Our Energy Future

  • 4.7
Approx. 37 hours to complete

Course Summary

The Future of Energy course explores the various sources of energy and their impact on the environment, economy, and society. Students will learn about renewable energy sources and their potential to replace traditional fossil fuels.

Key Learning Points

  • Gain an understanding of the challenges facing the energy industry
  • Learn about renewable energy sources and their potential to replace traditional fossil fuels
  • Explore the economic and social impact of the shift to renewable energy

Related Topics for further study


Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the challenges facing the energy industry
  • Evaluate the potential of renewable energy sources
  • Assess the economic and social impact of the shift to renewable energy

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

  • Basic understanding of energy systems
  • Interest in renewable energy and sustainability

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

  • Online
  • Self-paced

Similar Courses

  • Sustainable Energy
  • Energy, Environment, and Everyday Life

Related Education Paths


Notable People in This Field

  • Bill Gates
  • Elon Musk

Related Books

Description

This course is designed to introduce students to the issues of energy in the 21st century – including food and fuels – which are inseparably linked – and will discuss energy production and utilization from the biology, engineering, economics, climate science, and social science perspectives.

Outline

  • General Course Materials
  • Syllabus
  • How to Use Discussion Forums
  • Glossary
  • Social Media Resources
  • Lecturers
  • Get to Know Your Classmates
  • Additional Opportunities
  • Introduction to Energy
  • Introduction to Energy Part 1
  • Introduction to Energy Part 2
  • Energy and Modern Agriculture Part 1
  • Energy and Modern Agriculture Part 2
  • Petroleum Part 1
  • Petroleum Part 2
  • Energy by the Numbers Part 1
  • Energy by the Numbers Part 2
  • What Scales to Meet Energy Demand? Part 1
  • What Scales to Meet Energy Demand? Part 2
  • Learning Objectives
  • Learning Objectives
  • Learning Objectives
  • Learning Objectives
  • Learning Objectives
  • Introduction to Energy Quiz
  • Physical Energy Sources
  • Future Energy Needs and Consequences from a Physical Sciences Perspective Part 1
  • Future Energy Needs and Consequences from a Physical Sciences Perspective Part 2
  • Wind Power and Turbine Technologies Part 1
  • Wind Power and Turbine Technologies Part 2
  • The Future of Nuclear Energy Part 1
  • The Future of Nuclear Energy Part 2
  • Photovoltaic and Photothermal Energy Production Part 1
  • Photovoltaic and Photothermal Energy Production Part 2
  • Electric Vehicles and Storage Technologies Part 1
  • Electric Vehicles and Storage Technologies Part 2
  • Energy Efficiency and Smart Grid Part 1
  • Energy Efficiency and Smart Grid Part 2
  • Learning Objectives
  • Learning Objectives
  • Learning Objectives
  • Learning Objectives
  • Learning Objectives
  • Learning Objectives
  • Physical Energy Sources Quiz
  • Introduction to Biological Energy Sources
  • Where Do We Go From Here? Biological Energy Options Part 1
  • Where Do We Go From Here? Biological Energy Options Part 2
  • Learning Objectives
  • Plant Biofuel
  • Corn Ethanol Part 1
  • Corn Ethanol Part 2
  • Cellulosic Ethanol Part 1
  • Cellulosic Ethanol Part 2
  • Jatropha Part 1
  • Jatropha Part 2
  • Learning Objectives
  • Learning Objectives
  • Learning Objectives
  • Intro to Biological Energy Sources and Plant Biofuel Quiz
  • Algae Biofuel
  • Cyanobacteria Part 1
  • Cyanobacteria Part 2
  • Diatoms Part 1
  • Diatoms Part 2
  • Green Algae
  • Bio-prospecting, Genetics, and Synthetic Biology of Algae Part 1
  • Bio-prospecting, Genetics, and Synthetic Biology of Algae Part 2
  • Learning Objectives
  • Learning Objectives
  • Learning Objectives
  • Learning Objectives
  • Learning Objectives
  • Midterm Exam
  • Biofuel Production and Downstream Processing
