NPRE 101

Engineering at Illinois Engineering at Illinois

Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering

NPRE 101

COURSE OUTLINE

Course Number: NPRE 101

Title: Introduction to Energy Sciences

Catalogue Description: Explains energy technologies using an elementary approach which pre-supposes no prior scientific or technical background. Examines all energy sources including fossil fueled, solar, hydro, and nuclear power. Demonstrations and a tour of the University's power plant are integral parts of the course. Energy related incidents are discussed, including their environmental, economic, and social impact. Same as ENVS 101.

Course Topics and Hours
Principle Topics Covered Hours (Approximate)
Basic Energy Science (BES)  
What is energy? 5
  • Chemistry of Energy
  • Physics of Energy
  • Thermodynamics
  • Engineering Sciences
  
Global Energy Use and Supply 3
  • Who has it?
  • Who wants it?
  • How much does it cost?
  
Fossil Fuels 9
  • Coal
  • Oil
  • Natural Gas
  • Refining
  • Exploration
  • *A Visit to the University Power Plant*
  • Wastes
  • Acid Rain
  • Greenhouse Effect
  
Renewable Energy Sources 8
  • *A Visit to the Solar Pond on Campus*
  • Solar
  • Biomass and Biofuels
  • Geothermal
  • Hydro
  • Waves, Tides and Ocean Thermal
  
Nuclear Power 14
  • Radiation
  • Nuclear Fuels
  • How Reactors Work
  • Reactor Safety
  • Three-Mile Island
  • Chernobyl
  • Waste Management
  • *A Visit to Nuclear Reactor Bldg on Campus*
  • Nuclear Fusion
  
Economics and Public Opinion 4
  • Economy of Scale?
  • Risk-Benefit Analysis
  • Policy
  
Total 45

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Basic Texts:

  • J.A. Paulos "Innumeracy" Vinatge Bools, 1990.
  • R.A.Hinricks "Energy" 2nd Ed. Sanders College, 1998.

Prerequisites: None.

Purpose of Course: Meets university-wide general education requirements for science.

Instructor: David Ruzic

Credit: 3 Semester Hours

Meeting hours per week: 3 + 1 hour for Discovery section; + 1 hour for Campus Honor's section

Class registration opacity: 100

Semesters course offered: REFER TO MASTER LISTING

Other notes: This course is intended as a general education requirement for all non-engineering non-science majors.

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