Physics 12: Energy and the Environment

Spring Term, 2009

This course looks at the role that energy plays in our lives. We will first explore the physics of energy in its many forms, learning how to calculate/estimate the energy content of a wide variety of systems. Then we will look at our sources of energy, addressing present and future limitations and crises. While we will inevitably touch on socio-political aspects of the energy problem, the focus of the course will be on understanding the physical and technical issues associated with the problem so that we can make informed contributions to the ever-evolving energy policies of our world.

Final Exam Study Guide

Final Exam Front Page (PDF)

Second-Half Questions (PDF), and Answers

Course Outline in PDF format

Lectures

Assignments

Midterm Study Guide and Midterm Key

WebCT

WebCT Access Tips

Electricity Meter Extra Credit

Class meets TTh 12:30 to 1:25 PM, Warren Lecture Hall (WLH) 2005.
Discussion Session meets Wednesday, 3:00 to 3:50 PM in WLH 2111.

Professor: Tom Murphy
SERF Buliding (930), Room 336, 534-1844
tmurphy@physics.ucsd.edu
Office hours: Wed. 1:30–2:30 PM
Office hours also by appointment (e-mail, phone, personal, drop by)

Teaching Assistant: Mannie Chiu
Mayer Hall Addition, Room 4523
jchiu@physics.ucsd.edu
Office hours: Wed. 4:00–5:00; Fri. 12:30–1:30

Course Textbook

Energy and the Environment, by Ristinen and Kraushaar, Wiley, 1998, ISBN: 0-471-73989-8. This textbook is required for the course. The book is excellent, and the course will follow it closely.

Electronic Transmitter Required

Students are asked to purchase an Interwrite PRS transmitter in order to participate in in-class voting/discussion. These can be bought at the bookstore for $52 new, or $39 used. They can be sold back for $26 a the end of the quarter.

Grading Scheme

Grades will consist of homework, weekly quizzes, a midterm exam, and a final exam. Optional class participation credit will be assessed via transmitter activity, and will serve to reduce the weight of the midterm and final in proportion to the level of attendance/participation. The breakdown goes like:

• 20% from weekly homework (drop 1), due on Thursdays in class. Grading of homework will consist of a combination of spot-check grading plus one or two randomly-selected problems graded in some detail. Homework questions will come from both the textbook and from this website.
• 15% from weekly quizzes (drop 1) administered via WebCT
• 30% (or as little as 15%) from the midterm exam
• 35% (or as little as 20%) from the final exam
• up to 15% based on class participation, as judged by the daily transmitter activity. This is an optional part of the grade, applying to your worst exam. For instance, if you bomb the midterm, and have 80% transmitter credit by the end, the midterm is only worth 18% instead of 30%, the other 12% of your final grade coming from participation credit. Do not bring multiple transmitters to class: extras may be confiscated.