VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.
Energy and Environment in the 21st Century (Part I)
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:35:40
Abstract
The energy and related environmental problems, the physics principles of using energy and the various real and hypothetical options are discussed from a physicist point of view. The lecture is intended for students of all ages with an interest in a rational approach to the energy problem of the 21st century.
Objective
Scientists and espially physicists are often confronted with questions related to the problems of energy and the environment. The lecture tries to address the physical principles of todays and tomorrow energy use and the resulting global consequences for the world climate. The lecture is for students which are interested participate in a rational and responsible debatte about the energyproblem of the 21. century.
Content
Introduction: energy types, energy carriers, energy density and energy usage. How much energy does a human needs/uses? Energy conservation and the first and second law of thermodynamics Fossile fuels (our stored energy resources) and their use. Burning fossile fuels and the physics of the greenhouse effect. physics basics of nuclear fission and fusion energy controlled nuclear fission energy today, the different types of nuclear power plants, uranium requirements and resources, natural and artificial radioactivity and the related waste problems from the nuclear fuel cycle. Nuclear reactor accidents and the consequences, a comparison with risks from other energy using methods. The problems with nuclear fusion and the ITER project. Nuclear fusion and fission: ``exotic'' ideas. Hydrogen as an energy carrier: ideas and limits of a hydrogen economy. new clean renewable energy sources and their physical limits (wind, solar, geothermal etc) Energy perspectives for the next 100 years and some final remarks
Resources
Lecture Notes
many more details (in english and german) here:http://ihp-lx2.ethz.ch/energy21/
Literature
Die Energiefrage - Bedarf und Potentiale, Nutzung, Risiken und Kosten: Klaus Heinloth, 2003, VIEWEG ISBN: 3528131063; Environmental Physics: Boeker and Egbert New York Wiley 1999
Learning Materials (Links)
- Recording
- Environmental Physics
- Learning environment
- Energy and Environment in the 21st Century
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DZ , BSC , SHE , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 20 minutes
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Energy and Environment in the 21st Century (Part I) |
|
2 h weekly |
| exercise | Energy and Environment in the 21st Century (Part I) |
|
1 h weekly |
Offered In
-
-
Physics Teaching Diploma (Detailed information on the programme at: )
-
Spec. Courses in Resp. Subj. w/ Educ. Focus & Further Subj. Didactics (Core courses that counted towards the Bachelor or Master programme in physics or comprised additional admission requirements in subject didactics are not eligible for the teaching diploma.)
-
Compulsory Elective Courses (Further course offerings from the category Educational Science are listed under "Programme: Educational Science for Teaching Diploma and TC".)
-
-
Physics TC (Detailed information on the programme at: )
-
-
-
-