ENGR 1559

Really great class if you are interested in exploring alternative energy sources from a technological aspect. Professor Bean is very enthusiastic about his work, and it really shows in lecture. Be prepared to participate!!!

This class is great for anyone interested in green energy, but doesn't want to get too technical. Professor Bean is one of the best professors I've talked to and encourages his students to participate in discussion in the class. The structure is super simple, there are weekly 1 page long papers that you write on topics that interested you, a 5 page midterm, and a 10 page final. There is no classwork, quizzes, tests or any other homework except for the 1 page papers. Lecture can be a little difficult to keep up with at times, but Professor Bean is excellent at explaining the multitude of topics. He is so invested in the class and everyone can tell that he is very passionate about the subject and wants his students to share his passion. I highly recommend this class not only because it is pretty much an easy A, but because it is super interesting and laid back which makes for a unique learning environment.

Anyone who hasn't taken this class is missing out. Dr. Bean is compelled by the energy movement and is focused on vitalizing the University of Virginia's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences focus on energy, a topic of national concern. He is THE expert for all things energy, and working alongside him in this class will make any student stronger. I remember one paper I submitted that claimed perovskite solar panels would revolutionize solar--they're efficient, cheap, and pliable to many surfaces. I thought I had come up with something refute-proof. In his comments, Bean pointed out things I had missed in my research, like how perovskite degrades in humidity, and how the most efficient type contains carcinogens (especially lead). This class will challenge you to do your own research, engage you in intelligent conversation, and teach you everything about energy that you never thought you didn't know. Grading for the class is generous if you do all of your work. Recommended in the highest regard.

Coming from an Econ major, this was the best class I took at UVA. This class will show you how our country is powered and give you a robust and non-partisan understanding of US (and global) energy challenges. John Bean is a little eccentric and sometimes tough to follow (esp. if you aren't an engineering student), but his devotion to the class is astounding. He does all the research himself, constantly updates lectures to make sure you're getting the most current info. The best part is that you're never quizzed on the lectures themselves (only on the textbook), so if you need to zone out in class one day it's not a big deal.

I would only recommend this class if you're genuinely interested in the topic and you're willing to devote 2-3 hours a week to the class. There are weekly reading checks and current events write-ups, as well as a mid-term and final project on an energy project of your choice. If you show interest and take on a project really like, you are almost guaranteed an A.

Between the textbook, the lectures, and your self-learning through assignments, this class is an absolute firehose of information. You'll leave feeling a lot smarter on energy and extremely skeptical of the (often baseless) claims on energy that both Republicans and Democrats make. Would recommend for all majors.

In my opinion, Bean is the best professor at UVA, and this is the best class to take in the E-school if you are interested in sustainability. Warning: Bean is retiring after Spring 2017, so take the class while you can! His class covers a very wide array of energy topics and plunges into the physics and engineering details about energy technology in an enlightening and in-depth way. His lectures are full of information. Sometimes you have to fight to pay attention because he is spewing so much knowledge, but in all, you get a lot out of the lectures. There are weekly writing assignments on an energy-related topic of your choice. He takes the time to read every one of your assignments in depth and give meaningful feedback.

Would definitely recommend getting to know Dr. Bean and talking to him after class. He is kind of a genius and there is a lot to learn from him and his life experiences. Sad to see him leave. Take his class while you can!!!

loved the class, even though it required quite a bit of work. there a weekly one page reports due on an energy topic of your choice, so you get to decide what you learn about. midterm and final are also papers on topics of your choice. highly recommended! graded easily too, although in the first few weeks he gives lower grades. don't let that scare you away, I bet well over half the class got an A