Our Energy Future

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/future-of-energy

Introduction

### Course Review: Our Energy Future **Platform:** Coursera **Provided by:** [Institution Name] (if applicable, please specify) #### Overview "Our Energy Future" is a thought-provoking course designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the energy challenges facing the 21st century. With energy being a core component of modern society, the course delves into various facets of energy production and utilization, extending beyond purely technical knowledge to include perspectives from biology, engineering, economics, climate science, and social sciences. The interconnection between food production and energy is a unique angle that makes this course especially relevant today. #### Course Structure The course is logically structured, progressing from foundational concepts to more nuanced discussions about energy sources and their broader implications. Below is an outline of the syllabus: 1. **General Course Materials**: - An introduction to the course, including grading criteria, resources, and an overview of the key topics. 2. **Introduction to Energy**: - This foundational module sets the stage by exploring finite energy resources like petroleum and discussing energy consumption and potential renewable options. 3. **Physical Energy Sources**: - Students will examine alternative energy solutions, including wind, solar (photovoltaic and photothermal), and nuclear energy, while also discussing energy storage solutions and smart grid technologies. 4. **Introduction to Biological Energy Sources**: - This module covers the realm of biofuels, detailing how plants and algae serve as energy sources, alongside the benefits and limitations of these approaches. 5. **Plant Biofuel**: - A focused look at various plant-based fuels (e.g., corn ethanol, biodiesel) and the technologies behind them. 6. **Algae Biofuel**: - An exploration of algae as a biofuel source, this module covers different algae types and innovative technologies used in their production. 7. **Biofuel Production and Downstream Processing**: - Students will learn about the chemistry of biodiesel and the processes that convert biomass to fuel, while considering the water-energy nexus. 8. **Social Issues, Economics, and Politics**: - This section emphasizes the implications of energy practices on communities and economies, addressing regulatory frameworks and lifecycle assessments. 9. **Climate Change**: - A critical investigation into how energy production influences climate change, this module reviews important research findings and discusses mitigation strategies. 10. **Office Hours**: - Access to recorded sessions from the instructors, providing additional insights and clarifications. #### Review and Recommendations The course "Our Energy Future" is a substantial resource for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of energy production and its implications on society and the environment. The interdisciplinary approach is commendable, as it incorporates diverse fields to give a more holistic view of energy systems. The content is delivered through a combination of lectures, readings, and interactive discussions, which cater well to various learning styles. The instructors are knowledgeable and provide clear insights into complex topics, making the learning experience both engaging and informative. One of the most significant strengths of the course is its relevance and timeliness in addressing current global challenges, particularly as they relate to climate change and sustainability. The discussions on social equity and the economic aspects of energy are particularly insightful, shedding light on the impact of energy policies on different communities. Whether you are a student, a professional in the field, or simply an enthusiastic learner, this course is highly recommended for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of energy systems in a changing world. **Pros:** - Comprehensive coverage of energy-related topics. - Interdisciplinary approach linking biology, engineering, and social sciences. - Engaging instructors and interactive components. **Cons:** - The course may require a time commitment due to the depth and breadth of material covered. - Some complex topics may require additional external research to fully grasp. In conclusion, "Our Energy Future" on Coursera is an enriching educational experience that equips participants with the knowledge necessary to engage with one of the most pressing issues of our time: energy sustainability.

Syllabus

General Course Materials

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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