Our Energy Future Course Syllabus
Full curriculum breakdown — modules, lessons, estimated time, and outcomes.
This course provides an interdisciplinary exploration of modern energy challenges and sustainable solutions, designed for beginners interested in environmental science, public policy, and renewable energy systems. Over approximately 14 hours of content, learners will progress through ten modules covering energy fundamentals, physical and biological energy sources, sustainability, and policy implications. The course combines clear explanations, visual content, and real-world context to build a comprehensive understanding of our energy future.
Module 1: General Course Materials
Estimated time: 1 hour
- Introduction to course structure and objectives
- Overview of learning resources
- Instructor and institutional information
Module 2: Introduction to Energy
Estimated time: 3 hours
- Basics of energy consumption and production
- Global trends in petroleum usage
- Energy use and its relationship to food systems
- 21st-century energy challenges
Module 3: Physical Energy Sources
Estimated time: 4 hours
- Overview of wind energy technologies
- Solar energy systems and applications
- Nuclear energy fundamentals
- Electric vehicles and energy storage solutions
- Smart grid systems and infrastructure
Module 4: Introduction to Biological Energy Sources
Estimated time: 1 hour
- Introduction to plant-based energy sources
- Algae as a biological energy source
- Comparison of biological and physical energy sources
Module 5: Plant Biofuel
Estimated time: 2 hours
- Corn ethanol production and impact
- Jatropha as a biofuel crop
- Cellulosic ethanol technologies
- Limitations and sustainability concerns of plant-based fuels
Module 6: Algae Biofuel
Estimated time: 2 hours
- Types of algae used in fuel production
- Algae cultivation techniques
- Fuel processing methods from algae
Module 7: Biofuel Production and Downstream Processing
Estimated time: 1 hour
- Overview of biofuel production techniques
- Refining and processing methods
- Barriers to large-scale biofuel deployment
Module 8: Social Issues, Economics, and Politics
Estimated time: 1 hour
- Global perspectives on energy policy
- Economic impacts of energy systems
- Societal implications of energy decisions
Module 9: Climate Change
Estimated time: 1 hour
- Role of energy consumption in climate change
- Greenhouse gas emissions from energy sources
- Importance of transitioning to sustainable energy
Module 10: Final Assessment
Estimated time: 1 hour
- Comprehensive final exam
- Review of key concepts from all modules
- Certificate of completion eligibility
Prerequisites
- Basic understanding of high school-level science
- Familiarity with environmental concepts is helpful but not required
- No prior engineering or policy background needed
What You'll Be Able to Do After
- Understand the fundamentals of energy production and consumption
- Analyze connections between energy systems, environmental impact, and food production
- Evaluate physical and biological energy sources including fossil fuels, solar, wind, nuclear, and biofuels
- Assess sustainable energy solutions and their role in addressing climate change
- Explain the social, political, and economic implications of energy decisions