University General Course Catalog 2019-2020 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
University General Course Catalog 2019-2020 ARCHIVED CATALOG: LINKS AND CONTENT ARE OUT OF DATE. CHECK WITH YOUR ADVISOR.

Renewable Energy, Minor


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs in the College of Engineering

I. Contact Information


Track I 
Charles Coronella, LME 311
(775) 784-4253

Track II 
Eric Herzik, TB 225
(775) 682-7764

II. Description


The interdisciplinary minor in renewable energy is open to all undergraduate students. Separate tracks are available to students in engineering and to students outside engineering, allowing both technical and nontechnical students to study this dynamic field. Regardless of the track chosen, the program is designed to ensure that students are exposed to the technical, economic, and policy issues relevant to renewable energy.

Track I is designed for students in engineering who seek specialization in the interdisciplinary studies of renewable energy sources, power generation and fuel production technologies, renewable energy policy, and the economics of various energy sources. Students in chemical engineering, electrical engineering, materials science and mechanical engineering will find this minor complements their major and provides them with the background needed to start a career in renewable energy. Students in other technical majors may also find this track appealing. All students are encouraged to consult with their major advisor to discuss the suitability of the minor to their individual long-term goals.

Track II is designed primarily for students in disciplines other than engineering. These students will receive training in the basic technical aspects of renewable energy as well as learning about energy policy and the economics of various energy sources. Students in any major may pursue this track. This track may be particularly appealing to students interested in science, environmental studies, political science and business.

All students are encouraged to consult with their major advisor in selection of this minor.

The objective of the interdisciplinary renewable energy minor is to provide students with technical skills, economic and political background, and analysis and design skills that will help them to apply the knowledge gained in their major to the important national issues of alternative and renewable energy. Students will be exposed to a broad range of technical and social/political disciplines necessary to understand the sources of renewable energy, technical and economic decisions involved in using alternative energy sources, and the policy and regulatory issues that influence the development and adoption of alternative energy resources.

III. Program Requirements (18 units)


Track I


Following are the requirements for students enrolled in Track I. Substitutions must be approved by the Associate Dean of Engineering. There are three requirements.

18 units are required. A maximum of 9 units from the students major may be applied toward the minor. In addition, a minimum of 9 units must be at the 300 or 400 level.

All Track I students are required to take:


The remaining 15 units are selected from the following:


Track II


The following are the requirements for the students enrolled in Track II. Substitutions must be approved by the minor advisor. There are four requirements.

18 units are required. A maximum of 9 units from the students major may be applied toward the minor. In addition, a minimum of 9 units must be at the 300 or 400 level.

All Track II students are required to take:


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs in the College of Engineering