STS 382 - Renewable Energy

1 unit(s)

This seminar is a careful examination of the renewable energy technologies currently available to replace fossil fuels. Primary attention goes to wind, solar power, hydroelectric power and biomass (including ethanol and biodiesel), with briefer consideration of other renewables such as geothermal and tidal energy. The seminar draws upon such methodologies as the social construction of technology and actor-network theory to understand the interaction of technological, economic, environmental and political factors currently shaping the field of renewable energy.

Prerequisite(s): STS 138, STS 200, and two units of natural science; or permission of the instructor.

One 2-hour period.

Not offered in 2013/14.