Course Description
This course aims to explore key societal and environmental challenges through a scientific lens, particularly focusing on physical sciences. It will address critical issues related to energy, security, environmental transitions, and their impacts on global society. The course will consist of a series of thematic sessions covering various topics:
• Climate Change: Natural and anthropogenic climate changes, global warming,
atmospheric and oceanic dynamics, ozone layer depletion, greenhouse eLects, and CO2 accumulation in the atmosphere.
• Energy and Resources: Historical evolution of the concept of energy, energy consumption patterns, energy sources (photovoltaic, nuclear, fossil fuels, wind power, etc.), and the fundamental limits of energy and entropy.
• The Case of Nuclear Fusion: Renewable energy sources versus new approaches, with a focus on nuclear fusion.
• Global Instability and Conflicts: Conventional conflicts and nuclear weapon threats, eLects of nuclear weapons, and arms control.
• Science and Society: The role of scientific credibility and trust, conspiracy theories, predictions and applications, and the neutrality of science.

Clearly, each of these topics could warrant a dedicated course. Therefore, this program is intended as an introductory overview. The teacher will provide an introduction and the initial framework for discussion in each session, after which students, divided into groups, will select a topic for in-depth analysis, ensuring they consider its interconnections with the other subjects discussed.

The course will be structured around key thematic threads:
1. Developing a science-based understanding of contemporary challenges and learning how to analyze them quantitatively through physics and scientific reasoning.
2. Distinguishing between scientific insights, the scientific basis for political and societal debates, and the role of democratic decision-making.

Ultimately, the course addresses the crucial need for informed democratic participation in major economic, ecological, and societal decisions. Scientists must contribute by providing quantitative information to both policymakers and the public. This requires the formation of a  generation of scientists who are not only technically proficient but also socially aware of these critical issues.

Virtual Component
I will utilize the VIU e-learning platform to:
• Share resources and readings before the course begins.
• Divide students into groups and assign specific tasks during the course.
• Conduct an introductory webinar to present the program and allow participants to meet the instructor and each other.
• Record and archive course sessions, along with the presentations used, for later review.
• Assign group tasks after each session, including in-depth research, source validation, and lesson summaries with critical reflections.
• Conclude with a final group presentation and a closing webinar summarizing students’ work and discussions.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will:
• Acquire the necessary tools for a quantitative analysis of contemporary global challenges.
• Develop a critical mindset regarding societal and environmental issues.
• Gain proficiency in researching information and evaluating source reliability.

Teaching and Assessment Methods
Grading will be based on the following criteria:
• Active participation and attendance (30%)
• Quality and relevance of research and sources found online (20%)
• Final webinar presentation (50%)

Bibliography 
• Glasstone, S., & Dolan, P. J. (1977). The Effects of Nuclear Weapons. United States Department of Defense & United States Department of Energy.
• European Physical Society (2024). European Energy Policy and Global Reduction of CO2 Emissions: Towards an E&ective Sustainable Electricity Production in Europe.
• MacKay, D. J. C. (2009). Sustainable Energy — Without the Hot Air. UIT Cambridge Ltd.
• Joint EPS-SIF International School on Energy (2023). Global Challenges for Energy Sustainability: Proceedings of the 7th Course. Villa Monastero, Varenna, Lake Como,
Italy.

Last updated: March 19, 2025