Class Central is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Open University

Living without oil

The Open University via OpenLearn

Overview

Crude oil is currently our most important global source of energy. It is vital in the manufacture of many modern materials. But the worlds supply of oil is finite, its price is unstable and our reliance on oil has damaging environmental consequences. This free course, Living without oil, explains why developing alternatives to oil is an essential and urgent task for humanity.

Syllabus

  • Introduction
  • Learning outcomes
  • 1 Introducing oil
  • 1 Introducing oil
  • 1.1 Oil consumption
  • 2 Oil for personal transport
  • 3 Virtual oil
  • 4 Oil as a source of modern materials
  • 5 Is the oil running out?
  • 6 Future sources of oil
  • 6.1 Conventional oil
  • 6.2 Non-conventional oil
  • 7 Oil and anthropogenic global warming
  • 8 Other pollution from conventional road transport
  • 9 Conclusion
  • Conclusion
  • Acknowledgements

Reviews

3.6 rating at OpenLearn based on 8 ratings

Start your review of Living without oil

Never Stop Learning.

Get personalized course recommendations, track subjects and courses with reminders, and more.

Someone learning on their laptop while sitting on the floor.