Skip to main content
PHY457Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Environmental Physics

This course on Environmental Physics (PHY 457) explores the physics behind environmental problems and their potential solutions. It covers energy resources, atmospheric properties, remote sensing, and satellite technology. Students will learn about air, water, and thermal pollution sources, as well as the impact of energy generation on the environment. The course also examines the role of satellites in environmental monitoring and the influence of space weather on global climate. Cost-benefit analysis for environmental policies is also discussed.

Transform this course into personalized study materials with AI

40h
Study Time
13
Weeks
3h
Per Week
intermediate
Math Level
Course Keywords
Environmental PhysicsRemote SensingAir PollutionGlobal WarmingSatellite Orbits

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📊
Math Level
Moderate Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Energy Resources

2

Environmental Pollution

3

Atmospheric Structure

4

Remote Sensing

5

Satellite Orbits

6

Global Weather Patterns

7

Climate Change

8

Environmental Management

Total Topics8 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (2 methods)

Tutor-Marked Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

End-of-Course Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Environmental Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Remote Sensing Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Climate Change Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Sustainability Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Environmental Policy Advisor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Environmental ConsultingAerospaceGovernment AgenciesResearch InstitutionsRenewable Energy

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Energy Resources and Environmental Pollution

3h

Unit 1: Energy Resources and Environmental Pollution

3 study hours
  • Understand the relationship between physics and the environment.
  • Identify sources of air, thermal, and chemical pollution.
  • Describe the environmental impacts of various energy-generating mechanisms.
Week
2

Module 1: Energy Resources and Environmental Pollution

3h

Unit 2: Structure and Composition of the Atmosphere

3 study hours
  • Describe the properties of the terrestrial atmosphere.
  • Distinguish between isothermal and adiabatic atmospheres.
  • Explain the vertical diminution of density with height.
Week
3

Module 1: Energy Resources and Environmental Pollution

3h

Unit 3: Artificial Satellite and Remote Sensing

3 study hours
  • Describe the Earth's orbit and its significance.
  • Solve problems related to satellites in circular orbits.
  • Discuss the principles of remote sensing.
Week
4

Module 2: Satellite Orbits and Global Weather

3h

Unit 1: Satellite Orbits in the Two-Body System

3 study hours
  • Understand the concept of the two-body problem.
  • Solve equations of motion in a two-body system.
  • Relate satellite orbits to conic sections.
Week
5

Module 2: Satellite Orbits and Global Weather

3h

Unit 2: Satellite Orbit in a Many-Body Problem

3 study hours
  • Write equations of motion for a many-body problem.
  • Deduce the ten known integrals of motion.
  • Discuss the significance of the force function.
Week
6

Module 2: Satellite Orbits and Global Weather

3h

Unit 3: Global Weather and Climatic Patterns

3 study hours
  • Describe the five distinct components of the Earth.
  • Explain the energy cycle and its impact on weather.
  • Discuss the greenhouse effect, ozone depletion, and global warming.
Week
7

Module 1: Energy Resources and Environmental Pollution

3h

Unit 1: Energy Resources and Environmental Pollution (Review)

3 study hours
  • Review key concepts from Module 1: Energy Resources and Environmental Pollution.
  • Practice solving problems related to energy resources and pollution.
Week
8

Module 1: Energy Resources and Environmental Pollution

3h

Unit 2: Structure and Composition of the Atmosphere (Review)

3 study hours
  • Review key concepts from Module 1: Structure and Composition of the Atmosphere.
  • Practice solving problems related to atmospheric properties.
Week
9

Module 1: Energy Resources and Environmental Pollution

3h

Unit 3: Artificial Satellite and Remote Sensing (Review)

3 study hours
  • Review key concepts from Module 1: Artificial Satellite and Remote Sensing.
  • Practice solving problems related to satellite orbits and remote sensing techniques.
Week
10

Module 2: Satellite Orbits and Global Weather

3h

Unit 1: Satellite Orbits in the Two-Body System (Review)

3 study hours
  • Review key concepts from Module 2: Satellite Orbits in the Two-Body System.
  • Practice solving problems related to two-body systems.
Week
11

Module 2: Satellite Orbits and Global Weather

3h

Unit 2: Satellite Orbit in a Many-Body Problem (Review)

3 study hours
  • Review key concepts from Module 2: Satellite Orbit in a Many-Body Problem.
  • Practice solving problems related to many-body systems.
Week
12

Module 2: Satellite Orbits and Global Weather

3h

Unit 3: Global Weather and Climatic Patterns (Review)

3 study hours
  • Review key concepts from Module 2: Global Weather and Climatic Patterns.
  • Discuss the impact of human activity on the environment.
Week
13

Final Revision

3h

Final Revision

3 study hours
  • Comprehensive review of all course materials.
  • Focus on areas of weakness and difficult concepts.
  • Prepare for final examinations.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and understand the solutions.

2

Create concept maps linking energy resources (Unit 1 Module 1) to pollution types (Units 2-3 Module 2).

3

Practice solving numerical problems related to satellite orbits (Units 1-2 Module 2) using relevant formulas.

4

Focus on understanding the key processes involved in global weather patterns (Unit 3 Module 2), such as Hadley cells and jet streams.

5

Study the definitions and causes of greenhouse effect, ozone layer depletion, and global warming (Unit 3 Module 2).

6

Understand the principles of environmental cost-benefit analysis (Unit 3 Module 2) and its application in policy making.

Related Courses

Other courses in Sciences that complement your learning