This interdisciplinary course explores why society currently relies on a fossil-fuel-based economy, the pros and cons of fossil fuels and renewable energy sources and what it may take to transition to a cleaner energy source. These issues are explored using perspectives from chemistry and physics. The course discusses what energy is, why we need it, and the consequential impact of energy use, including the nexus of energy, air pollution, and climate change. Readings include newspaper articles, research reports, and secondary research articles. Assignments include responses to discussion questions, quantitative problems that explore energy related issues, and a midterm. The course culminates in a project that investigates a current-energy related issue from a multidisciplinary perspective. This is a required course for the Interdisciplinary Science major, satisfies the foundation requirement for the Interdisciplinary Science Minor, and the "subject by subject" course requirement for Journalism + Design Major.

This interdisciplinary course explores why society currently relies on a fossil-fuel-based economy, the pros and cons of fossil fuels and renewable energy sources and what it may take to transition to a cleaner energy source. These issues are explored using perspectives from chemistry and physics. The course discusses what energy is, why we need it, and the consequential impact of energy use, including the nexus of energy, air pollution, and climate change. Readings include newspaper articles, research reports, and secondary research articles. Assignments include responses to discussion questions, quantitative problems that explore energy related issues, and a midterm. The course culminates in a project that investigates a current-energy related issue from a multidisciplinary perspective. This is a required course for the Interdisciplinary Science major, satisfies the foundation requirement for the Interdisciplinary Science Minor, and the "subject by subject" course requirement for Journalism + Design Major.