Our Energy Future from Coursera

This course is designed to introduce students to the issues of energy in the 21st century – including food and fuels – which are inseparably linked – and will discuss energy production and utilization from the biology, engineering, economics, climate science, and social science perspectives.

This course will cover the current production and utilization of energy, as well as the consequences of this use, examining finite fossil energy reserves, how food and energy are linked, impacts on the environment and climate, and the social and economic impacts of our present energy and food production and use. After the introductory lectures, we will examine the emerging field of sustainable energy, fuel and food production, emphasizing the importance of developing energy efficient and sustainable methods of production, and how these new technologies can contribute to replacing the diminishing supplies of fossil fuels, and reduce the consequences of carbon dioxide release into the environment. This course will also cover the importance of creating a sustainable energy future for all societies including those of the developing world. Lectures will be prepared and delivered by leading UC San Diego and Scripps Institution of Oceanography faculty and industry professionals across these areas of expertise.

What's inside

Syllabus

General Course Materials

Course overview materials, including syllabus, lecturer information, grading criteria, and external notices and resources.

Introduction to Energy

Introduces the basics of energy, covers finite energy sources like petroleum, looks at how energy and food are related, and examines the scale of current and future energy consumption and what renewable energy options can meet that demand.

Physical Energy Sources

Looks at some of the alternative energy options from the physical sciences domain, including wind energy, photovoltaic and photothermal energy, and nuclear energy. It also covers energy storage and electric vehicles, and energy efficiency and smart grid technologies.

Introduction to Biological Energy Sources

Provides an overview of the different biological energy sources including plants and algae. It explains what biofuels are, how they are produced, and the pros and cons of different biological sources.

Plant Biofuel

Discusses various plant-based fuels including corn ethanol, cellulosic ethanol, and jatropha biodiesel. It will cover the different technologies used, the pros and cons of each source, and current production around the world.

Algae Biofuel

Examines different algae used for biofuel production including cyanobacteria, diatoms, and green algae. It looks at how these organisms are different and why they are used to produce biofuels and bio-products. Additionally, the module covers the different tools and technologies used in research and production including bio-prospecting, genetics, synthetic biology, and metabolic engineering.

Biofuel Production and Downstream Processing

Covers the chemistry of biodiesel, looks at the different thermochemical processes used to convert biomass to fuel, and examines renewable biogas. It also looks at the production process of algae biofuel, how and why nutrient utilization and recycling is important in biofuel production, and the relationship between biofuel and water.

Social Issues, Economics, and Politics

Examines how energy production and use affects the economy, our wellbeing, and our heath. It will also look at how energy impacts the poorest communities, the external costs of traditional energy, and how we can regulate energy and incentivize renewable energy. Additionally, this section identifies what a Life Cyle Assessment is and how it is used with renewable and non-renewable fuels. Lastly, it looks at the United States’ past and present energy policies, and the current state of international policy on climate change.

Climate Change

Looks at the history of research on how carbon dioxide causes climate change, the key points of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s reporting, and how climate change is portrayed in the media. Also, it discusses the importance of decreasing Short-lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs) to mitigate climate change and some possible solutions to reduce these pollutants produced by the poorest communities. Additionally, this section looks at how climate change has affected California’s water and energy use, and how climate change threatens global food security.

Office Hours

Recordings of live office hours from Dr. Mayfield and other course lecturers.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines how energy production and use impacts the economy, our wellbeing, and our health

Looks at some of the alternative energy options from the physical sciences domain, including wind energy, photovoltaic and photothermal energy, and nuclear energy

Introduces the basics of energy, covers finite energy sources like petroleum, looks at how energy and food are related, and examines the scale of current and future energy consumption

Provides an overview of the different biological energy sources including plants and algae

Covers the chemistry of biodiesel, looks at the different thermochemical processes used to convert biomass to fuel, and examines renewable biogas

Discusses how energy production and use affects the economy, our wellbeing, and our heath

Reviews summary

Our energy future: comprehensive guide to renewable resources

Learners say this course provides a comprehensive examination of our current energy landscape and the challenges facing our energy future. They particularly appreciate the wide range of experts and topics covered, as well as the emphasis on renewable and sustainable energy sources. While some note that the course could be more up-to-date, most agree that it offers valuable insights into the complex issues surrounding our energy future.

Challenges learners to think critically about energy issues.

"This course gives you a major insight on what energy is and what it can be if we think rationally and intelligently."

"A very stimulating course: an eye-opener..."

"A good thought provoking course on the different solutions open to humanity as it grapples with its influence on the planet and its resources."

"The course is well designed. It needs to be updated with respect to facts and figures."

"Very informative and well presented. It is a little dated, however. The course was created in 2015, I think, and some of the concepts are dated."

Covers a wide range of energy topics.

