TEC 2601 Energy Issues & Technology
This course will explore the various forms of energy and will examine the complete range of energy alternatives existing in the world today. Students will examine energy resources, economics and environmental impacts and should learn about the concepts, tools, techniques and materials needed to design and construct systems that are used to produce energy. A major focus of the course will be on the renewable or sustainable forms of energy. Students will study how to measure these renewable resources and estimate the power that could be produced from them, as well as, the technological options which exist for transforming these resources into useful sources of energy. lecture three hours. (CROSS-DISCIPLINARY)
TEC 3604 Sustainable Transportation
This course will introduce students to contemporary trends and issues related to transportation technology. A major focus of the course will be the exploration of emerging new technologies and strategies for producing a sustainable transportation system. Specific topics addressed will include: public transportation strategies, bicycle technology, energy efficient transportation options, and alternative fuels such as biodiesel, alcohol, natural gas, hydrogen and electric vehicles. the environmental, social, and economic, as well as the technological aspects of all options will be explored. [dual-listed with TEC 5604.]
TEC 3605 Sustainable Resource Management
This course will introduce students to material efficiency issues, recycling, composting and the concept of life cycle design, which is a proactive approach for integrating pollution prevention and resource conservation strategies into the development of more ecologically and economically sustainable product systems. lecture three hours. [dual-listed with TEC 5605.]
TEC 3606 Sustainable Water & Wastewater Technology
This course will introduce students to both contemporary and alternative water and wastewater technologies. Students will study how to analyze the water cycle and be able to develop management concepts which are both economically and environmentally sustainable. Water issues facing the world, sources of water, water purification, water quality assessment, water pumping, efficiency, grey water, composting toilets and living machines will all be addressed in the course. [dual-listed with TEC 5606.]
TEC 4607 Wind & Hydro Power Technology
This course will introduce students to the basic concepts, tools, techniques and materials needed to design and construct systems that convert wind and hydro resources into electricity. Students will study how to measure these renewable resources and to estimate the power that could be produced from them. they will also have the opportunity to learn how to design and construct complete renewable electricity systems and become familiar with many contemporary products used in renewable electricity systems. the course will include classroom and hands-on design, construction and possibly some field trip experiences outside of class. Lecture two hours, laboratory two hours. prerequisite: TEC 3601 or permission of the instructor. [dual-listed with TEC 5607.]
TEC 4608 Photovoltaic System Design & Construction
This course will introduce students to the basic concepts, tools, techniques and materials needed to design and construct systems that convert solar resources into electricity with photovoltaic (pv) technologies. Students will study how to assess the solar resources available at a particular site and how that information can be used to properly design pv systems. they will also have the opportunity to learn how to design and construct complete code compliant photovoltaic systems and become familiar with contemporary trends and products. The course will include classroom and hands-on design, construction and possibly some field trip experiences outside of class. lecture two hours, laboratory two hours. prerequisite: TEC 3601 or permission of the instructor. [dual-listed with TEC 5608.]
TEC 4628 Solar Thermal Technology
This course will introduce students to the basic concepts, tools, materials and techniques needed to convert solar energy into heat. Specific technologies to be studied include solar cookers, solar dryers, solar water heaters, solar water pasteurization/distillation, solar greenhouses/coldframes, and some house heating systems. Students should develop skills in the use of tools, materials, and processes which effectively and efficiently capture and convert the suns energy into thermal energy. The course will include traditional classroom and hands on design, construction and testing activities. lecture two hours, laboratory two hours. [dual-listed with TEC 5628.]
TEC 4638 Contemporary Problems in Appropriate Technology
This course is designed to provide students with an overview of contemporary problems facing the Appropriate technology movement such as affordable and efficient alternative energy systems, small scale production systems, waste management and recycling, bioregional development, community and shelter design and technology transfer methodology. each student will have the opportunity to explore in-depth a problem of their choosing and will be given guidance in the identification, definition and analysis of their chosen problem. Both library research and prototype or model construction will be required. lecture three hours. prerequisite: TEC 4608 or permission of the instructor. (Writing; Speaking) [dual-listed with TEC 5638.]
TEC 4700 Biofuels Technology
This course will cover the evolving biofuel technologies (biodiesel, alcohol, cellulose products, and methane) to displace depleting fossil fuels (diesel, gasoline, natural gas, and coal). This course will introduce students to the basic concepts, tools, techniques, and materials needed to assess, design, and construct biofuels technology systems. Coursework will include multimedia presentations, lectures, discussions, films, field trips, homework, guest-speakers, and laboratory activities. [dual-listed with TEC 5700.]
TEC 4711 Computer Modeling Renewable Energy Systems
This course will introduce students to a variety of software packages for modeling the performance of renewable energy systems, and will help them develop proficiency in their use. Software packages may include Excel, FChart, PVFChart, BLCC, HOMER, WindCAD, retScreen, and Arcreader. Students will study how to predict the performance of a variety of solar heating technologies, photovoltaics, wind turbines, and solar house designs. The economics and environmental benefits of renewable energy systems will also be explored. File formats and memory allocation schemes, as they relate to understanding data storage, will be discussed. effective problem solving skills will be emphasized throughout the course. prerequisite: TEC 3601. (COMPUTER) [dual-listed with TEC 5711.]