(This minor is interdisciplinary)
The Minor in Renewable Energy (MRE) has been established as an interdisciplinary minor program. It is designed for students in the STEM areas majoring in the following departments:
- Physics and Astronomy,
- Chemistry,
- Environmental Sciences,
- Biology,
- Mathematics,
- Mechanical, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering,
- Chemical and Environmental Engineering,
- Electrical Engineering and Computer Science,
- Civil Engineering, and
- Bioengineering.
Students with other majors can enroll in the MRE provided they complete the prerequisite courses. The goal of the minor is to expose students to quantitative analyses of the use of energy in human societies, its consequences and environmental impacts. A primary focus will be on the advantages and complexities of introducing renewable energy resources. Students will be required to take at least one course in the social, political, and economic ramifications of the use of energy in general and renewable energy in particular. An internship is required to enhance the practical training of students.
Course requirements are as follows: Students must complete at least 21 hours of coursework, including an internship in a renewable energy related area. The following program if courses is required:
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| PHYS 3400 | Physical Principles Of Energy Sources For Humans | 3 |
| EEES 2200 | Climate Change | 3 |
| CHEM 3810 | Chemistry of Sustainable Energy Resources | 3 |
| PHYS 4940 | Internship in Renewable Energy | 3 |
| PSC 4340 | Environmental Policy | 3 |
| or ECON 3240 | Environmental Economics |
| 6 |
| Principles and Varieties of Solar Energy | |
| Special Topics (Renewable Energy) | |
| Special Topics In Chemical Engineering (Biofuels) | |
| Special Topics In Chemical Engineering (Fuel Cells and the Hydrogen Economy) | |
| Total Hours | 21 |
Prerequisites
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| PHYS 2080 | General Physics II (or higher) | 4 |
| PHYS 2085 | General Physics II - Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 1240 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| |