  • Biodiesel Chemistry and Analysis Part 1
  • Biodiesel Chemistry and Analysis Part 2
  • Thermochemical Conversion of Biomass to Fuel Part 1
  • Thermochemical Conversion of Biomass to Fuel Part 2
  • Biogas Part 1
  • Biogas Part 2
  • Production Processes for Biofuels from Algae Part 1
  • Production Processes for Biofuels from Algae Part 2
  • Nutrient Utilization and Recycling Part 1
  • Nutrient Utilization and Recycling Part 2
  • Biofuel and Water
  • Learning Objectives
  • Learning Objectives
  • Learning Objectives
  • Learning Objectives
  • Learning Objectives
  • Learning Objectives
  • Biofuel Production and Downstream Processing Quiz
  • Social Issues, Economics, and Politics
  • Economic and Social Impact of Energy Production and Use Part 1
  • Economic and Social Impact of Energy Production and Use Part 2
  • The Importance of Energy for the Bottom Billion Part 1
  • The Importance of Energy for the Bottom Billion Part 2
  • Economics of Energy Part 1
  • Economics of Energy Part 2
  • Regulation of Energy Use and Energy Efficiency Part 1
  • Regulation of Energy Use and Energy Efficiency Part 2
  • Energy Services for the Remote Communities of Nepal Part 1
  • Energy Services for the Remote Communities of Nepal Part 2
  • Lifecycle Assessment of Fossil and Renewable Fuels Part 1
  • Lifecycle Assessment of Fossil and Renewable Fuels Part 2
  • International Politics of Climate Change Part 1
  • International Politics of Climate Change Part 2
  • Learning Objectives
  • Learning Objectives
  • Learning Objectives
  • Learning Objectives
  • Learning Objectives
  • Learning Objectives
  • Learning Objectives
  • Social Issues, Economics, and Politics Quiz
  • Climate Change
  • Climate Change and the Impact of Carbon Dioxide Part 1
  • Climate Change and the Impact of Carbon Dioxide Part 2
  • A New Approach for Slowing Down Climate Change and Sea Level Rise in the Near-term Part 1
  • A New Approach for Slowing Down Climate Change and Sea Level Rise in the Near-term Part 2
  • Climate Change and Water in California Part 1
  • Climate Change and Water in California Part 2
  • Climate Change and Food Security Part 1
  • Climate Change and Food Security Part 2
  • Learning Objectives
  • Learning Objectives
  • Learning Objectives
  • Learning Objectives
  • Final Exam
  • Office Hours
  • Office Hours- Introduction to Energy with George Tynan
  • Office Hours - Physical Energy Sources with George Tynan
  • Office Hours - Physical Energy Sources with Bill Torre
  • Office Hours - Introduction to Biological Energy Sources with Susan Golden
  • Office Hours- Algae Biofuel with Stephen Mayfield
  • Office Hours - Biofuel Production and Downstream Processing with Skip Pomeroy
  • Office Hours - Biofuel Production and Downstream Processing with Rob McBride
  • Office Hours - Social Issues, Economics, and Politics with Mark Jacobsen
  • Office Hours - Social Issues, Economics, and Politics with David Victor
  • Office Hours - Climate Change with Stephen Mayfield

Summary of User Reviews

The Future of Energy course on Coursera received positive reviews overall. Many users appreciated the comprehensive approach of the course, which covers a wide range of topics related to energy. The course is well-structured with engaging content and informative lectures. However, some users found the course to be too basic and lacking in technical depth.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

Comprehensive approach to energy-related topics

Pros from User Reviews

  • Engaging content
  • Informative lectures
  • Well-structured course
  • Accessible to beginners
  • Great introduction to the topic

Cons from User Reviews

  • Lacks technical depth
  • Not suitable for advanced learners
  • Some content may be repetitive
  • No interaction with the instructor
  • Limited opportunities for discussion
English
Available now
Approx. 37 hours to complete
Dr. Stephen Mayfield
University of California San Diego
Coursera

Instructor

Dr. Stephen Mayfield

  • 4.7 Raiting
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