Environment General Courses (ENVIRON)

graduate level, taught in Durham

298.19 Hydrocarbons: Production to Policy Seminar (1 credit)

Purpose: Providing clean, affordable energy is one of the most complex and multi-faceted challenges influencing the future of our environment and society as a whole. The purpose of this seminar is to introduce students interested in energy and the environment to the most prevalent source of energy today: hydrocarbons. Students will obtain a basic understanding of the hydrocarbon value chain, from the wellhead to the burner tip, as well as be exposed to relevant energy policy issues. The focus of the seminar is a field trip to the energy capital of the world, Houston, TX, and the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana to provide an in depth, real world view of the traditional energy industry. We will tour oil and gas production and remediation sites, an oil refinery, and a liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal. We will also participate in discussions with several energy industry professionals.

Logistics: Topics to be covered are outlined below. Students will be provided with a reader and are expected to review the material before the field trip to facilitate greater discussion. As with all Nicholas School field trip courses, students are expected to help defer the expenses of the trip. Students will be charged $313 (to cover airfare); all other expenses, including lodging, transportation, and some meals are covered by the school.

link to full syllabus (.pdf)