Students completing BIO / EES 105 will be able to:

• Understand the physical basis of energy in our universe, its importance in biological systems, and various ways in which it is measured.
• Understand the history of energy use both worldwide and in “developed” countries.
• Understand current trends of energy production and consumption locally, nationally, and on a worldwide basis
• Learn and critically evaluate arguments about the sustainability of fossil fuels and nuclear energy
• Learn and critically evaluate information about the benefits and weaknesses of potential sources of alternative energy source from a variety of perspectives
• Potential energy yield
• Economic
• Environmental
• Sociopolitical
• Consider whether much can be done to improve energy efficiency and reduce consumption
• Develop a well-reasoned personal philosophy about the present energy situation and the best way to move forward on developing and implementing alternative sources
• Develop the ability to meaningfully participate in a group seeking to understand a complex issue from a variety of perspectives, and communicate its findings to others.