Course

Unit I

Unit 1: Introduction to Sustainable Physics and Environmental Challenges (12 hours)

This unit introduces the concepts of sustainability and their relevance to physics, with a focus on environmental challenges and the physical principles underlying sustainable development.

• Sustainability in Physics:

Definition and core principles of sustainability. The physics of energy consumption and resource use.

Introduction to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their intersection with physics.

• Environmental Challenges and Resource Management:

The physics behind climate change and global energy consumption patterns. Carbon capture and energy-efficiency technologies. Physical principles underlying the greenhouse effect, atmospheric energy balance, and planetary energy systems. Basics of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and its application to materials.

Unit II

Unit 2: Energy Harvesting, Renewable Energy, and Storage Technologies (14 hours)

This unit explores renewable energy sources, energy-efficient materials, and technologies for sustainable energy production and storage.

• Energy Harvesting and Renewable Technologies:

The physics of solar energy: Principles of photovoltaics, advances in solar cell technology, and materials for enhancing efficiency. Wind and hydropower: Conversion of mechanical energy into electricity; efficiency and optimization of turbines. Piezoelectric and thermoelectric materials: Converting mechanical and thermal energy into electrical energy for renewable energy harvesting.

• Energy Storage and Efficiency:

Battery technologies: Physics of conventional and emerging energy storage solutions, including lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. Supercapacitors: Material innovations and physics principles for energy storage. Thermoelectric materials: Physics of converting waste heat into usable energy. Energy-efficient electronics and the role of materials science in reducing power consumption.

• Sustainable Transportation:

Physics of electric vehicles (EVs), fuel cells, and hydrogen energy. Advances in low-energy transportation systems and sustainable infrastructure.

Unit III

Unit 3: Sustainable Materials and Circular Economy in Physics (14 hours)

This unit focuses on sustainable materials, their applications, and how material science can support the circular economy and resource efficiency.

• Green and Sustainable Materials:

Green Chemistry and its applications in material science. Development of biopolymers and bio-based composites as alternatives to traditional plastics and synthetics. Nanomaterials (e.g., graphene, MXenes) for energy storage, water purification, and other sustainable technologies. Low-energy material processing: Sol-gel methods, hydrothermal synthesis, and other energy-efficient techniques.

• Circular Economy and Resource Management:

Recycling technologies: Physics of recycling processes and resource recovery. Upcycling and downcycling: Transforming waste materials into high-value products using physical principles. Physics of waste reduction in material design and the role of smart materials in extending product life cycles. E-waste management: Sustainable approaches to electronics recycling and resource efficiency.

Prerequisites for the Sustainability in Physics course:

1. Basic Understanding of Physics: Students should have foundational knowledge in physics, including classical mechanics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism, as these concepts will be applied to energy systems, material science, and sustainability topics.
2. Introductory Knowledge of Material Science (Optional but Recommended): A basic understanding of material properties (such as conductivity, strength, and reactivity) will help students grasp the development of sustainable materials, energy storage technologies, and environmental applications.
3. Mathematical Proficiency: Proficiency in algebra, calculus, and introductory statistics is essential for analyzing physical systems, energy efficiency, and conducting quantitative assessments in sustainability.
4. Interest in Sustainability and Environmental Issues: While not strictly a technical prerequisite, students should have a keen interest in sustainability, renewable energy, and environmental challenges, as these topics will be the core focus of the course.

Course Objectives:

• Understand the Role of Physics in Sustainability: Grasp the fundamental principles of sustainability within the context of physics, focusing on how physical science can contribute to solving global environmental challenges, such as energy consumption and resource management.
• Explore Renewable Energy and Green Technologies: Study the physical principles behind renewable energy technologies and sustainable materials, with a focus on energy harvesting, storage, and conversion systems such as solar, wind, and thermoelectric technologies.
• Apply Circular Economy and Sustainable Material Design: Learn about sustainable material development and circular economy principles, including recycling, upcycling, and smart material design, to promote resource conservation and reduce environmental impact.

Course outcomes

By completing this course, students will:

CO1: Develop a Strong Understanding of Sustainability Concepts in Physics: Students will be able to explain how physics contributes to solving sustainability challenges, including energy efficiency, material innovation, and environmental preservation.

CO2: Design and Evaluate Renewable Energy and Sustainable Systems: Students will have the skills to design, assess, and propose renewable energy solutions and sustainable technologies based on physical principles.

CO3: Apply Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency in Materials Science: Students will be able to incorporate circular economy principles into material science practices, promoting the reuse, recycling, and responsible management of resources in industrial applications.

Textbooks and Books:

1. “Physics for Future Presidents: The Science Behind the Headlines” by Richard A. Muller.
2. “Principles of Sustainable Energy Systems” by Frank Kreith and Susan Krumdieck
3. “Sustainable Materials: With Both Eyes Open” by Julian M. Allwood and Jonathan M. Cullen
4. “Introduction to Renewable Energy” by Vaughn C. Nelson
5. “Sustainable Energy – Without the Hot Air” by David J.C. MacKay

Journals and Research Articles:

1. “Journal of Sustainable Materials and Technologies”
2. “Renewable Energy”
3. “Energy & Environmental Science”

Web Resources:

1. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Reports
• The IPCC reports provide scientific information on climate change, its impacts, and options for adaptation and mitigation, making them valuable resources for students studying the intersection of physics and sustainability.
2. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• NREL provides extensive resources on renewable energy research, including articles, data, and tools that are relevant to the development of sustainable energy technologies.
3. MIT OpenCourseWare – Energy Courses
• MIT offers free online courses related to energy and sustainability, which cover topics in renewable energy, energy systems, and sustainability in technology.