The Science of Energy: Resources and Power Explained

Course Overview

An award-winning professor and expert geophysicist presents an unbiased investigation into energy sources.

Course No. 1363

Energy is the foundation of the universe – powering life and human civilization. This 24-lecture course provides essential scientific understanding of:

• How different energy sources work
• Engineering behind energy conversion
• Economic and environmental impacts
• Future energy trends and innovations

Professor Wysession makes complex energy concepts accessible, helping you form educated opinions about our energy future.

Key Topics Covered:

• Fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas)
• Renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro)
• Nuclear power and fission
• Biofuels and geothermal
• Energy storage technologies
• Transportation energy needs

Video Lectures

01: Energy and Human Civilization (33 min)

Explore how energy touches engineering, economics, biology and more.

02: Energy: Forms and Conversion for Use (35 min)

Understand potential, kinetic, mechanical and thermal energy forms.

03: Heat: The Transfer and Flow of Energy (34 min)

Examine radiation, convection, conduction and heat engines.

04: Electricity: Ultimate Energy Converter (35 min)

Discover how electricity is generated from various sources.

05: Chemical Energy, Biomass, and Photosynthesis (38 min)

Learn about energy conversion in plants and biofuels.

06: Coal: Convenient, Energy-Dense Fuel (34 min)

Understand coal formation, types, and environmental impacts.

07: Petroleum: Chemistry, Retrieval, and Use (35 min)

Explore oil formation, discovery, and processing.

08: New Petroleum Directions (34 min)

Examine unconventional oil sources and fracking risks.

09: Fossil Fuel Energy: Issues and Concerns (36 min)

Analyze financial, environmental and health drawbacks.

10: Understanding Carbon Dioxide (35 min)

Investigate CO2’s role in global warming and solutions.

11: The Science of Nuclear Power (33 min)

Dive into nuclear fission and power plant operations.

12: The Nuclear Fission Fuel Cycle (35 min)

Follow uranium’s journey from mining to waste disposal.

13: Sunlight: Inexhaustible Energy Source (32 min)

Learn how much solar energy reaches Earth daily.

14: Solar Power and Electricity (32 min)

Understand photovoltaic panels and solar technologies.

15: Wind Power and Electricity (31 min)

Explore wind turbine mechanics and optimal locations.

16: Hydroelectric Power: Electricity from Water (33 min)

Study hydroelectric dams and environmental effects.

17: Biofuels: Biodiesel and Ethanol (30 min)

Examine liquid biofuel production processes.

18: Geothermal Energy (33 min)

Discover underground heat extraction methods.

19: Energy Storage Technologies (32 min)

Learn solutions for storing renewable energy.

20: Energy Needs for Transportation (32 min)

Compare fuel efficiency across transport modes.

21: Energy Efficiency: Technologies and Trends (30 min)

Get practical tips for reducing energy waste.

22: Energy Sources: Economics and Politics (33 min)

Understand hidden costs and government policies.

23: Probable and Possible Future Energy Sources (30 min)

Preview tidal, fusion, and space-based solar power.

24: Energy Trends: Planning for the Near Future (42 min)

Realistic outlook on global energy consumption.