The Science of Energy: Resources and Power Explained

Course Overview

Explore 24 comprehensive lectures on global energy systems with geophysicist Professor Wysession, covering fossil fuels to renewables with scientific clarity and real-world applications.

Video Lessons

Energy Fundamentals

1. Energy and Civilization (33 min)
   How energy drives human progress across disciplines
2. Energy Forms & Conversion (35 min)
   Potential, kinetic, mechanical and thermal energy
3. Heat Transfer Science (34 min)
   Radiation, convection, conduction and entropy

Conventional Energy

6. Coal Energy (34 min)
   Formation, extraction and environmental impact
   7-8. Petroleum Science (69 min)

• Conventional oil chemistry and processing
• Unconventional sources like fracking

6. Fossil Fuel Challenges (36 min)
   Financial, health and environmental concerns

Nuclear & Renewables

11. Nuclear Power Basics (33 min)
    Fission, radioactive decay and plant operations
    13-14. Solar Energy (64 min)

• Photovoltaic panels and solar technologies
• Geographical limitations and potential

11. Wind Power (31 min)
    Turbine mechanics and optimal wind regions
12. Hydroelectric Systems (33 min)
    Dam designs and water cycle utilization

Emerging Solutions

17. Biofuels (30 min)
    Biodiesel and ethanol production processes
18. Geothermal Energy (33 min)
    Underground heat extraction technologies
19. Energy Storage (32 min)
    Overcoming renewable intermittency

Future Outlook

22. Energy Economics (33 min)
    Hidden costs and policy incentives
23. Future Energy Sources (30 min)
    Tidal, fusion and space-based solar concepts
24. Sustainable Planning (42 min)
    Realistic projections for global energy needs