This course investigates a major source of human impact upon the Earth - energy consumption to fuel human activity. The course a) provides a cross-disciplinary perspective on the challenge of human-centered energy use, b) explains the historical origins of today's energy systems, c) describes current energy systems, d) examines the components of sustainable energy systems, and e) considers keys to their deployment.

STS 2100 examines the relationships of engineering, technology, and society, with a specific focus on the multiple forms of expertise required for socially responsible engineering practice and career advancement, including (1) sociotechnical systems thinking, (2) ethical awareness, and (3) the ability to communicate and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders in both formal and informal settings.

This course invites students to explore the implications of STS core concepts within a specific topical or disciplinary area, drawing out the implications of STS 1500 in depth. The course explores the social and global context of engineering, science and technology. Although writing and speaking skills are emphasized, more attention is given to course content and the students' analytical abilities. Prerequisites: STS 1500 or ENGR 1020 or ENGR 2595 - Engineering Foundations II.

The mission of UVA - SEAS is "to make the world a better place by creating and disseminating knowledge and by preparing engineering leaders to solve global challenges." In alignment with that mission, this course seeks to equip undergraduates with knowledge, understanding, and practice to prepare them for ethical leadership now, as students, and for their future as engineering leaders. Prerequisite 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year Engineering student

In this course, we will explore four case studies illustrative of the potential disharmony between intent and process. In each case, the action is a public policy initiative with scientific or technological dimensions, where good intentions either led to unwelcome collateral consequences, or the process of implementation failed to fulfill the intent of the policy.

This course engages students with the idea that success in posing and solving engineering problems requires attention to the social dimensions of professional endeavors and practice. STS theories and methods are applied to student thesis projects. Students produce a prospectus for the senior thesis project. Students must be in residence to take this course. Students are not permitted to take STS 4500 and STS 4600 simultaneously. Prereq: STS 2000 or STS 3000 level course and 4th Year Engineering.

This course focuses on ethical issues in engineering. The key theme is that ethics is central to engineering practice. The professional responsibilities of engineers are examined. Students produce an STS Research paper linked to their technical thesis project and complete all of the requirements for the senior thesis. Students must be in residence to take this course. Students are not permitted to take STS 4500 and STS 4600 simultaneously. Prerequisites: STS 4500.

The purpose of these courses is to address and discuss the sociotechnical systems of engineering, and how engineering impacts diversity, equity, and inclusion.