Our Energy Future: Sustainable Solutions
Explore the future of energy, from fossil fuels to renewables. Learn about energy production, climate change, and sustainable solutions in this 36-hour course.
Explore the future of energy, from fossil fuels to renewables. Learn about energy production, climate change, and sustainable solutions in this 36-hour course.
This comprehensive course delves into the critical issues of energy in the 21st century, exploring the intricate connections between food and fuels. Students will gain insights into energy production and utilization from diverse perspectives, including biology, engineering, economics, climate science, and social sciences. The course covers current energy production and use, examining finite fossil energy reserves, the food-energy nexus, environmental and climate impacts, and the socio-economic implications of our present energy and food systems. A significant focus is placed on the emerging field of sustainable energy, fuel, and food production, emphasizing the development of energy-efficient and sustainable production methods. The course highlights how these new technologies can help replace diminishing fossil fuel supplies and mitigate carbon dioxide emissions. Additionally, it addresses the crucial task of creating a sustainable energy future for all societies, including those in the developing world. Leading faculty from UC San Diego, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and industry professionals deliver lectures across these areas of expertise, providing a well-rounded and authoritative exploration of our energy future.
4.7
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English
پښتو, বাংলা, اردو, 3 more
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What you'll learn
Understand the current state of energy production and consumption globally
Analyze the environmental and climate impacts of different energy sources
Explore renewable energy technologies, including wind, solar, and nuclear power
Learn about biofuels and their potential role in sustainable energy systems
Examine the economic and social implications of energy production and use
Understand the challenges and opportunities in transitioning to sustainable energy sources
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
15.96 Hours PreRecorded video
7 quizzes,2 peer reviews
Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop
FullTime access
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There are 10 modules in this course
This course provides a comprehensive exploration of energy issues in the 21st century, focusing on the interrelated aspects of food and fuel production and utilization. Students will gain insights into current energy production methods, their environmental impacts, and the challenges of transitioning to sustainable energy sources. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including fossil fuels, renewable energy technologies, biofuels, climate change, and the socio-economic implications of energy policies. Through lectures from leading experts, students will learn about cutting-edge research in sustainable energy production, the potential of various alternative energy sources, and the complexities of creating a global sustainable energy future. The course emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches, combining perspectives from biology, engineering, economics, and social sciences to address the multifaceted challenges of our energy future.
General Course Materials
Module 1 · 1 Hours to complete
Introduction to Energy
Module 2 · 3 Hours to complete
Physical Energy Sources
Module 3 · 4 Hours to complete
Introduction to Biological Energy Sources
Module 4 · 1 Hours to complete
Algae Biofuel
Module 6 · 2 Hours to complete
Biofuel Production and Downstream Processing
Module 7 · 3 Hours to complete
Social Issues, Economics, and Politics
Module 8 · 5 Hours to complete
Climate Change
Module 9 · 2 Hours to complete
Office Hours
Module 10 · 9 Hours to complete
Fee Structure
Payment options
Financial Aid
Instructor
Pioneer in Algae Biotechnology and Sustainable Energy
Stephen Mayfield stands as a distinguished leader in molecular biology and biotechnology at UC San Diego, where he serves as Director of the California Center for Algae Biotechnology and Co-director of Food & Fuel for the 21st Century. His groundbreaking research revolutionized algae genetics through the first successful transformation of the C. reinhardtii nuclear genome, establishing it as a key organism for photosynthesis research. His laboratory's work on chloroplast gene expression mechanisms has led to significant advances in recombinant protein production in algae. As principal investigator for major DOE and CEC-funded initiatives, he leads crucial research in sustainable biofuel development. His entrepreneurial spirit has led to the founding of several successful biotechnology companies, including Rincon Pharmaceutical, Sapphire Energy, and Triton Algae Innovations, where he serves as Chief Science Officer. On Coursera, his popular course "Our Energy Future" has attracted over 68,778 students, maintaining an impressive 4.7-star rating from 1,164 reviews
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Frequently asked questions
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