Teaching Energy Physics for Environmental Studies: A Course Summary

Abstract

This article summarizes a college course on energy physics for an environmental studies curriculum. The course was developed as an upper-division course. However, it has no physics prerequisite and could be offered as a lower-division course or a core curriculum course with minimal modification. The rationale for the course in the wider curriculum is explained followed by an overview of the course learning goals organized by unit. The course texts are discussed, and useful laboratory and demonstration equipment is referenced. The article concludes with a discussion of the evolution of the course and the impact the course has had on our curriculum.