EGEE 102
(GN)
Energy Conservation for Environmental Protection (3) Exposure to energy efficiency in day-to-day life to save money and energy, and thereby protect the environment.
EGEE 102 Energy Conservation for Environmental Protection (3)
(GN)
(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.
Energy is a vital component of modern society. Much of the general population believes that the energy sources we depend on are perpetual. While people believe that the energy use is the culprit for environmental damage, they are not aware of the methods and principles by which energy conversion devices operate. This general education course provides students with necessary knowledge and information on the main operating principles of devices/appliances that are in common use and information on which to make the right decision in selecting the most energy efficient and economical choice. These devices are day-to-day appliances such as refrigerators, washers and dryers, ovens, etc., and home heating or cooling and transportation choices. The course also provides necessary information on heating furnaces, insulation, doors and windows, lighting, and air conditioning principles. The objective of the course is to expose students to energy efficiency in day to day life in order to save money and energy and thereby protect the environment. This education is very important for all college students to turn them into environmentally-responsible individuals of this Global Village.
The course entails various simple but important group-activities/projects to reinforce the information taught through formal lectures. This is not meant to be a laboratory course or a research project. The group activities include conducting a set experiments and/or gathering and analyzing the data informally (at home) and formally presenting the observations to their peers both in writing and orally. Examples of group activities (fun) are: 1) conducting a home energy audit while walking around a house, apartment, trailer, etc. and taking notes on the cracks openings, caulking condition, insulating materials used, data on heating system, windows etc., and suggesting specific ways to conserve energy in the residence and 2) Energy usage analysis- involves analysis of home utility bills and energy consumption patterns and costs related to those for a year.
Student performance will be evaluated continuously through group activities, one mid-term exam, class participation and a final examination. Collaborative-activities are used in lieu of homework assignments. This course is a stand-alone General-Education course. The course is currently offered every Fall and Spring semesters with a total target enrollment of approximately 40 students per semester.
Note : Class size, frequency of offering, and evaluation methods will vary by location and instructor. For these details check the specific course syllabus.