This course focuses on new advances in energy systems. The history and current patterns of energy production and utilization are discussed, along with the conversion of energy into more useful forms, then new systems are analyzed in detail. This course challenges students to look at disparate types of energy systems and to recognize their key elements, strengths, and weaknesses.
Discussion is encouraged and independent research on a term paper is required.
There will be two lectures per week and one hour of discussion for honors students only. David Ruzic joined the faculty in 1984 after doing postdoctoral work at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory. In 1985 he was named a Presidential Young Investigator by the National Science Foundation and given continuing research support. At Illinois he has received an Undergraduate Instructional Award and a Special Commendation for fostering student-faculty relations within the College of Engineering. In 1991 he won the Everitt Award for the best teacher in the College of Engineering and the Pierce Award for fostering student-faculty relations.