A Physics Capstone Course in Sustainable Energy (Journal Article)

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Abstract: Sustainability is now a critical global priority due to ongoing challenges such as climate change, limited traditional energy sources, increased energy demands, and population growth. To provide opportunities for students to engage in the study of sustainability and to prepare them for careers that rely increasingly on sustainable practices, we have designed and taught a capstone course, Physics of Sustainability. This course is a requirement for both physics and civil engineering majors at our institution and consists of four main units: sustainability and climate change, wind energy, solar energy, and nuclear energy. Each unit begins with a review of relevant topics from introductory (calculus-based) and intermediate-level physics courses and then extends that knowledge to cover appropriate advanced physics topics. Students also integrate and synthesize material from various areas of physics and apply principles from other disciplines to address current problems.