Energy Minor

Program Overview

The Energy minor is a 12-hour interdisciplinary program that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the energy sector, encompassing technical, commercial, legal, ethical, and sustainability aspects. Through a blend of core and elective courses, students gain a foundation in energy science, business, and impacts, preparing them for careers in energy management, renewable energy development, energy policy, and sustainability consulting. The program's interdisciplinary approach and real-world case studies equip graduates to contribute to the sustainable development of the energy industry.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Energy minor is a 12-hour interdisciplinary program that focuses on the technical, commercial, legal, ethical, and sustainability issues related to the energy industry.
• Objectives: The minor aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the energy sector, enabling them to make informed decisions and contribute to the sustainable development of the industry.
• Program Description: The minor offers a blend of core and elective courses that cover various aspects of energy production, distribution, and utilization.
Students gain a foundation in energy science, energy business, and the broader impacts of energy on society and the environment.

Outline:

• Content: The minor encompasses a diverse range of topics, including:
• Energy science: Chemical concepts of energy technology, petroleum geology, non-technical petroleum engineering, thermodynamics, sustainable energy, and energy, environment, and climate change.
• Energy business: Analysis of financial statements, resources and the environment, practical issues in energy management, energy law and regulation, environmental health and safety for energy, power industry and alternative/renewable energy, and engineering economics.
• Energy impacts: Cultures before history: archaeology, seminar in anthropology, environment and literature, literature and film, climate change, U.S. national security, and the politics of natural resource wealth.
• Structure: The minor requires 12 credit hours, including:
• Required Course: Energy Capstone (3 hours)
• Electives: Students must choose one course from each of the three elective sections below (9 hours).
• Course Schedule: The specific course schedule and availability may vary depending on the semester and year.
Students are advised to consult the academic calendar and course listings for the most up-to-date information.
• Modules: The minor does not have specific modules as it is designed to provide students with a broad overview of the energy sector rather than a specialized focus in a particular area.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: Student assessment in the minor may include:
• Exams (midterms, finals, quizzes)
• Assignments (projects, research papers, presentations)
• Class participation
• Assessment Criteria: The assessment criteria vary depending on the specific course and instructor.
However, general criteria may include:
• Knowledge and understanding of energy concepts and principles
• Analytical and critical thinking skills
• Communication and presentation abilities
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program utilizes various teaching methods to cater to different learning styles, including:
• Lectures
• Discussions
• Case studies
• Simulations
• Guest lectures
• Faculty: The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members from various disciplines, including energy science, economics, law, and environmental studies.
• Unique Approaches:
• Interdisciplinary Perspective: The minor's interdisciplinary approach allows students to gain a comprehensive understanding of energy from multiple perspectives.
• Case Studies and Simulations: The program incorporates real-world case studies and simulations to provide students with hands-on experience in addressing energy-related challenges.
• Guest Lectures: Guest lectures from industry professionals offer students valuable insights into current trends and practices in the energy sector.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates with an Energy minor may pursue a wide range of careers in the energy industry, including:
• Energy management and consulting
• Renewable energy development
• Energy policy and regulation
• Environmental engineering
• Energy finance
• Sustainability consulting
• Opportunities: The minor prepares students for entry-level positions and career advancement in various energy-related fields.
• Outcomes: Graduates with an Energy minor are well-equipped to contribute to the development and implementation of sustainable energy solutions, addressing the challenges and opportunities of the 21st-century energy landscape.