Energy and society
BS BT BC BP
L Spriggs
6 points * 78 hours* Full-year subject * Gippsland/Distance
This subject aims to promote sufficient understanding of the interrelationships between energy and society to enable students to make an intelligent critical assessment of contemporary `energy issues'. Initial perspective is provided by examining the history of energy use in society. Aspects of energy engineering including surveys of world energy resources, conversion methods, and effects of energy use of the physical environment are considered before focusing on the key role of energy in the sustenance, development and structure of society. The economic and political consequences of energy use are examined in the context of society's assessment and regulation of its energy use. Emphasis in the latter part of the subject is on the Australian energy scene.
Assessment
Four written assignments: 100%
Prescribed texts
Patterson W C The energy alternative Optima, 1990