New sustainable energy technologies course planned for spring 2013

8:05 a.m., Nov. 19, 2012--The University of Delaware Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering will offer a new course in spring 2013 titled “Sustainable Energy Technologies.”

Aimed mainly at non-engineering majors, this experimental course is intended to give students an understanding of global energy use and how society can develop sustainable energy solutions.

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Topics of discussion will include the basic science behind different energy sources, such as fossil fuels, coal and electricity, as well as renewable sources like wind, solar and fuel cells. Students will also learn about the environmental and economic impact of various energy sources and energy conservation related topics.

“Our goal is to teach students to become informed citizens who can understand the energy landscape and to make informed decisions about our energy future both locally and globally,” said Michael Chajes, professor of civil and environmental engineering.

Expert guest speakers and in-class debates will complement class lectures and provide students both an anecdotal and factual view of our global energy future.

“By the end of the course, students will be able to answer a myriad of hypothetical questions like how many wind turbines would be needed to supply the state of Delaware’s energy needs and what size solar cell array would be needed to supply New York City’s energy needs,” remarked Chajes, who will co-teach the course with Roland Heck, an adjunct engineering professor. 

The 3-credit course (CIEG 167 010 and cross-listed as ENEP 167 010) is open to all majors, but non-engineering majors are particularly encouraged.

The class will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9:30-10:45 a.m.

For more information, contact Michael Chajes, chajes@udel.edu, 302-831-6756, 358A Du Pont Hall, or Roland Heck, rheck@udel.edu, 302-831-2401, 102 Du Pont Hall.

Article by Megan Marschall