Module 1 is an introduction to the course, its overall goals, topics covered, types of assignments and expectations. We'll discuss meeting times, reading materials and where to find them, the writing-intensive nature of the course, and the grading scheme. Then we'll break down the term 'sustainable energy system'. What does the term mean? Why is it relevant? Is it possible? And how is the structure of the course designed to help us learn more, draw conclusions and evaluate possible solutions.
First: Review of the syllabus, Weebly website and Canvas Module 1 lecture: [Each section 1-5 is a link to slide set.] 1.1: What is energy? 1.2: What is 'conventional' energy? 1.3: What is 'sustainable' energy? 1.4: What is a system? 1.5: Why is systems thinking important? Resources:
Some students like to print the PDF version and bring it to class. > Lecture 1 (PowerPoint) > Lecture 1 (PDF, 2/pg) > Module 1: quick overview Additional resources & links of interest:
Energy: see the many links to energy resources provided near the bottom of the main course page Systems thinking:
> Systems diagrams: introduction (More Steam) [Short & Sweet] > How to draw a systems diagram: step-by-step instructions for a simple example > Systems thinking resources (The Donella Meadows Project) > VIDEO: Systems thinking: an overview (Systems Academy) > VIDEO: Introduction to systems thinking (Peter Senge, MIT, 2014) > VIDEO: Got a wicked problem? First, tell me how you make toast. (TED talk, Wujec, 2013) > VIDEO: Simplifying complexity (TED, Eric Berlow, 2010) > VIDEO: Sustainable systems (part 1 of 4) (Donella Meadows) > BOOK: Thinking in systems: a primer (Donella Meadows, 2008) [find it at Hartness Library] Energy systems / primary energy:
> BP Energy Outlook, 2018 Edition (BP) > Global primary energy - statistics & facts (Statista: the statistics portal, current) > Comparison of energy systems using life cycle assessment (World Energy Council, 2004) |