Jul 08, 2024
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2023-2024
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2023-2024
[Archived Catalog]
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T3 4151 - Entropy and Human Activity
Examines the application of the concept of entropy to human society as a whole, through the critical reading and discussion of works by advocates of multiple energy sources, using the viewpoints and patterns of inquiry of several disciplines. Energy is conserved, but most physical processes transform available energy into forms less readily available (thereby “increasing entropy”). Several topics in the physical sciences are presented in some detail to provide adequate technical background. World population and per capita consumption are increasing exponentially. Burning fossil fuels creates toxic byproducts and accelerates global warming. Extractive industries (e.g., agriculture and mining) reduce the natural resources available to future generations. Can we expect solar or nuclear power to “save the day?” Should humanity change priorities to minimize increases of entropy? To what extent can physical principles sensibly be generalized so far? These and other questions provide a focus to our inquiry.
Requisites: Sr only
Credit Hours: 3
General Education Code (students who entered prior to Fall 2021-22): 3
Repeat/Retake Information: May be retaken two times excluding withdrawals, but only last course taken counts.
Lecture/Lab Hours: 3.0 lecture
Grades: Eligible Grades: A-F,WP,WF,WN,FN,AU,I
Learning Outcomes:
- Successful students will demonstrate qualitative understanding of the Hubbert Peak for extraction of natural resources.
- Successful students will be able to critically evaluate the validity of scientific claims about issues regarding human society and everyday life.
- Successful students will be able to describe and discuss prior technology transitions, such as from wood to coal when western Europe was deforested in the thirteenth century.
- Successful students will demonstrate qualitative understanding of the actuarial approach to risk assessment (loss of life expectancy), and its application to the evaluation of various alternative energy sources.
- Successful students will demonstrate qualitative understanding of the classical and statistical formulations of the second law of thermodynamics in the contexts of heat engines and living organisms.
- Successful students will demonstrate the ability to craft written and oral presentations reasoning from facts to support conclusions.
- Successful students will describe and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear and solar energy sources (including hydroelectric, wind, photovoltaic, and direct heating).
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