About this course: 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.
Created by: University of California, San Diego
Taught by: Dr. Stephen Mayfield, Professor of Molecular Biology
John Dove Isaacs Chair of Natural Philosophy
| Commitment | 45 hours of videos, quizzes and peer reviews |
| Language | English, Subtitles: Spanish |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
General Course Materials
Course overview materials, including syllabus, lecturer information, grading criteria, and external notices and resources.
7 readings
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.
10 videos, 5 readings
Graded: Introduction to Energy Quiz
WEEK 2
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 techno...
12 videos, 6 readings
Graded: Physical Energy Sources Quiz
Graded: Peer Review: Carbon Footprint
WEEK 3
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.
2 videos, 1 reading
WEEK 4
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.
6 videos, 3 readings
Graded: Intro to Biological Energy Sources and Plant Biofuel Quiz
WEEK 5
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 too...
9 videos, 5 readings
Graded: Midterm Exam
WEEK 6
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 impor...
11 videos, 6 readings
Graded: Biofuel Production and Downstream Processing Quiz
WEEK 7
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...
16 videos, 7 readings
Graded: Social Issues, Economics, and Politics Quiz
Graded: Peer Review: Local Energy Solutions
WEEK 8
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-l...
8 videos, 4 readings
Graded: Final Exam
WEEK 9
Office Hours
Recordings of live office hours from Dr. Mayfield and other course lecturers.
10 videos
FAQs
How It Works
Coursework
Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.
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Creators
University of California, San Diego
UC San Diego is an academic powerhouse and economic engine, recognized as one of the top 10 public universities by U.S. News and World Report. Innovation is central to who we are and what we do. Here, students learn that knowledge isn't just acquired in the classroom—life is their laboratory.
Ratings and Reviews
Extremely interesting, well organized course. Highly recommended!
Really good course for those interested in the future of our energy systems. Fast paced and a lot to absorb, but worth the effort.
excellent course, learned a lot
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Excelente, gracias