PHYSICS 12 · PHYS 12Physics of Sustainable Energy
Physics · 4 units · Undergraduate lower division (0-99)
Special mathematical preparation beyond that necessary for admission to UCLA in freshman standing not required. Discussion of physics underpinnings of energy sources and consumption, with emphasis on renewables. Global view of energy balance in our lives from point of view of physical processes. Ways in which energy is used in everyday life (transportation, heating, cooling), and ways in which it is produced, covering all common and speculative sources of energy from fossil fuels to solar, wind, nuclear, and fusion. Fundamental physical limitations of each technology to master concepts such as efficiency of thermodynamic cycles and of chemical and nuclear reactions. Quantitative estimation of amount of energy students use in their daily lives and what physical processes could produce it.
P/NP or letter grading.
When it runs
Not on the schedule for any of Fall 2025 through Spring 2027. UCLA publishes only that window, so this does not mean the course is gone — check the official listing.
Requisites
UCLA lists no requisites for this course.
Requires
Everything that has to come before this course, not just the courses named in the requisite above.
Nothing — this is an entry point.
Unlocks
What this course is a requisite for, and what those courses lead to in turn.
No course in the catalog lists this as a requisite.