Textbook:
(Note: This book will be used again next year. You can sell it back to the bookstore at the end of Fall term or try Smith Family Books. )
This course is an introduction to physics principles as they apply to Solar Energy and an introduction to direct applications of Solar Energy. We will begin by studying mechanical and thermal energy topics, sources of energy, and then focus on applications of direct solar energy conversion systems. We are on an extremely accelerated schedule so keeping up will be important.
We will meet a number of times in a lab setting to give you hands-on experience of the physics principles.
Homework and lab assignments will be graded. No late homework will be accepted. Lab meetings will be announced in advance. Lab meetings cannot be made up. Late homework will not be accepted. (Due to the pace of the course it is hard to facilitate late homework into the grading schedule.) The lowest homework score will be droppped so you can miss one during the course.
This is a 4 credit hour course that meets as if it was a three credit hour course. The extra credit hour is gathered from outside assignments. Each Monday you will hand in a report or journal on what you learned the previous week. The idea is to take a topic, or topics, covered in class and expand on them. Other sources of information, what you learned that was new, artcles exapanding on the topics. Note: if you refer to website or if you attach an article, I expect a summary of what you found interesting in the article or site. I STRONGLY ADVISE YOU USE THE FRIDAY MORNINGS WE DO NOT MEET TO PUT THIS ASSIGNMENT TOGETHER.
Accessing the WWW to perform the homework assignments will be required. You will be instructed on how to access the homework. You must get a computer account. Computer lab areas, maps and hours are listed here.
The exams will be both multiple choice and essay. The first exam is scheduled for Monday July 6. From 10:00 - 10:30 I will be in the classroom to answer questions. The exam will begin at 10:45.
There is some room for adjustment in the schedule and I will update this website regularly. Again, this course is fast paced. It is your responsibility to find out what announcements were made and what was discussed in class if you miss a two hour lecture. Please let me know what your interests are and I can try and adjust the course to meet your interest.
Have a nice Summer.