We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Dr. Stephen Mayfield
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/l0sop3/our
Here's a deal for you
Save money when you learn with a deal that may be relevant to this course.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Get offer
What's inside
Syllabus
General Course Materials
Course overview materials, including syllabus, lecturer information, grading criteria, and external notices and resources.
Read more
Syllabus
General Course Materials
Course overview materials, including syllabus, lecturer information, grading criteria, and external notices and resources.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause 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
Save this course
Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save
Save
Reviews summary
Broad interdisciplinary energy overview
According to students, this course offers a broad, interdisciplinary overview spanning biology, engineering, economics, and social science perspectives on energy and climate change. Learners appreciate the diversity of expert lecturers from UC San Diego and industry, finding the introduction to various energy sources, including renewables like biofuels and solar, particularly valuable. While some find the course well-structured and accessible for beginners, others note that the breadth means certain topics lack depth and the varying lecture styles can be inconsistent. Overall, it is considered a solid starting point for understanding the complexities of our energy future.
Suitable for beginners in energy.
"This is an excellent course if you're new to studying energy and its related issues."
"I had no prior background in energy, and this course was a great starting point."
"Provides a solid foundation for understanding the basics of energy systems."
Variety of experts share insights.
"Hearing from different UCSD faculty and industry professionals was a highlight."
"The different lecturers bring unique perspectives to the material."
"I enjoyed learning from experts in various fields like biology and engineering."
Covers diverse topics in energy.
"I appreciated how the course touched on biology, engineering, economics, and even policy related to energy."
"This course gives a really good high-level view of the many facets of the energy landscape."
"It's a great introduction to the broad range of issues surrounding energy today."
Quality varies between lecturers.
"Some lectures were highly engaging, others were a bit dry or hard to follow."
"The quality of the lectures wasn't consistent across all instructors."
"I had to rewatch some lectures because the delivery style made it difficult to grasp concepts immediately."
Some topics are not explored deeply.
"While broad, I felt some sections could have gone into more detail."
"It covers many topics, but don't expect deep dives into any single one."
"I found myself wanting more technical depth in certain areas discussed briefly in lectures."
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
Show steps
Volunteer to raise awareness about energy conservation, reinforcing the importance and impact of individual actions.
Browse courses on
Energy
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Attend a guest lecture to gain insights from experts and stay informed about advancements in energy efficiency technologies.
Browse courses on
Energy
Show steps
-
Check course announcements for upcoming guest lectures.
-
Attend the guest lecture and actively participate in the discussion.
Compile a Glossary of Energy Terminology
Show steps
Create a comprehensive glossary to enhance understanding of key energy-related terms and concepts.
Browse courses on
Energy
Show steps
-
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
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Explore Online Energy Calculators
Show steps
Use online calculators to estimate energy consumption and savings, enhancing practical understanding of energy concepts.
Browse courses on
Energy
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Engage with peers to discuss course concepts, share insights, and clarify understanding of complex topics.
Browse courses on
Energy
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Practice solving problems on energy production and utilization to reinforce understanding.
Browse courses on
Energy
Show steps
-
Identify key concepts from each lecture.
-
Attempt practice problems related to these concepts.
-
Check solutions and identify areas for improvement.
Create a Biofuel Infographic
Show steps
Create an infographic to explain the process and benefits of biofuel production, consolidating knowledge of different biofuel sources.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
-
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.
Participate in a Local Energy Conservation Campaign
Show steps
Volunteer to raise awareness about energy conservation, reinforcing the importance and impact of individual actions.
Browse courses on
Energy
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Attend a guest lecture to gain insights from experts and stay informed about advancements in energy efficiency technologies.
Browse courses on
Energy
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Check course announcements for upcoming guest lectures.
- Attend the guest lecture and actively participate in the discussion.
Compile a Glossary of Energy Terminology
Show steps
Create a comprehensive glossary to enhance understanding of key energy-related terms and concepts.
Browse courses on
Energy
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Explore Online Energy Calculators
Show steps
Use online calculators to estimate energy consumption and savings, enhancing practical understanding of energy concepts.
Browse courses on
Energy
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Engage with peers to discuss course concepts, share insights, and clarify understanding of complex topics.
Browse courses on
Energy
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Practice solving problems on energy production and utilization to reinforce understanding.
Browse courses on
Energy
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify key concepts from each lecture.
- Attempt practice problems related to these concepts.
- Check solutions and identify areas for improvement.
Create a Biofuel Infographic
Show steps
Create an infographic to explain the process and benefits of biofuel production, consolidating knowledge of different biofuel sources.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
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
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
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.
Policy Analyst
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.
Sustainability Consultant
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.
Climate Scientist
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.
Regulatory Affairs Specialist
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.
Environmental Scientist
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.
Energy Analyst
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.
Environmental Lawyer
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.
Science Writer
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.
Renewable Energy Project Developer
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.
Energy Efficiency Consultant
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.
Energy Economist
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.
Energy Policy Analyst
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.
