EVR 1310 - Renewable Energy Resources, Energy Efficiency and Conservation Methods

College of Natural Sciences

Credit(s): 3
Contact Hours: 47
Effective Term Fall 2017 (535)

Requisites

Prerequisite EVR 1001C or
Prerequisite EVS 1001 or
Permission of the Program

Course Description

This course is intended to provide an overview of energy resources with special attention to the leading renewable energy resources. Topics covered include the science of energy, historical context of energy use and policy, energy efficiency and conservation strategies, and a survey of all sources of energy (e.g., fossil fuel, nuclear, and renewable). An in-depth examination of recent advancements that include the environmental, economic, and social impacts of renewable energy will be pursued to achieve the requisite knowledge of energy issues.

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

  1. The student will demonstrate an understanding of the basic terminology and the science of energy by:
    1. defining and describing the difference between common terminology used in energy science.
    2. demonstrating a basic understanding the forms of energy and the ways that energy is measured.
    3. understanding and performing unit conversions between and among the SI and English system and between different forms of energy.
    4. describing the difference between energy consumption and energy production and methods to quantify each.
  2. The student will demonstrate an understanding of the historical context of energy use and its relationship to policy with a focus on the United States by:
    1. displaying knowledge on the history of energy production and consumption on the planet and specifically in the United States.
    2. describing the history of energy policy in the United States.
    3. relating how energy consumption and production relates to environmental policy.
  3. The student will understand the environmental, economic, and social impacts of all forms of energy resources on society by:
    1. identifying the major forms of energy resources currently available on the planet and in the United States.
    2. analyzing the pros and cons of all forms of energy resources in terms of environmental, economic, and societal impacts on the planet.
    3. describing how energy is related to global climate change and other environmental issues.
  4. The student will demonstrate an understanding of the technical systems and components of the major forms renewable energy resources (i.e., hydroelectricity, solar, bioenergy, tidal, wave, and geothermal) by:
    1. analyzing a knowledge of the history of each renewable energy resource.
    2. demonstrating knowledge of the technical components and functionality of each renewable energy resource in detail.
    3. evaluating the applicability and potential for each renewable resource across the United States.
    4. showing a knowledge of the status of each renewable energy resource in terms of research development and implementation.
  5. The student will demonstrate an understanding of energy efficiency and conservation strategies and methods by:
    1. defining and describing the difference between energy efficiency and energy conservation.
    2. evaluating common strategies and methods used to implement energy efficiency and conservation measures in federal, state, and local government programs.
    3. describing the potential for energy efficiency and conservation in terms of current energy consumption.

Criteria Performance Standard

Upon successful completion of the course the student will, with a minimum of 70% accuracy demonstrate mastery of each of the above stated objectives through classroom measures developed by individual course instructors.

History of Changes

Submitted as 14XX, SCNS approved as 1310. C&I Approval: 09/16/2011, BOT Approval: 10/01/2011, Effective Term: Spring 2012 (450).
C&I Approval: , BOT Approval: , Effective Term: Fall 2017 (535)

Related Programs

  1. Environmental Science Technology (ENVSC-AS) (635) (Active)