"This course gave me ideal insights of all various kinds of energy demands that will come in futu re. Very Informative and useful for students who has intereset in the field of science and want to know more about energy in terms of it's consumption and future inclination towardsneed for unconventional energies as well.. "

"Worthwhile my time as I've learned a lot."

"Covers a broad spectrum of topics"

"A very interesting topic in general, but as a person not so good in biology, the Week 5 is a bit dull for me and really hard to get through. I shall say the technologies discussed here are something we need to at least be aware of."

"Fabulous course. Gives detailed insight into all sources of energy presently available to mankind. Only drawback is that it's not up to date."

Instructors are highly qualified experts.

"Excellent content of the course."

"You get taught by highly qualified lecturers and focus mainly on key themes ..."

"The level and weight of the lecturers is really admirable."

"I really enjoyed doing this course. I got a depth knowledge of the topics as the instructors explained it really well and It have impacted my future regarding conserving energy, what options we have and we can do as a community to bring those around us."

Stresses the importance of renewable energy.

"It gave a wide infiinfo about our sweet envirobment I"

"Very comprehensive look at energy and the environmental, social, political and economic impacts."

"Excellent informations were provided by this course on our present energy environment & future energy environment."

"You get taught by highly qualified lecturers and focus mainly on key themes such as renewable energy sources and climate change."

"Excellent course providing insight to a vast array of renewable energy options such as wind, solar, nuclear, with particular emphasis on biofuels."

Course content is outdated.

"Needs an update, this was recorded around 2015 or 2016."

"The course was lengthy with lot of information."

"Very informative and well presented. It is a little dated, however. The course was created in 2015, I think, and some of the concepts are dated."

"it's good to have this ype of cource for study ... but if i am paying this much for a cource ... I expect it to be latest, this cource is years old and old data, they must update the cource now."

"Really enjoyed this course, the second lectures with Stephen Mayfield asking Q's is also really helpful. However it would be nice if they re-vamped the course to make it more relevant to this year as this course was made in 2013."

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 Our Energy Future with these activities:

Participate in a Local Energy Conservation Campaign

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Volunteer to raise awareness about energy conservation, reinforcing the importance and impact of individual actions.

Browse courses on Energy

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Reach out to local organizations involved in energy conservation efforts.
Offer your time and support for events or campaigns.

Attend a Guest Lecture on Energy Efficiency

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Attend a guest lecture to gain insights from experts and stay informed about advancements in energy efficiency technologies.

Browse courses on Energy

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Check course announcements for upcoming guest lectures.
Attend the guest lecture and actively participate in the discussion.

Compile a Glossary of Energy Terminology

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Create a comprehensive glossary to enhance understanding of key energy-related terms and concepts.

Browse courses on Energy

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Identify and gather relevant energy-related terms from lectures, readings, and other sources.
Define and explain each term in a clear and concise manner.
Organize the terms alphabetically or by category for easy reference.

Five other activities

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Show all eight activities

Explore Online Energy Calculators

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Use online calculators to estimate energy consumption and savings, enhancing practical understanding of energy concepts.

Browse courses on Energy

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Identify reputable websites that offer energy calculators.
Explore the different calculators available, such as those for electricity, natural gas, and transportation.
Use the calculators to estimate energy consumption and savings for various scenarios.

Join a Study Group

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Engage with peers to discuss course concepts, share insights, and clarify understanding of complex topics.

Browse courses on Energy

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Find like-minded classmates who are interested in the course material.
Establish regular study sessions to discuss key concepts.
Take turns presenting summaries of assigned readings or leading group discussions.

Complete Practice Problems

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Practice solving problems on energy production and utilization to reinforce understanding.

Browse courses on Energy

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Identify key concepts from each lecture.
Attempt practice problems related to these concepts.
Check solutions and identify areas for improvement.

Create a Biofuel Infographic

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Create an infographic to explain the process and benefits of biofuel production, consolidating knowledge of different biofuel sources.

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Research different biofuel sources and their production processes.
Design the infographic, including visuals and concise text.
Present the infographic to classmates or online communities for feedback.

Develop a Proposal for a Sustainable Energy Project

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Create a comprehensive plan for a sustainable energy project to apply knowledge of energy production and utilization, fostering critical thinking and real-world problem-solving.

Browse courses on Energy

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Identify a specific energy issue or challenge to address.
Research and analyze different sustainable energy technologies.
Design and develop a detailed proposal outlining the project's goals, methods, and expected outcomes.

