Understand Energy

Energy is all around us. It allows us to turn on lights, take hot showers, have cold drinks. It drives new technologies, affects climate change, and impacts our society, political system, and the environment. Energy is also a fundamental driver of human development and opportunity. In this course, you will explore the fundamentals of various energy resources and put these in the context of the broader energy system. You will discover what technologies, policies, and behaviors are changing the way we use energy and develop a greater awareness about the energy flows and systems impact our lives. From rooftop solar to batteries to hydraulic fracturing and more, find out how to become a change agent in developing solutions that improve our energy use patterns. You do not need a technical background to enroll in this course.This course is cross listed with CEE107A, EARTHSYS103.
NOTE for remote Non-degree option (NDO) students
Prerequisites: Algebra
The course schedule is displayed for planning purposes – courses can be modified, changed, or cancelled. Course availability will be considered finalized on the first day of open enrollment. For quarterly enrollment dates, please refer to our graduate education section.