(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 of 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
Select two of the following:		6
PHYS 4400	Principles and Varieties of Solar Energy
MIME 4980	Special Topics (Renewable Energy)
CHEE/BIOE 4980	Special Topics In Chemical Engineering (Biofuels)
CHEE 4980	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
Both courses under CHEE 4980 require MATH 1850

No classes used to satisfy the requirements of the minor in renewable energy may be taken P/NC.