others to educate them about renewable energy sources.

Volunteer at a local energy conservation organization

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Gain hands-on experience in energy conservation and sustainability efforts by volunteering with an organization focused on promoting energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

Browse courses on Energy Conservation

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Research local energy conservation organizations.
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Attend volunteer training and orientation.
Participate in energy conservation activities, such as energy audits, outreach campaigns, or educational programs.

Organize and review course materials

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Stay organized and improve your understanding by compiling and reviewing your notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams, ensuring that you have a comprehensive and accessible repository of course materials.

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Gather all your course materials.
Create a filing system or digital folder structure.
Review your materials regularly.
Highlight important concepts and make annotations.

Career center

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

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers work to improve the environment and protect human health. They design solutions to reduce pollution, conserve natural resources, and restore damaged ecosystems. Graduates of this course will gain a strong foundation in environmental issues and will be well-prepared to work in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Energy Consultant

Energy Consultants help businesses and individuals reduce their energy consumption and costs. They also develop and implement energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions. This course will provide graduates with a comprehensive understanding of energy issues. With this knowledge, they will be well-positioned to succeed in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Consultant

Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers develop and implement sustainability strategies for businesses, organizations, and governments. They work to reduce environmental impact, promote social responsibility, and ensure economic viability. Graduates of this course will gain the knowledge and skills needed to excel in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists conduct research and monitor the environment to identify and assess environmental hazards. They also develop and implement solutions to environmental problems. This course will provide graduates with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to pursue a career in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Climate Change Analyst

Climate Change Analysts study the causes and impacts of climate change. They develop and evaluate policies and strategies to mitigate climate change and adapt to its effects. Graduates of this course will gain the knowledge and skills needed to play a critical role in addressing this global challenge.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Change Analyst

Energy Policy Analyst

Energy Policy Analysts develop and analyze policies related to energy production, distribution, and use. They work to ensure that energy policies are efficient, effective, and equitable. This course will provide graduates with a comprehensive understanding of energy issues. With this knowledge, they will be well-positioned to succeed in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Policy Analyst

Renewable Energy Developer

Renewable Energy Developers identify, develop, and implement renewable energy projects. They work to transition the world to a clean energy future. This course will provide graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Developer

Nuclear Engineer

Nuclear Engineers design, build, and operate nuclear power plants. They also work on the development of new nuclear technologies. This course will provide graduates with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to pursue a career in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nuclear Engineer

Geologist

Geologists study the Earth's structure, composition, and history. They work in a variety of fields, including energy exploration, environmental protection, and natural resource management. This course may be useful for geologists who wish to specialize in energy-related fields.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geologist

Atmospheric Scientist

Atmospheric Scientists study the Earth's atmosphere and its interactions with the rest of the Earth system. They work in a variety of fields, including climate change research, air quality management, and weather forecasting. This course may be useful for atmospheric scientists who wish to specialize in energy-related fields.

See salaries and explore the career path for Atmospheric Scientist

Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design, build, and maintain infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and buildings. They also work on environmental projects, such as water treatment and waste management. This course may be useful for civil engineers who wish to specialize in energy-related fields.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design, build, and operate machines and systems. They work in a variety of industries, including energy, manufacturing, and transportation. This course may be useful for mechanical engineers who wish to specialize in energy-related fields.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineers design, build, and operate chemical plants and processes. They work in a variety of industries, including energy, pharmaceuticals, and food. This course may be useful for chemical engineers who wish to specialize in energy-related fields.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chemical Engineer

Materials Scientist

Materials Scientists develop and study new materials. They work in a variety of industries, including energy, aerospace, and electronics. This course may be useful for materials scientists who wish to specialize in energy-related fields.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Scientist