new courses in sustainable energy studies

Environmental Earth Science Department
Eastern Connecticut State University

New Courses in Sustainable Energy Studies

EES 204 - Global Climate Change
A study of the scientific data, physical theory, and computer models that scientists are using to predict rapid global warming during the current century. These predictions will be compared to previous climate history of the Earth. The evidence that human activities, especially the emission of carbon dioxide through the burning of fossil fuels, is the dominant cause of the current global climate change and that global warming will cause irreversible damage to natural ecosystems and will cause substantial economic and health damage to human populations will be examined. Proposals for decreasing the amount of global climate change and adapting to climate change will be evaluated.

EES 205 - Sustainable Energy and the Environment
This course will evaluate the environmental impacts of power generation based on fossil fuels and nuclear fission and will describe alternatives to these technologies, including conservation, mass transit, electric and hybrid electric vehicles, passive solar energy, solar thermal systems, photovoltaic power systems, hydroelectric power, wind energy, tidal power, ocean thermal power, biomass, fuel cells, hydrogen fuel systems, and nuclear fusion. The course will evaluate the environmental, economic, and social issues related to the transition to sustainable energy systems.

EES 305 - Sustainable Energy Resources
A study of the extent, geographical distribution, and accessibility of hydrocarbon, nuclear, and renewable energy resources with an emphasis on sustainable energy technologies, including passive solar energy, solar thermal energy, photovoltaic power, hydroelectric power, wind energy, biomass energy, fuel cells, and hydrogen fuel systems. The course will also address the environmental benefits of renewable energy and the economic and social barriers to its widespread adoption.

EES 306 - Sustainable Energy Applications
A study of the sustainable use of energy resources with emphasis on sustainable buildings, mass transit, cogeneration, and energy conservation in residential, educational, governmental, commercial, and industrial buildings and systems. The course will also address the potential benefits of energy conservation and the economic and social barriers to its widespread adoption.

EES 307 - Sustainable Energy and Sustainable Development
An eight to twelve day field experience in a developing country. An intensive study, including interviews and site visits, of the role that sustainable energy systems play in sustainable development in a developing country.

EES 405 - Sustainable Energy Analysis
This course provides students with experience in developing and using computer simulations of sustainable energy systems such as solar collectors, solar electric power systems, and wind turbines. Students develop detailed mathematical descriptions of sustainable energy systems and use standard simulation software packages to develop computer simulations of these systems. The course includes experience using computer simulations of sustainable energy systems to predict system performance in different geographical regions.

EES Home

ECSU Home