FSEM 127   Molecules, Energy and Sustainability

Faculty Profile for Professor Muller

Abundant energy enables our modern civilization and way of life. Humans rely on energy to heat our homes, power electronics, propel our cars, and provide the food and water we consume. Yet this abundance comes at a cost, promoting economic disparity, damaging our environment, and causing anthropogenic climate change. Students focus on the fundamental science behind emerging technologies for energy production and storage as well as the history of energy production. Students develop a rigorous understanding of the role of CO2 in the climate system, and explore societal impacts and inequalities associated with both energy production and climate change. Finally, students learn the role of collective action in addressing the need for sustainable energy sources.Students who successfully complete this seminar will receive credit for CORE 102S and satisfy the Scientific Perspective core requirement.

Assistant Professor Eric Muller is a physical chemist currently researching protein-solvent interactions using laser nano-spectroscopy.