FRS 002H — Sec. 001 — (2 units) — CRN 53087 — W 1:10-3:00pm — 3102B Engineering III
Scientific Paradigm of Global Energy Development
Instructor: David Hwang, Department of Applied Science, College of Engineering
Description: The goal of this course is to develop the critical thinking process and scientific research methodology using a global energy perspective. Since the industrial revolution, energy sources are the foundations that drive the engines of industry that sustain the modern society. Today with limited traditional clean energy resources, the world is rapidly moving toward new energy resources that consider both climate change factors and promote global sustainable development.
Many energy paradigms, based on political, economical, or social considerations, have been proposed in the past. Here we shall examine the energy issues from a technological, political and economic perspective in order to develop a paradigm using scientific reasoning. The class is engaged in a new and paradigmatic revolution itself, as it is obvious that no nation, state or group of economists, politicians or scientists appear to know what the future will be or where society will go. This course debates the options while exploring new ones.
The course will explore, from a technological viewpoint, the economic and political capacity, advantages, and potential drawbacks of the four present predominant energy sources: fossil (coal, oil and gas), nuclear, renewable (wind, solar, geothermal) and mix or hybrid. Based on these careful examinations, class discussions, and a final presentation, the class as a whole will develop one or more paradigms of energy supply that can best meet the global energy need based on technological considerations.
Format: The class will meet two hours per week. The sessions will be composed of research methods, background material, class discussions, and final class presentations.
Each student will be required to write a paper, not to exceed 5 pages in length, on either the positive or negative aspects (considering a number of perspectives such as political, social, economical, or scientific) of one of the energy topics. There will be a final presentation from which conclusions can be drawn regarding global energy development and use.
In addition, energy policy issues will be discussed by a special lecture.
Grading: The course grade will be based on depth and understanding of the topic researched, as demonstrated in the paper and class discussion (1/3), the quality of the 5-page paper (1/3), and the contribution to the final presentation/discussion (1/3).
Special Activities: At this time two field trips are planned.
1) The first is to the UCD McClellan Nuclear reactor to observe the production of nuclear energy. Dr. Wade Richards will give a tour of the facility.
2) The second trip will be to the California Governor's Office on Energy Reliability where Dr. Woodrow Clark, Senior Advisor to the Governor of California on Energy Reliability, will give a special lecture on the social and economical aspects of energy policies.
About the Instructor: David Hwang is a member of the faculty in the Department of Applied Science. His research interests include experimental plasma physics, magnetic fusion energy development, astrophysical plasmas, plasma accelerators, and general electromagnetic problems. He is currently teaching a graduate course in plasma dynamics.