Climate 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.
Sustainability Manager
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/l0sop3/our
Reading list
We've selected 44 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Our Energy Future.
Save
Presents a comprehensive plan for reversing global warming. It good resource for learning about the different ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.
Provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable energy options, including renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, and energy storage. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the different sustainable energy options available.
Save
A comprehensive overview of the use of renewable energy from an engineering perspective. Provides an in-depth look at the science behind renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, hydro, and biomass.
Provides a sobering assessment of the potential consequences of climate change. It good resource for learning about the risks posed by climate change and the need for urgent action.
Provides a comprehensive assessment of the global energy system. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the latest developments in energy policy and technology.
Offers a comprehensive overview of sustainability. can be used as a general reference throughout the course, particularly for the units on Social Issues, Economics, and Politics, and Climate Change.
Save
Presents a detailed scientific assessment of the current state of the climate crisis. can be a helpful resource for the unit on Climate Change.
Discusses the different options for sustainable energy, including their advantages and disadvantages. It good resource for learning about the different ways to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.
Offers a comprehensive overview of the social dimensions of climate change. can be used as a supplemental resource for the unit on Climate Change.
Save
Discusses the history of climate change denial and the need for action to address climate change. It good resource for learning about the challenges facing the climate movement and the importance of science.
Provides a collection of essays on energy from a variety of perspectives. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the different ways of thinking about energy.
Provides a clear and concise overview of the economics of climate change. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the economic costs and benefits of climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Provides a concise overview of the science of climate change and the role of energy in climate change mitigation. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the relationship between climate change and energy.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of energy. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the social and economic implications of energy production and use.
Discusses the history of extinction and the current threats facing biodiversity. It good resource for learning about the importance of biodiversity and the need to protect it.
This classic and provocative book establishes Julian Simon as one of the most recognized scholars of environmental issues.
Explores the economic and ethical issues associated with the development and use of different energy sources. It good resource for learning about the challenges and opportunities facing the energy sector.
Provides a comprehensive overview of environmental and natural resource economics. can be used as a supplemental resource for the unit on Social Issues, Economics, and Politics.
Discusses the history of food production and the challenges facing the food system today. It good resource for learning about the importance of sustainable agriculture and the need to reform the food system.
Provides an overview of the role of renewable energy in mitigating climate change.
Provides a sweeping overview of human history. It good resource for learning about the development of human civilization and the challenges facing humanity today.
Save
Provides an insider's account of the 2008 financial crisis. It good resource for learning about the causes of the crisis and the role of government in preventing future crises.
Save
A valuable guide to understanding and using biomass energy, from plant biology to production systems, and sustainability.
Provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the science of climate change. It is useful for students and general readers who want to understand the causes and impacts of climate change.
Provides a comprehensive overview of renewable energy technologies, with a focus on their sustainability and economic viability.
Provides a comprehensive overview of energy conversion technologies, including both traditional and renewable sources.
Provides an overview of the different forms of energy, their sources, and their uses. It good introduction to the topic of energy.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the science of climate change, with a focus on the implications for policymakers.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the physics and engineering of solar energy conversion. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the latest developments in solar energy technology.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of wind energy technology and applications. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the latest developments in wind energy technology.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of energy storage technologies and materials. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the latest developments in energy storage technology.
Provides a concise overview of energy efficiency policies and measures. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the latest developments in energy efficiency policy.
Provides a historical perspective on the collapse of civilizations. It good resource for learning about the factors that can lead to societal collapse and the importance of resilience.
Provides an overview of the policy and politics of renewable energy, with a focus on the role of government.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of nuclear energy technology and applications. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the latest developments in nuclear energy technology.
Provides an economic perspective on climate change, discussing the costs and benefits of mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Save
A comprehensive review of the science of climate change, from the basic physics to the latest research findings.
Provides a historical perspective on the development and use of energy. It good resource for learning about how energy has shaped human history.
Save
A thought-provoking examination of the consequences of the world's growing dependence on fossil fuels.
Provides a detailed account of the life and career of Robert Moses, one of the most influential figures in the development of New York City. It good resource for learning about the role of government in shaping the built environment.
Save
A comprehensive textbook on energy science, policy, and the environment, useful as a reference.
A groundbreaking report on the economics of climate change, which served as a catalyst for international action on this critical issue.
A highly practical guide to improving energy efficiency in buildings, with a focus on practical, low-cost solutions.
A controversial and thought-provoking critique of the growing reliance on renewable energy sources, arguing that they are not as sustainable as they are often claimed to be.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/l0sop3/our
Share
Similar courses
Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Rating
4.7
Effort
37 hours to complete
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of California San Diego
Instructor
Dr. Stephen Mayfield
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
Svenska
Pусский
Türkçe
Polski
Ελληνικά
українська мова
magyar nyelv
Bahasa Indonesia
ไทย
қазақша
اُردُو,
فارسی
বাংলা
tiếng Việt
پښتو
آذربایجان دیلی
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser