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AA 257: Structural Health Monitoring

Structural health monitoring (SHM) is an emerging technology that provides high-resolution real-time state-sensing, awareness, and self-diagnostic capabilities of structures in service enabled by different types of sensors. SHM is a technology that is designed to interface with the industrial internet of things (IIoT) environment (a) to extend the duration of the service life; (b) to increase the reliability; (c) to reduce the maintenance cost and operational cost. The course will provide in-depth knowledge of two basic damage detection methods for SHM, (a) active sensing and (b) passive sensing. This course will also discuss different kinds of smart materials and sensors, including piezoelectric materials as sensing and actuating elements to interrogate the structures. Advanced signal processing techniques and different types of diagnostics techniques will be discussed and applied to various damage scenarios for qualitative and quantitative measurements. The class will involve structural dynamics, wave propagation, signal processing, finite element methods, and study test cases. Prerequisite: 240 or consent of instructor.
Terms: Spr | Units: 3
Instructors: ; Chang, F. (PI); Topac, T. (TA)

BIO 117: Biology and Global Change (EARTHSYS 111, EARTHSYS 217, ESS 111)

The biological causes and consequences of anthropogenic and natural changes in the atmosphere, oceans, and terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. Topics: glacial cycles and marine circulation, greenhouse gases and climate change, tropical deforestation and species extinctions, and human population growth and resource use. Prerequisite: Biology or Human Biology core or BIO 81 or graduate standing.
Terms: Win | Units: 4 | UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA

BIO 234: Conservation Biology: A Latin American Perspective (BIO 144, HUMBIO 112)

Principles and application of the science of preserving biological diversity. Conceptually, this course is designed to explore the major components relevant to the conservation of biodiversity, as exemplified by the Latin American region. The conceptual frameworks and principles, however, should be generally applicable, and provide insights for all regions of the world. All students will be expected to conduct a literature research exercise leading to a written report, addressing a topic of their choosing, derived from any of the themes discussed in class.
Terms: Spr | Units: 3

CEE 100: Managing Sustainable Building Projects

Managing the life cycle of buildings from the owner, designer, and contractor perspectives emphasizing sustainability goals; methods to define, communicate, coordinate, and manage multidisciplinary project objectives including scope, quality, life cycle cost and value, schedule, safety, energy, and social concerns; roles, responsibilities, and risks for project participants; virtual design and construction methods for product, organization, and process modeling; lifecycle assessment methods; individual writing assignment related to a real world project. Fulfills WIM requirement for CEE majors. Co-taught with ARCH 542/741 Managing Sustainable Design and Decarbonization Projects at Howard University.
Terms: Aut | Units: 4 | UG Reqs: GER:DB-EngrAppSci

CEE 144: Design and Innovation for the Circular Economy

The last 150 years of our industrial evolution have been material and energy intensive. The linear model of production and consumption manufactures goods from raw materials, wells and uses them, and then discards the products as waste. Circular economy provides a framework for systems-level redesign. It builds on schools of thought including regenerative design, performance economy industrial ecology, blue economy, biomimicry, and cradle to cradle. This course introduces the concepts of the circular economy and applies them to case studies of consumer products, household goods, and fixed assets.n nStudents will conduct independent projects on circular economy. Students may work alone or in small teams under the guidance of the teaching team and various collaborators worldwide. Class is limited to 14 students. All disciplines are welcome. This class fulfills the Writing & Rhetoric 2 requirement. Prerequisite: PWR 1.
Last offered: Spring 2019 | Units: 3 | UG Reqs: Writing 2

CEE 176A: Energy Efficient Buildings

Quantitative evaluation of technologies and techniques for reducing energy demand of residential-scale buildings. Heating and cooling load calculations, financial analysis, passive-solar design techniques, water heating systems, photovoltaic system sizing for net-zero-energy all-electric homes.
Terms: Aut, Sum | Units: 3-4 | UG Reqs: GER:DB-EngrAppSci

CEE 176B: 100% Clean, Renewable Energy and Storage for Everything (CEE 276B)

This course discusses elements of a transition to 100% clean, renewable energy in the electricity, transportation, heating/cooling, and industrial sectors for towns, cities, states, countries, and companies. It examines wind, solar, geothermal, hydroelectric, tidal, and wave characteristics and resources; electricity, heat, cold and hydrogen storage; transmission and distribution; matching power demand with supply on the grid: efficiency; replacing fossil with electric appliances and machines in the buildings and industry; energy, health, and climate costs and savings; land requirements; feedbacks of renewables to the atmosphere; and 100% clean, renewable energy roadmaps to guide transitions.
Terms: Spr | Units: 3-4 | UG Reqs: GER:DB-EngrAppSci, WAY-AQR
Instructors: ; Jacobson, M. (PI)

CEE 179C: Environmental Engineering Design

Application of engineering fundamentals including environmental engineering, hydrology, and engineering economy to a design problem. Enrollment limited; preference to seniors in Civil and Environmental Engineering.
Last offered: Spring 2019 | Units: 5

CEE 207A: Understand Energy (CEE 107A, EARTHSYS 103, ENERGY 107A, ENERGY 207A)

NOTE: This course will be taught in-person on main campus, lectures are recorded and available asynchronously. Energy is the number one contributor to climate change and has significant consequences for our society, political system, economy, and environment. Energy is also a fundamental driver of human development and opportunity. In taking this course, students will not only understand the fundamentals of each energy resource - including significance and potential, conversion processes and technologies, drivers and barriers, policy and regulation, and social, economic, and environmental impacts - students will also be able to put this in the context of the broader energy system. Both depletable and renewable energy resources are covered, including oil, natural gas, coal, nuclear, biomass and biofuel, hydroelectric, wind, solar thermal and photovoltaics (PV), geothermal, and ocean energy, with cross-cutting topics including electricity, storage, climate change and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), sustainability, green buildings, energy efficiency, transportation, and the developing world. The 4 unit course includes lecture and in-class discussion, readings and videos, homework assignments, one on-campus field trip during lecture time and two off-campus field trips with brief report assignments. Off-campus field trips to wind farms, solar farms, nuclear power plants, natural gas power plants, hydroelectric dams, etc. Enroll for 5 units to also attend the Workshop, an interactive discussion section on cross-cutting topics that meets once per week for 80 minutes (Mondays, 12:30 PM - 1:50 PM). Open to all: pre-majors and majors, with any background! Website: https://understand-energy-course.stanford.edu/ CEE 107S/207S Understand Energy: Essentials is a shorter (3 unit) version of this course, offered summer quarter. Students should not take both for credit. Prerequisites: Algebra.
Terms: Aut, Spr | Units: 3-5

CEE 224A: Sustainable Development Studio

Project-based. Sustainable design, development, use and evolution of buildings; connections of building systems to broader resource systems. Areas include architecture, structure, materials, energy, water, air, landscape, and food. Projects use a cradle-to-cradle approach focusing on technical and biological nutrient cycles and information and knowledge generation and organization. May be repeated for credit.
Terms: Aut, Win | Units: 3 | Repeatable for credit
Instructors: ; Katz, G. (PI); Lepech, M. (PI)

CEE 226E: Techniques and Methods for Decarbonized and Energy Efficient Building Design

This class explores innovative methods for designing, developing, and financing zero carbon and zero energy buildings. At this pivotal moment, as building codes in California and around the world move towards decarbonization and all electric buildings, this class will ideally position students to enter the field of the built environment with the tools to tackle the quickly changing industry. Students will learn best practices to reduce energy and integrate solar PV generation and battery energy storage in commercial buildings in pursuit of Net Zero Energy and Net Zero Carbon buildings. The class is taught by Peter Rumsey, a widely recognized global leader in energy efficiency and sustainable building design. Lectures include presentations and panels featuring foremost experts and practitioners in the field of green buildings. Optional site visits to the Bay Area's most notable decarbonized and green buildings. CEE 176A and CEE 156/256 or similar courses are recommended prerequisites. All students participate in a group-based, term project focused on the design of a Net Zero Carbon building. Topics covered in this course include: understanding the importance of building envelopes in a successful design, designing a heating system without natural gas, calculating building energy use, optimizing daylighting and electrical lighting, reducing plug load power use, quantifying embodied and lifetime operating carbon emissions from buildings, sizing photovoltaic and battery storage systems, and financing energy efficiency, PV, and battery systems.
Terms: Spr | Units: 2-3
Instructors: ; Rumsey, P. (PI)

CEE 255: Introduction to Sensing Networks for CEE (CEE 155)

Introduce the design and implementation of sensor networks for monitoring the built and natural environment. Emphasis on the integration of modern sensor and communication technologies, signal processing and statistical models for network data analysis and interpretation to create practical deployments to enable sustainable systems, in areas such as energy, weather, transportation and buildings. Students will be involved in a practical project that may involve deploying a small sensor system, data models and analysis and signal processing. Limited enrollment.
Terms: Spr | Units: 3-4

CEE 256: Building Systems Design & Analysis (CEE 156)

HVAC, lighting, and envelope systems for commercial and institutional buildings, with a focus on energy efficient design. Knowledge and skills required in the development of low-energy buildings that provide high quality environment for occupants.
Terms: Win | Units: 3-4

CEE 263A: Air Pollution Modeling

The numerical modeling of urban, regional, and global air pollution focusing on gas chemistry and radiative transfer. Stratospheric, free-tropospheric, and urban chemistry. Methods for solving stiff systems of chemical ordinary differential, including the multistep implicit-explicit method, Gear's method with sparse-matrix techniques, and the family method. Numerical methods of solving radiative transfer, coagulation, condensation, and chemical equilibrium problems. Project involves developing a basic chemical ordinary differential equation solver. Prerequisite: CS 106A or equivalent.
Last offered: Spring 2018 | Units: 3-4

CEE 263C: Weather and Storms (CEE 63)

Daily and severe weather and global climate. Topics: structure and composition of the atmosphere, fog and cloud formation, rainfall, local winds, wind energy, global circulation, jet streams, high and low pressure systems, inversions, el Ni¿o, la Ni¿a, atmosphere/ocean interactions, fronts, cyclones, thunderstorms, lightning, tornadoes, hurricanes, pollutant transport, global climate and atmospheric optics.
Terms: Aut | Units: 3

CEE 263D: Air Pollution and Global Warming: History, Science, and Solutions (CEE 64)

Survey of Survey of air pollution and global warming and their renewable energy solutions. Topics: evolution of the Earth's atmosphere, history of discovery of chemicals in the air, bases and particles in urban smog, visibility, indoor air pollution, acid rain, stratospheric and Antarctic ozone loss, the historic climate record, causes and effects of global warming, impacts of energy systems on pollution and climate, renewable energy solutions to air pollution and global warming. UG Reqs: GER: DBNatSci
Terms: Win | Units: 3

CEE 263S: Atmosphere/Energy Seminar

Interdisciplinary seminar with talks by researchers and practitioners in the fields of atmospheric science and renewable energy engineering. Addresses the causes of climate, air pollution, and weather problems and methods of addressing these problems through renewable and efficient energy systems. May be repeated for credit.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr | Units: 1 | Repeatable for credit (up to 99 units total)

CEE 265D: Water and Sanitation in Developing Countries

Economic, social, political, and technical aspects of sustainable water supply and sanitation service provision in developing countries. Service pricing, alternative institutional structures including privatization, and the role of consumer demand and community participation in the planning process. Environmental and public health considerations, and strategies for serving low-income households.
Terms: Win | Units: 1-3

CEE 269A: Environmental Engineering Seminar

Presentations on current research, practice and thinking in environmental engineering by visiting academics and practitioners.
Terms: Aut | Units: 1 | Repeatable 2 times (up to 2 units total)

CEE 272R: Engineering Future Electricity Systems (ENERGY 272R)

The electricity grid is undergoing a dramatic transformation due to the urgency to decarbonize, improve resilience against climate-induced extreme weather events, and provide affordable reliable access to at-risk communities.This fast-paced course aims to build a systematic understanding of the future electric power grid. Students will learn how to model, simulate, and optimize grid components, with an emphasis on new technologies such as storage, clean energy sources, and electric vehicles. The course is organized in five sections: loads, distribution, transmission, storage, and generation, and within these modules, students will explore the roles of a variety of grid ecosystem participants (e.g. system operators, utilities, aggregators, technology vendors, and consumers). Students will be exposed to grid modeling, optimization, data science, and economics at an introductory level that allows them to perform basic assessments and develop proof of concept ideas in Python. After this course, much of the current literature and technology developments in the electric grid should be readily accessible for those interested in furthering their learning.
Terms: Spr | Units: 3

CEE 272T: SmartGrids and Advanced Power Systems Seminar (EE 292T)

A series of seminar and lectures focused on power engineering. Renowned researchers from universities and national labs will deliver bi-weekly seminars on the state of the art of power system engineering. Seminar topics may include: power system analysis and simulation, control and stability, new market mechanisms, computation challenges and solutions, detection and estimation, and the role of communications in the grid. The instructors will cover relevant background materials in the in-between weeks. The seminars are planned to continue throughout the next academic year, so the course may be repeated for credit.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr | Units: 1-2 | Repeatable 2 times (up to 4 units total)

CEE 273B: The Business of Water

Freshwater is our most crucial natural resource, but it is facing mounting pressures from climate change and other factors. While public agencies traditionally dominated water management, private water companies are playing an increasingly important (and sometime controversial) role. In many cases, private companies are making critical contributions to meeting societal water needs (e.g., by developing new technologies and finding new ways to reduce water use). In other cases, however, the involvement of private companies has proven controversial (e.g., when private companies have taken over public water supply systems in developing countries such as Bolivia). This course will look at established and emerging businesses in the water sector and the legal, economic, and social issues generated by the private sector's involvement. These businesses include water technology companies (e.g., companies commercializing new desalination or water recycling technologies), venture capitalists, water funds (that directly buy and sell water rights), consulting firms, innovative agricultural companies, and large corporations (that increasingly are adopting corporate stewardship programs). The course will begin with two weeks of introduction to water and the private water sector. After that, each class will focus on a different water company. Company executives will attend each class session and discuss their business with the class. In most classes, we will examine (1) the viability and efficacy of the company's business plan, (2) the legal and/or social issues arising from the business' work, and (3) how the business might contribute to improved water management and policy. Each student will be expected to write (1) two short reflection papers on businesses that visit the class, and (2) a 10- to15-page paper at the conclusion of the class on an idea that the student has for a new water company, on an existing water company of the student's choice, or on a legal or policy initiative that can improve the role that business plays in improving water management (either in a particular sector or more generally). This course is open to graduate students from around the campus. Elements used in grading: Attendance, Class Participation, Written Assignments, Final Paper. Cross-listed with Civil & Environmental Engineering (CEE 273B).
Terms: Win | Units: 1-2

CEE 276G: Sustainability Design Thinking (CEE 176G)

Application design thinking to make sustainability compelling, impactful and realizable. Analysis of contextual, functional and human-centered design thinking techniques to promote sustainable design of products and environments by holistically considering space, form, environment, energy, economics, and health. Includes Studio project work in prototyping, modeling, testing, and realizing sustainable design ideas. Prerequisite: Enrollment limited and by Permission Number only. Email instructor for application form.
Terms: Win, Spr, Sum | Units: 3

CEE 278A: Air Pollution Fundamentals

The sources and health effects of gaseous and particulate air pollutants. The influence of meteorology on pollution: temperature profiles, stability classes, inversion layers, turbulence. Atmospheric diffusion equations, downwind dispersion of emissions from point and line sources. Removal of air pollutants via settling, diffusion, coagulation, precipitation, Mechanisms for ozone formation, in the troposphere versus in the stratosphere. Effects of airborne particle size and composition on light scattering/absorption, and on visual range. Prerequisites: MATH 51 or equivalent. Recommended: 101B, CHEM 31A, or equivalents.
Terms: Aut, Win | Units: 3

CEE 301: The Stanford Energy Seminar (ENERGY 301, MS&E 494)

Interdisciplinary exploration of current energy challenges and opportunities in the context of development, equity and sustainability objectives. Talks are presented by faculty, visitors, and students and include relevant technology, policy, and systems perspectives. More information about the seminar can be found on the website https://energyseminar.stanford.edu/May be repeated for credit.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr | Units: 1 | Repeatable for credit

EARTHSYS 104: The Water Course (EARTHSYS 204, GEOPHYS 104, GEOPHYS 204)

The Central Valley of California provides a third of the produce grown in the U.S., but recent droughts and increasing demand have raised concerns about both food and water security. The pathway that water takes from rainfall to the irrigation of fields or household taps ('the water course') determines the quantity and quality of the available water. Working with various data sources (measurements made on the ground, in wells, and from satellites) allows us to model the water budget in the valley and explore the recent impacts on freshwater supplies.
Last offered: Winter 2022 | Units: 4 | UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-AQR, WAY-SMA

EARTHSYS 106: World Food Economy (EARTHSYS 206, ECON 106, ECON 206, ESS 106, ESS 206)

The World Food Economy is a survey course that covers the economic and political dimensions of food production, consumption, and trade. The course focuses on food markets and food policy within a global context. It is comprised of three major sections: structural features (agronomic, technological, and economic) that determine the nature of domestic food systems; the role of domestic food and agricultural policies in international markets; and the integrating forces of international research, trade, and food aid in the world food economy. This 5-unit course entails a substantial group modeling project that is required for all students. Enrollment is by application only. The application is found at https://economics.stanford.edu/undergraduate/forms. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis, and priority will be given to upper-level undergraduates who need the course for their major, and to graduate students pursuing work directly related to the course. The application submission period will close on March 15
Terms: Spr | Units: 5 | UG Reqs: WAY-SI

ECON 155: Environmental Economics and Policy

Economic sources of environmental problems and alternative policies for dealing with them (technology standards, emissions taxes, and marketable pollution permits). Evaluation of policies addressing local air pollution, global climate change, and the use of renewable resources. Connections between population growth, economic output, environmental quality, sustainable development, and human welfare. Prerequisite for Undergraduates: ECON 50. May be taken concurrently with consent of the instructor.
Terms: Win | Units: 5 | UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SI
Instructors: ; Goulder, L. (PI); Yan, J. (GP)

ECON 250: Environmental Economics

We will discuss both theoretical and empirical analyses of environmental problems, ranging from local pollution challenges to global issues such as climate change. Topics include: Analyses of market failures, policy instruments, integrating environmental and distortionary taxes, policy making under uncertainty, valuing the environment, sustainable development, deforestation vs. conservation, and design of climate agreements.
Terms: Aut | Units: 3-5

ECON 251: Natural Resource and Energy Economics

Economic theory and empirical analysis of non-renewable and renewable natural resources, with considerable attention to energy provision and use. Topics include: exhaustible resources; renewable resources; and energy industry market structure, pricing, and performance. Prerequisites: 202, 203, 204, 271, and 272, or equivalents with consent of instructor.
Last offered: Winter 2018 | Units: 2-5

ECON 341: Public Economics and Environmental Economics Seminar

Issues in measuring and evaluating the economic performance of government tax, expenditure, debt, and regulatory policies; their effects on levels and distribution of income, wealth, and environmental quality; alternative policies and methods of evaluation. Workshop format combines student research, faculty presentations, and guest speakers. Prerequisite: ECON 241 or consent of instructor.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr | Units: 1-10 | Repeatable for credit

EDUC 332: Theory and Practice of Environmental Education (EARTHSYS 332)

Foundational understanding of the history, theoretical underpinnings, and practice of environmental education as a tool for addressing today's pressing environmental issues. The purpose, design, and implementation of environmental education in formal and nonformal settings with youth and adult audiences. Field trip and community-based project offer opportunities for experiencing and engaging with environmental education initiatives.
Last offered: Spring 2018 | Units: 3

EE 292H: Engineering, Entrepreneurship & Climate Change

The purpose of this seminar series course is to help students and professionals develop the tools to apply the engineering and entrepreneurial mindset to problems that stem from climate change, in order to consider and evaluate possible stabilizing, remedial and adaptive approaches. This course is not a crash course on climate change or policy. Instead we will focus on learning about and discussing the climate problems that seem most tractable to these approaches. Each week Dr. Field and/or a guest speaker will lead a short warm-up discussion/activity and then deliver a talk in his/her area of expertise. We will wrap up with small-group and full-class discussions of related challenges/opportunities and possible engineering-oriented solutions. Class members are asked to do background reading before each class, to submit a question before each lecture, and to do in-class brainstorming. May be repeated for credit.
Terms: Win | Units: 1 | Repeatable for credit
Instructors: ; Field, L. (PI)

EE 293B: Fundamentals of Energy Processes (ENERGY 201B)

For seniors and graduate students. Covers scientific and engineering fundamentals of renewable energy processes involving heat. Thermodynamics, heat engines, solar thermal, geothermal, biomass. Recommended: MATH 19-21; PHYSICS 41, 43, 45
Terms: Win | Units: 3

ENERGY 101: Energy and the Environment (EARTHSYS 101)

Energy use in modern society and the consequences of current and future energy use patterns. Case studies illustrate resource estimation, engineering analysis of energy systems, and options for managing carbon emissions. Focus is on energy definitions, use patterns, resource estimation, pollution.
Terms: Win | Units: 3 | UG Reqs: GER:DB-EngrAppSci, WAY-AQR, WAY-SMA

ENERGY 101A: Energizing California

A weekend field trip featuring renewable and nonrenewable energy installations in Northern California. Tour geothermal, bioenergy, and natural gas field sites with expert guides from the Department of Energy Resources Engineering. Requirements: One campus meeting and weekend field trip. Enrollment limited to 25. Freshman have first choice.
Last offered: Spring 2020 | Units: 1

ENERGY 102: Fundamentals of Renewable Power (EARTHSYS 102)

Do you want a much better understanding of renewable power technologies? Did you know that wind and solar are the fastest growing forms of electricity generation? Are you interested in hearing about the most recent, and future, designs for green power? Do you want to understand what limits power extraction from renewable resources and how current designs could be improved? This course dives deep into these and related issues for wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, tidal and wave power technologies. We welcome all student, from non-majors to MBAs and grad students. If you are potentially interested in an energy or environmental related major, this course is particularly useful.
Terms: Spr | Units: 3 | UG Reqs: GER:DB-EngrAppSci, WAY-SMA

ENERGY 104: Sustainable Energy for 9 Billion (ENERGY 204)

This course explores the global transition to a sustainable global energy system. We will formulate and program simple models for future energy system pathways. We will explore the drivers of global energy demand and carbon emissions, as well as the technologies that can help us meet this demand sustainably. We will consider constraints on the large-scale deployment of technology and difficulties of a transition at large scales and over long time periods. Assignments will focus on building models of key aspects of the energy transition, including global, regional and sectoral energy demand and emissions as well as economics of change. Prerequisites: students should be comfortable with calculus and linear algebra (e.g. Math 20, Math 51) and be familiar with computer programming (e.g. CS106A, CS106B). We will use the Python programming language to build our models.
Terms: Win | Units: 3 | UG Reqs: WAY-AQR

ENERGY 110: Engineering Economics

The success of energy projects and companies is judged by technical, economic and financial criteria. This course will introduce concepts of engineering economy, e.g., time value of money, life cycle costs and financial metrics, and explore their application to the business of energy. We will use case studies, business school cases and possibly industry guest lecturers. Examples from the hydrocarbon businesses that dominate energy today will provide the framework for the analysis of both conventional and renewable energy.
Last offered: Spring 2022 | Units: 3

ENERGY 160: Uncertainty Quantification in Data-Centric Simulations (ENERGY 260)

This course provides a brief survey of mathematical methods for uncertainty quantification. It highlights various issues, techniques and practical tools available for modeling uncertainty in quantitative models of complex dynamic systems. Specific topics include basic concepts in probability and statistics, spatial statistics (geostatistics and machine learning), Monte Carlo simulations, global and local sensitivity analyses, surrogate models, and computational alternatives to Monte Carlo simulations (e.g., quasi-MC, moment equations, the method of distributions, polynomial chaos expansions). Prerequisites: algebra (CME 104 or equivalent), introductory statistics course (CME 106 or equivalent).
Terms: Spr | Units: 3

ENERGY 171: Energy Infrastructure, Technology and Economics (ENERGY 271)

Oil and gas represents more than 50% of global primary energy. In delivering energy at scale, the industry has developed global infrastructure with supporting technology that gives it enormous advantages in energy markets; this course explores how the oil and gas industry operates. From the perspective of these established systems and technologies, we will look at the complexity of energy systems, and will consider how installed infrastructure enables technology development and deployment, impacts energy supply, and how existing infrastructure and capital invested in fossil energy impacts renewable energy development. Prerequisites: Energy 101 and 102 or permission of instructor.
Last offered: Autumn 2022 | Units: 3

ENERGY 271: Energy Infrastructure, Technology and Economics (ENERGY 171)

Oil and gas represents more than 50% of global primary energy. In delivering energy at scale, the industry has developed global infrastructure with supporting technology that gives it enormous advantages in energy markets; this course explores how the oil and gas industry operates. From the perspective of these established systems and technologies, we will look at the complexity of energy systems, and will consider how installed infrastructure enables technology development and deployment, impacts energy supply, and how existing infrastructure and capital invested in fossil energy impacts renewable energy development. Prerequisites: Energy 101 and 102 or permission of instructor.
Last offered: Autumn 2022 | Units: 3

ENVRES 225: E-IPER Current Topics Seminar

For E-IPER Ph.D and Joint M.S. students only. Weekly presentations of E-IPER students' research and other program-related projects. Occasional guest speakers. Individual or team presentation, active participation, and regular attendance required for credit. May be taken for credit a maximum of two times. Enrollment by department consent only. Please contact E-IPER course administrator Mike Diaz (mikediaz@stanford.edu) for permission number to enroll.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr | Units: 1 | Repeatable 2 times (up to 2 units total)
Instructors: ; Wheaton, M. (PI)

ENVRES 280: Introduction to Environmental and Resource Systems

Required core course restricted to E-IPER Joint M.S. and Dual M.S. students. Introduces students to frameworks and tools to better understand complex social-environmental systems and to intervene in them to address sustainability goals. Students will apply a systems lens and practice course concepts (provided through lectures and readings) by evaluating case studies.
Terms: Spr | Units: 2

ENVRES 290: Capstone Project Seminar in Environment and Resources

Required for and limited to E-IPER Joint M.S. and Dual M.S. students. Propose, conduct and publicly present final individual or team projects demonstrating the integration of professional (M.B.A., J.D., M.D., M.I.P., or Ph.D.) and M.S. in Environment and Resources degrees. Presentation at the Week 10 Capstone Symposium and submission of final product required.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr | Units: 3

ESS 270: Analyzing land use in a globalized world (ESS 170)

This course examines the dynamics of land use in relation to globalization. The objective is to understand how the expansion of global trade, and public and private regulations affect land use changes. The course will enable students to better understand how to effectively influence land use change, from different vantage points (government, NGO, corporate actor). The main emphasis is on tropical regions. Lectures introduce theories, practical cases, and evaluation tools to better understand contemporary land use dynamics.
Last offered: Spring 2021 | Units: 3

ESS 282: Designing Educational Gardens (EARTHSYS 182)

A project-based course emphasizing 'ways of doing 's sustainable agricultural systems based at the new Stanford Educational Farm. Students will work individually and in small groups on the design of a new educational garden and related programs for the Stanford Educational Farm. The class will meet on 6 Fridays over the course of winter quarter. Class meetings will include an introduction to designing learning gardens and affiliated programs, 3 field trips to exemplary educational gardens in the bay area that will include tours and discussions with garden educators, and work sessions for student projects. By application only.
Last offered: Autumn 2017 | Units: 2

ESS 305: Climate Change: An Earth Systems Perspective

This is an introductory graduate-level course that is intended to provide an overview of leading-edge research topics in the area of climate change. Lectures introduce the physical, biogeochemical, ecological, and human dimensions of climate change, with emphasis on understanding climate change from an Earth System perspective (e.g., nonlinearities, feedbacks, thresholds, tipping points, resilience, vulnerability, risk). The emphasis is on providing an initial introduction to the process by which researchers pose questions and analyze and interpret results.
Terms: Aut | Units: 1-2
Instructors: ; Hoyt, A. (PI)

GSBGEN 336: Energy Markets and Policy

This is a course on how energy and environmental markets work, and the regulatory mechanisms that have been and can be used to achieve desired policy goals. The course uses a electricity market game as a central teaching tool. In the game, students play the role of electricity generators and retailers in order to gain an understanding of how market rules(including environmental regulations and renewable energy mandates) affect the business strategy of market participants, and in turn economic and environmental outcomes. The goal of the course is to provide students with both theoretical and hands-on understanding of important energy and environmental market concepts that are critical to market functioning but not always widely appreciated. Concepts covered include: 1)regulated price-setting versus price-setting through market mechanisms, 2) BTU arbitrage in input energy choices, 3) uniform price vs. pay-as-bid auctions, 4) the ability and incentive to exercise unilateral market power, 5) unilateral versus coordinated exercise of market power, 6) transmission congestion, 7) forward contracts and their effect on market functioning, 8) dynamic pricing of electricity and active involvement of final demand, 9)the nature of energy reserves, 10) carbon pricing mechanisms including taxes and cap-and trade systems, 11) renewable portfolio standards and other renewable energy incentives,12) determination of levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and its impact on new capacity investment decisions, and 13) interactions between environmental mechanisms and regulations. We will also discuss the key features of the markets for major sources of energy such as oil, natural gas, coal, nuclear, solar, wind, and biomass. The course is useful background for private sector roles in energy production, research, management, trading, investment, and government and regulatory affairs; government positions in policymaking and regulation; research and policy functions in academia, think tanks, or consultancies; and non-profit advocacy roles related to energy and the environment.
Last offered: Winter 2022 | Units: 3

GSBGEN 532: Clean Energy Opportunities: Business Models and Innovations

This course examines business models and opportunities related to an emerging industry that is now commonly referred to as 'Climate Tech'. We examine emerging trends for this sector in the context of technological change, business opportunities and the parameters set by public policy. Specific topics to be examined include: Climate Change and Carbon Emissions; Corporate Carbon Reduction Pledges; Advances in Renewable Energy; Financing Climate Tech Ventures and Infrastructure; Energy Storage; Electric Vehicle Transportation; Industrial Decarbonization; The Circular Carbon Economy
Last offered: Winter 2022 | Units: 2

GSBGEN 569: The Open Road: Innovation in Cars, Driving, and Mobility

This course will look at ongoing and upcoming innovation in cars, driving, and mobility from three perspectives: (1) technology, (2) economics & business models, and (3) policy. We'll survey changes in powering vehicles (e.g. electrification and biofuels), in-vehicle connectivity and communications, and most especially changes in autonomy and self-driving vehicles. We'll examine at changes in the economics of cars, vehicles, and driving new business models, shared ownership, mobility as a service, as well as who some of the major players are in this nascent field and what they are doing/developing. And we'll explore the interactions of technology and economics with policy and broader societal changes direct effects like safety, legal liability, and who can drive; indirect effects on traffic, insurance, infrastructure needs, fuel taxes, and the environment; as well as longer-term and even bigger changes in daily life and where and how we live, work, and drive. The class is structured a bit like a large seminar. At the beginning of the quarter each student will, with the instructor, choose a topic to research. The student will interview experts on that topic and then write a memo. Most of our class sessions will be dedicated to discussing the memos written by you and your peers.
Last offered: Winter 2020 | Units: 2

INTNLREL 135A: International Environmental Law and Policy: Oceans and Climate Change

This seminar offers an introduction to International Environmental Law, with a strong emphasis on oceans and climate change, its underlying principles, how it is developed and implemented, and the challenges of enforcing it. We will focus on oceans and climate change, exploring the United Nations Law of the Sea Convention (UNCLOS) and the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC). We will explain why these agreements are described as ¿umbrella conventions¿ and how new conventions like the Paris Agreement fit within them. There will be guest speakers, a negotiation simulation, and a legal design sprint focused on re-imagining International Environmental Law.
Last offered: Winter 2021 | Units: 4-5 | UG Reqs: WAY-SI

LAW 603: Environmental Law and Policy

Federal environmental laws, regulatory structures. and environmental policies. The property law roots of environmental law and current primary analytical frameworks of use in understanding environmental law and policy. Federal statutes including the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, Superfund (CERCLA), and the Resource Recovery and Conservation Act. Case studies from environmental cases and controversies.
Last offered: Winter 2009 | Units: 3 | Repeatable 1 times (up to 3 units total)

LAW 2503: Energy Law

The supply of a safe, reliable, low-cost and clean energy for the United States is a key determinant of current and future prosperity. It is also the most important element of both state and federal decarbonization efforts. Electric utilities are also among the most heavily regulated of large firms. This statutory and regulatory framework is composed of a complex patchwork of overlapping state and federal rules that is constantly evolving to meet emerging challenges. In this course, students will acquire a basic understanding of the law of rate-based regulation of utilities. We will then examine the history of natural gas pipeline regulation in the United States, concluding with the introduction of market competition into US natural gas markets and the advent of shale gas. Next, we will cover the basics of the electricity system, including consumer demand, grid operations, power plant technologies and electricity sector economics. We will then revisit cost of service rate regulation as it has been applied in the electricity context. Next, we will examine reform of both rate-regulated and wholesale market-based structures, focusing on various attempts to introduce market competition into specific segments of the industry. Finally, students will examine various approaches to subsidization of utility scale renewable energy and the growth and compensation of distributed energy resources. Throughout, the course will focus on the sometimes cooperative, sometimes competing, but ever evolving federal and state roles in regulating the supply of electric power as a unique example of cooperative federalism. Students will write two 1000-word response papers during the quarter in addition to taking a final exam (composed of two 1000-word essays). Elements used in grading: Class participation (20%), written assignments (40%), and final exam (40%).
Terms: Spr | Units: 3
Instructors: ; Wara, M. (PI)

LAW 2508: The Business of Water

Freshwater is our most crucial natural resource, but it is facing mounting pressures from climate change and other factors. While public agencies traditionally dominated water management, private water companies are playing an increasingly important (and sometime controversial) role. In many cases, private companies are making critical contributions to meeting societal water needs (e.g., by developing new technologies and finding new ways to reduce water use). In other cases, however, the involvement of private companies has proven controversial (e.g., when private companies have taken over public water supply systems in developing countries such as Bolivia). This course will look at established and emerging businesses in the water sector and the legal, economic, and social issues generated by the private sector's involvement. These businesses include water technology companies (e.g., companies commercializing new desalination or water recycling technologies), venture capitalists, water funds (that directly buy and sell water rights), consulting firms, innovative agricultural companies, and large corporations (that increasingly are adopting corporate stewardship programs). The course will begin with two weeks of introduction to water and the private water sector. After that, each class will focus on a different water company. Company executives will attend each class session and discuss their business with the class. In most classes, we will examine (1) the viability and efficacy of the company's business plan, (2) the legal and/or social issues arising from the business' work, and (3) how the business might contribute to improved water management and policy. Each student will be expected to write (1) two short reflection papers on businesses that visit the class, and (2) a 10- to15-page paper at the conclusion of the class on an idea that the student has for a new water company, on an existing water company of the student's choice, or on a legal or policy initiative that can improve the role that business plays in improving water management (either in a particular sector or more generally). This course is open to graduate students from around the campus. Elements used in grading: Attendance, Class Participation, Written Assignments, Final Paper. Cross-listed with Civil & Environmental Engineering (CEE 273B).
Terms: Win | Units: 2

LAW 2509: Clean Energy Project Development and Finance

(Formerly Law 774) This case study-oriented course will focus on the critical skills needed to evaluate, develop, finance (on a non-recourse basis), and complete grid-scale clean energy projects. This course will be essentially the same as in the past four years (when it was cross-listed as GSB GEN 335). This course is highly multi-disciplinary, both in terms of substance and student mix. The course has consistently had a significant mix of business, engineering, law and earth science students. As in the past, the course will focus on the issues associated with the business of developing, financing, constructing and operating grid-scale clean energy projects. The course will focus on what a project developer or lender (i.e., in either case, the business person) needs to know to develop and finance successful projects. The project development business--far more than many other businesses such as tech, manufacturing, consumer, services, retail or transportation--inherently involves a VERY long list of highly-germane and critical legal issues. We address the legal issues from the perspective of what a business person needs to understand in order to navigate them and complete a project. The primary course materials will be documents from several representative projects -- e.g., solar, wind, storage, carbon capture, transmission, combined heat & power -- covering key areas including market and feasibility studies, environmental permitting and regulatory decisions, financial disclosure from bank and bond transactions, and construction, input, and offtake contracts. For virtually every clean energy project, legal documents and financial/business models tend to highly customized. By examining actual projects and transactions we can learn how developers, financiers, and lawyers work to get deals over the finish line--deals that meet the demands of the market, the requirements of the law, and (sometimes) broader societal goals, in particular climate change, economic competitiveness, and energy security. Elements used in grading: Class Participation (35 %), Lecture-based Assignment (15 %), Group Project (50 %). Absences affect grade. This class is limited to 36 students, with an effort made to have students from SLS, GSB, engineering and earth sciences. (All students need to be graduate students.) CONSENT APPLICATION: To apply for this course, students must complete and submit a Consent Application Form available on the SLS website (Click Courses at the bottom of the homepage and then click Consent of Instructor Forms). Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible. See Consent Application Form for instructions and submission deadline.
Last offered: Spring 2019 | Units: 3

MATSCI 302: Solar Cells

In the last 15 years, the solar power market has grown in size by 100 times while solar modules prices have fallen by 20 times. Unsubsidized, solar power projects now compete favorably against fossil fuels in many countries and is on track to be the largest energy provider in the future. How did this happen? nnIn MatSci 302 we will take a comprehensive look at solar cells starting from the underlying device physics that are relevant to all photovoltaic cell technologies. We will then look at the undisputed king (silicon based solar cells); how do they work today and how will they develop in the future. Finally, we will look at why past challengers have failed and how future challengers can succeed. This class will be co-taught by Brian and Craig, who graduated from the Material Science PhD program in 2011 and then started PLANT PV, a startup that developed a solar technology from idea to protoype and then full implementation on production lines in China. The lecturers routinely visit manufacturing facilities in Asia and work closely with engineering staff at the largest solar cell makers in the world to implement their technology into production lines.
Last offered: Autumn 2019 | Units: 3

MS&E 243: Energy and Environmental Policy Analysis

Concepts, methods, and applications. Energy/environmental policy issues such as automobile fuel economy regulation, global climate change, research and development policy, and environmental benefit assessment. Group project. Prerequisite: MS&E 241 or ECON 50.
Terms: Spr | Units: 3

PHYSICS 240: Introduction to the Physics of Energy

Energy as a consumable. Forms and interconvertability. World Joule budget. Equivalents in rivers, oil pipelines and nuclear weapons. Quantum mechanics of fire, batteries and fuel cells. Hydrocarbon and hydrogen synthesis. Fundamental limits to mechanical, electrical and magnetic strengths of materials. Flywheels, capacitors and high pressure tanks. Principles of AC and DC power transmission. Impossibility of pure electricity storage. Surge and peaking. Solar constant. Photovoltaic and thermal solar conversion. Physical limits on agriculture.
Terms: Aut | Units: 3
Instructors: ; Laughlin, R. (PI)

STRAMGT 574: Strategic Thinking in Action - In Business and Beyond II (Automotive Industry Disruption)

This six-session Bass seminar is about strategic leadership driving the transformation of the advanced automotive industry. It will build on what students have learned in their MBA core strategic leadership course but will also provide additional conceptual frameworks developed by the instructors to help examine the major seminar topics. The seminar's pedagogy involves informed debate to evaluate and hone well-researched views by the participants. Consequently, there will be an expectation of extensive contributions from all students to the discussion in all of the sessions. Small groups of seminar participants will also be expected to write and present position papers concerning the seminar's analytical topics. The industry scope of the seminar is twofold: First, it is about autonomous, electric, and shared vehicles. And second, it is about the manufacturer and supplier incumbents as well as the tech industry and startup new-entrants. In the course of the seminar discussions, we aim to deepen our understanding of strategic dynamics and transformational change at the societal, industry and organizational levels of our analysis.
Terms: Aut | Units: 2

URBANST 164: Sustainable Cities (EARTHSYS 160)

Community-engaged learning course that exposes students to sustainability concepts and urban planning as a tool for determining sustainable outcomes in the Bay Area. The focus will be on land use and transportation planning to housing and employment patterns, mobility, public health, and social equity. Topics will include government initiatives to counteract urban sprawl and promote smart growth and livability, political realities of organizing and building coalitions around sustainability goals, and increasing opportunities for low-income and communities of color to achieve sustainability outcomes. Students will participate in remote team-based projects in collaboration with Bay Area community partners. Prerequisites: Consent of the instructor. (Cardinal Course certified by the Haas Center.) Apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfhY1w5A_PCjmKdMcGNaZ6Hic24T2zvgF7CfcGrL2tWCWnQGg/viewform
Terms: Spr | Units: 4-5 | UG Reqs: WAY-EDP, WAY-SI
Instructors: ; Kos, R. (PI)

URBANST 165: Sustainable Transportation: Policy and Planning in Practice (EARTHSYS 165)

The transportation network is an essential, if often invisible, part of communities. Only when traffic piles up, the subway shuts down, or the sidewalk is closed do we notice the services and infrastructure that are critical to everyday movement. Beyond the everyday effects, transportation planning decisions also have long term consequences for the environment (transportation is the leading source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States); the economy (transportation is the fourth largest household expenditure after healthcare, housing, and food); and community wellbeing (traffic collisions are the leading cause of death for young people in the United States). This course will interrogate the role of transportation in fostering sustainable communities paying particular attention to how policy and planning decisions contribute to or hinder equitable access, economic vibrancy, environmental protection. Through a combination of lectures, field work, guest speakers, and real-world client projects, this course will provide an introduction to the field of transportation policy and planning. Student will learn about and get hands-on practice with topics such as bicycle and pedestrian design, safety analysis, traffic operations and modeling software, transit planning, and emerging trends such as autonomous vehicles, micromobility, and congestion pricing. (Cardinal Course certified by the Haas Center).
Terms: Win | Units: 4 | UG Reqs: GER:DB-SocSci, WAY-SI
Instructors: ; McAdam, T. (PI)
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