3340 Principles of Environmental Physics will apply basic physical principles to the environment of the Earth with a focus on problem solving and developing physical understanding. Key topics to be covered include the climate system and climate change, energy production and use, and the role of science in guiding public decision-making.

PR: Mathematics 2000 and PHYS 2053

This course applies basic physical principles to the environment of the Earth with a focus on problem solving and developing physical understanding. Key topics to be covered include the climate system and climate change, energy production and use, and the role of science in guiding public decision-making. Optional topics include : pollutant transport, the physics of ice sheets, sea level change, and groundwater hydrology. Questions that will be considered during the course include: What regulates climate on the planet and how has that changed over time? How will climate change in the future? What should we do about climate change?