CDAE 06-Energy Alternatives
Syllabus

Term:  Fall

 

Two field trips to energy production facilities

Credits:  3


Instructor:

Gary Flomenhoft, Research Associate

Gund Institute for Ecological-Economics

617 Main St.

gary.flo@uvm.edu

802-656-2996

cv: http://www.uvm.edu/giee/cvs/Garyvita.htm

 

Office Hours:

Tue 9-12
I believe an important part of teaching is being accessible to students. I am usually in the office every day from 9-5. Call before coming to my office, then feel free to stop by and ask questions at any time. E-mail communications are encouraged.


Course Description:    

Energy is the most important natural resource because it is used to extract and produce all other resources, as well as powering transportation, industry, and housing. The availability of energy is key to future planning and political economy.

 

The course will begin with an overview of all different forms of energy: nuclear, fossil fuel, geothermal, renewable. Renewable energy will include, hydro, wind, solar, biomass, tidal, ocean thermal, etc. The second part of the course will cover alternative energy futures. There are four main alternative viewpoints of the future of energy:

1. "Cornucopians", or "Panglossians" who are generally free-market, "neo-classical" economists who base their understanding on prices as the determinant of scarcity or surplus, and who often believe that energy supplies are limitless and abundant, based on historical price trends and technical innovation. They support the status quo.

2. "Cassandras", mainly environmentalists and ecologists who are concerned about the effect of burning fossil fuel on the buildup of greenhouse gasses, pollution of air, water, and soil, and concern for the future, and who believe that fossil fuels are leading to the destruction of the earth. They promote the use of renewable energy

3. Petroleum geologists and other scientists who assess the physical and technical limits of energy resources, and make assessments of remaining fossil fuel reserves, and energy rates of return on production of energy. they make various recommendations for the future.

4. Politicians who set energy policy. Which of the previous three sets of analysts they listen to and believe plays a major role in determining the type of energy policy they will set.

 

Prerequisites: Ability to think independently  

Additional requirements: Attend 2 field trips     

 

Grading:
Your performance in CDAE 06 is commensurate with the amount of effort you put into it. It is a 3-credit course. Therefore, you should expect to spend between 6 to 10 hours per week, on average, outside of class on reading, studying, and homework. 3 short Papers and final paper, exams, class participation, effort will all count toward the final grade. Creativity will be rewarded. Regurgitation of material presented in class will not be rewarded. Papers with spelling and/or grammatical errors will not be accepted. Please see the writing center for assistance if unable to write properly: http://www.uvm.edu/~learnco/writing/

 

Presentation 10%

3 Exams 10% each=30%

Homework 20%

Attendance 10%

Field trip reports 10%

Final 20%

         
Readings


Course Objectives:
Students who complete this course will develop competency in the following areas:

Knowledge

¯ Demonstrate an understanding of different forms of energy
¯ Demonstrate an understanding of economic principles of energy markets and energy analysis
¯ Demonstrate an understanding of various points of view on the future of energy


Skills

¯ Demonstrate interpersonal skills and teamwork developed through homework assignments and class participation.
¯ Demonstrate written and oral communication skills and research skills developed through a series of assignments and class participation.
¯ Demonstrate critical thinking and more importantly creative thinking skills
¯ Demonstrate technology-related skills (for example, library search techniques, internet searches, spreadsheet and word processing skills) developed through classroom experience and course assignments.


Abilities

¯ Demonstrate the ability to think critically, listen actively and allow for alternative points of view.


Class Preparation, Attendance and Participation:
There is one 3 hr class each week. You should be prepared for every class. You are expected to read the assigned readings, bring pen, paper and calculator and show up on time. The assigned readings are important starting places for our discussions. They will help you become familiar with concepts used in class. I donÕt expect you to grasp everything completely the first time you read it, but by reading first, you can figure out for yourself what you donÕt understand before class begins. In the grading description below, you will see that a portion of your grade is dependent on attendance and participation.

At the beginning of each class, I will circulate a sign-up sheet, which will be used to verify attendance.    Excused absences are allowable under certain circumstances. If you must miss a class due to illness or other engagements (job interview, participation in sporting events, etc.) please inform me of your intended absence as soon as is practically possible. Attendance will count toward your grade.

Course Principles (Honesty Policy):
As members of civil society and participants in an institution such as UVM, we all must submit to honor codes and policy statements. This course is no different. I propose the following principles to apply to our interrelationships and attitudes regarding class participation.


¯ Professionalism: Hard work, determination, and respect for others will define your individual progress and success.
¯ Positive Attitude: School should provide some opportunities to engage in a lighter side of learning and life. LetÕs hope we have some fun during our time together.
¯ Plagarism: Copying is cheating. You are stealing someone elseÕs work by attempting to take credit for it yourself. You are expected to do ORIGINAL WORK in this class, and to appropriately cite your references in those cases where you do rely upon the previous work of someone else.
¯ Academic Integrity: At the end of the day, all that any of us really have to show for the effort is our integrity. Integrity, at a minimum, requires compliance with the University Honor Code as spelled out in the UVM Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities and University Policies.


Learning Disabilities:
If you have a diagnosed learning disability and feel you may need special accommodations in either learning the course materials or taking exams, please contact me as soon as possible at the beginning of the semester to discuss the issue.


* * *
I reserve the right to make necessary changes and additions to this syllabus and to the Course Outline throughout the semester. These changes or additions will be announced in class.

It is your responsibility to obtain all materials, handouts, class notes, etc. and to be aware of any announcements made in class, whether you are in class or not on the days the announcements are made or material is presented.