Career center

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

Environmental Engineer

An Environmental Engineer designs and implements solutions to environmental issues. Knowledge of various energy sources, coupled with an understanding of the social, economic, and environmental impacts of energy production, are essential to the success of an Environmental Engineer. This course helps build a foundation to understand some of the key environmental impacts of energy production and use, including the release of carbon dioxide into the environment. It may help an aspiring Environmental Engineer make informed decisions when designing solutions to reduce carbon emissions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Policy Analyst

A Policy Analyst develops and analyzes policies and regulations to address specific issues. This course can be useful for understanding the policy landscape surrounding energy production and use. Its particular focus on the consequences of carbon dioxide release into the environment may help someone in this role to analyze policies that seek to address carbon emissions, climate change, and other environmental issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Sustainability Consultant

A Sustainability Consultant advises organizations on how to minimize their environmental impact and implement sustainable practices. This course may help build a foundation for understanding the environmental and sustainability implications of various energy sources. It also covers the importance of creating a sustainable energy future, particularly for developing countries. This knowledge can be useful to Sustainability Consultants who work with organizations to reduce their carbon footprint, meet environmental regulations, and adopt sustainable energy practices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Climate Scientist

A Climate Scientist studies climate change and its potential impacts on the environment and society. This course may help a Climate Scientist understand the link between energy production and climate change. It also covers the importance of decreasing Short-lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs) to mitigate climate change, which can help Climate Scientists develop strategies to reduce SLCP emissions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Scientist

Regulatory Affairs Specialist

A Regulatory Affairs Specialist ensures that a company's products and practices comply with government regulations. This course may be useful for understanding the regulatory landscape surrounding energy production and use. Its focus on the social, economic, and environmental impacts of energy production can help someone in this role understand the rationale behind regulations and make informed decisions about compliance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Regulatory Affairs Specialist

Environmental Scientist

An Environmental Scientist studies the environment and its components and seeks solutions to environmental issues. This course may help an aspiring Environmental Scientist understand the environmental impacts of energy production and use. It also covers the importance of creating a sustainable energy future, particularly for developing countries. This knowledge can be useful to Environmental Scientists who work on projects related to energy production and environmental sustainability.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Energy Analyst

An Energy Analyst researches and analyzes energy markets and trends to provide insights and recommendations. This course can be useful for understanding the current and future energy landscape, including the production and utilization of energy, as well as the consequences of energy use. It also covers the emerging field of sustainable energy, fuel, and food production, which are key areas of interest for Energy Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Analyst

Environmental Lawyer

An Environmental Lawyer specializes in environmental law and advises clients on legal issues related to the environment. This course may be useful for understanding the legal framework surrounding energy production and use. Its focus on the social, economic, and environmental impacts of energy production can help someone in this role understand the legal implications of energy-related activities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Lawyer

Science Writer

A Science Writer communicates complex scientific information to a non-scientific audience. This course may help an aspiring Science Writer understand the science behind energy production and use. It covers various energy sources, their environmental impacts, and the emerging field of sustainable energy, fuel, and food production. This knowledge can be useful for writing articles, reports, and other materials that explain energy-related issues to a broader audience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer

Renewable Energy Project Developer

A Renewable Energy Project Developer plans, develops, and manages renewable energy projects. This course may be useful for understanding the different renewable energy technologies, their environmental impacts, and the economics of renewable energy production. It also covers the importance of creating a sustainable energy future, particularly for developing countries. This knowledge can be useful for Renewable Energy Project Developers who work on projects involving wind energy, solar energy, and other renewable energy sources.

See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Project Developer

Energy Efficiency Consultant

An Energy Efficiency Consultant advises organizations on how to reduce their energy consumption and improve their energy efficiency. This course may be useful for understanding the principles of energy efficiency and the different technologies and strategies that can be used to reduce energy consumption. It also covers the economics of energy efficiency, which can help Energy Efficiency Consultants make informed recommendations to clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Efficiency Consultant

Energy Economist

An Energy Economist analyzes economic issues related to energy production, consumption, and policy. This course may be useful for understanding the economic impacts of energy production and use. It also covers the emerging field of sustainable energy, fuel, and food production, which are key areas of interest for Energy Economists. This knowledge can be useful for analyzing the costs and benefits of different energy policies and making recommendations to policymakers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Economist

Energy Policy Analyst

An Energy Policy Analyst researches and analyzes energy policies and regulations to provide insights and recommendations to policymakers. This course may be useful for understanding the policy landscape surrounding energy production and use. Its particular focus on the consequences of carbon dioxide release into the environment may help someone in this role to analyze policies that seek to address carbon emissions, climate change, and other environmental issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Policy Analyst

Climate Policy Analyst

A Climate Policy Analyst researches and analyzes climate change policies and regulations to provide insights and recommendations to policymakers. This course may be useful for understanding the policy landscape surrounding climate change and energy production. Its particular focus on the consequences of carbon dioxide release into the environment may help someone in this role to analyze policies that seek to address carbon emissions and climate change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Policy Analyst

Sustainability Manager

A Sustainability Manager develops and implements sustainability strategies for organizations. This course may be useful for understanding the environmental, social, and economic impacts of energy production and use. It also covers the importance of creating a sustainable energy future, particularly for developing countries. This knowledge can be useful for Sustainability Managers who work on projects related to energy production and sustainability.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager