IN PERSON: Energy makes our civilization go, and we and emerging nations consume more and more of it every year. Newscasts regularly include stories about energy sources, energy costs and energy consequences. This in-person course will explore what these energy sources are, how they work and fundamental ideas about energy. We will look at energy generation, starting with basic physics and chemistry; how energy is used; and where energy goes. We will also consider how energy consumption is linked to climate change. This course is about science, not policy. Don’t worry, even if you didn’t take science in college, you still will be able to understand this course. Classes will consist of lecture, discussion, and questions and answers. Throughout our class time, we will pause frequently to clarify and reinforce the lecture. The goal is for you to clearly understand the science. | Lecture + Q&A.
Max enrollment: 20.
Location: Judea Reform Congregation, 1933 W. Cornwallis Rd, Durham NC 27705
Bob Shaw graduated from Williams College and the University of Washington with a Ph.D. in physical chemistry. He has published research in nuclear and chemical physics, physical and analytical chemistry, and environmental science. He is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and was awarded the Silver Medal of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Army Research Laboratory. He has taught science courses at OLLI since 2010.