Independent Learning

ENVS 4100 / NCSP 5100 Environmental Topics; Energy Science and Technology

September 2 - December 12, 2008

This course can not be applied towards the Sustainable Practices Certificate Program.

Course Format

Online Only

ENVS 4100-581, CU Boulder Credit, $798
NCSP 5100-581, Non-Credit / 3 CEUs, $495

Course Description

This course will provide an understanding of the basics of energy science and technologies. We’ll start with energy concepts (such as power, resources, and carriers), and then move on to a closer look at how we produce, transform, and consume energy in the U.S. We’ll explore how energy use contributes to environmental challenges, notably climate change. And we’ll assess alternatives, including renewables and energy efficiency, to better understand their potentials and limitations. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours, provided the topics vary.

Instructor Bio

Paul Komor is the Energy Education Director at the University of Colorado-Boulder, and a Lecturer in the University’s Environmental Studies program. Prior to joining the University of Colorado faculty, Paul was a Project Director at the U.S. Congress’ Office of Technology Assessment (OTA), where he worked with Congressional Committees in preparing and evaluating energy legislation. Prior to joining OTA, he taught at the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton University. He holds a B.S. from Cornell University, and a M.S. and Ph.D. from Stanford University and he shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for his work with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).