The Science of Energy

Resources and Power Explained

By: Michael E. Wysession, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Michael E. Wysession

Length: 13 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

Energy is, without a doubt, the very foundation of the universe. It's the engine that powers life and fuels the evolution of human civilization.

To better put into perspective the various issues surrounding energy in the 21st century, you need to understand the essential science behind how energy works. And you need a reliable source whose focus is on giving you the facts you need to form your own educated opinions.

In the 24 riveting lectures of The Science of Energy: Resources and Power Explained, expert geophysicist Professor Wysession presents an unbiased investigation into the energy sources that power our world. With clear and easy-to-follow explanations that make scientific and mathematical concepts approachable and understandable, this course is a marvelous window into the inner workings of energy that will keep you constantly engaged. You'll examine a wide portfolio of energy sources, how these sources work, the engineering marvels that adapt them to human needs, the economic and environmental consequences of using them, and more. Whatever exciting changes await us in the coming decades (from food production to public transportation to industrial manufacturing), they'll most certainly require lots of power. For this reason and many more, this course imparts essential information for any well-informed citizen of the world - whether you're powering a major city or simply turning on the light.

The world-spanning civilizations that we have built rely on a vast, dependable, and lasting supply of energy. The choices we make have profound consequences for how the world will continue to develop. Get the facts you need to choose well.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2016 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2016 The Great Courses

Great Course on Energy

As a former operator at a nuclear power plant, safety officer on a hydrological fracturing site, and having friends who work at coal power plants and construct wind mills, I found this course to present an objective viewpoint on all forms of energy. This is primarily because it provides factual assertions about the relative costs, impacts on the environment, long term viability, and most importantly the impact I can make on future generations by being a better steward today. This course helped me to consider factual assertions and put in balance my experiences in the industry.

Broad primer provides a worthwhile overview

As the title indicates this is a very high level overview of the energy industry, technology and political concerns. If you have a background in this topic you might find it too cursory. I, not having a deep understanding of the topic, found lots of good information and leads for further study. The material was very approachable. One area I found particularly interesting was the comparisons of energy efficiency between the various types of power sources and what it takes to tap into that source. This gave me a better sense of why some fuel sources dominate currently and what factors would allow us to take up other sources such as renewables.

A Great Survey of the Energy World

It was a great overview of the energy world. It gave a global context and a local context. It reminded me to change the bulbs in my new house to more efficient LEDs.

Excellent information

The topic is so relevant and well presented. Author shows very little bias and offers pros and cons.

Statistics are from 2014 and could use an update.

Must to listen for everyone!

very informative and gives deep look into current state of energy consumption / extraction in world.

Great course for everyone

The course is very complete for an introduction to the subject and remains interesting for people who have some prior knowledge on the subject.
It has many order of magnitude calculations so to remain fluid but keeping a good amount of depth on the numbers.

Become informed on where our energy comes from

This course is a great resource when it comes to understanding where energy comes from, where we used to get it from and where we are looking to get it in the future. As well as the impact energy has had in our environment and economy. Prof. Wysession does such a great job explaining this subject that it doesn't feel like a series of lectures as much as a pleasant conversation that flows from one topic to another. I was sad when I looked down and saw there was only 30 minutes left.

Solid!

Very informative and balanced. Discussed the various types of energy and their pros and cons plus gave valuable insight into our future. Would highly recommend to anyone.

Informational and Hopeful While Remaining Unbiased

I recommend it for every person who uses energy and feels, in the slightest, that they could know more. The narrator is educated and mindful with respectable credentials with only a few hiccups along the way. He is comfortable and clear. I highly recommend it.

I loved it.

I love learning about energy and ways we can migrate to renewable energy. I work at Tesla Motors and I am doing my part to help the world transition to sustainable transport and energy storage are you?