• Examine why understanding the laws of physics matters in the global energy conversation. Identify different types of energy. Explain how energy transforms from one type to another. Explain how we store it and transmit it.
• Examine how the energy available limits the work that can be done (in a physics sense). Learn that a fundamental law of physics prevents the creation of energy from nothing.
• Explain how we can use energy to do useful work, but we always end up producing heat and how this is due to the reality of the world we live in as expressed as a fundamental law of physics. Explain why we cannot make machines that are perfectly efficient and why extracting heat from one location adds additional heat to another.
• Explain the relationship between the power of a device and how much energy it consumes. Propose ways that you can reduce the energy you use.
• Evaluate the sources we can extract energy from and their advantages and disadvantages both for individual and community use. Develop an understanding of how choices we make about our energy usage have wider impacts.
• Examine how we can make better estimates and the limits to making predictions. Explore how we assess and evaluate risks in making decisions.
• Learn how we estimate when a resource will run out. Develop an understanding of exponential growth and decay and why understanding exponentials is so important when thinking about sustainability. Reflect on the complexities of deciding how best to move forward balancing current needs against future consequences.
• Explore how to use basic ideas to make simple calculations that will guide in understanding what is possible/not possible moving forward.
• Understand how to evaluate your carbon footprint and think about the most impactful ways to reduce it.

Interactive lecture series, OER textbook readings, active learning activities, supplemental learning materials, weekly quizzes, a learning community with weekly discussion, and capstone paper

This course appears on your transcript identically to how it appears on the transcript of an enrolled ASU student who has taken the course on one of ASU’s campuses.

This course includes a lab and satisfies 4 credit hours toward the Natural Science - Quantitative (SQ) General Studies requirement at Arizona State University. It is strongly encouraged that you consult with your institution of choice to determine how these credits will be applied to their degree requirements prior to transferring your credit.