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Robin McClellan, Elena Brewer, Mark Bremer, Timothy Cochran, and Marjaneh Issapour

This course prepares you to recognize the complexities and nuances of different renewable energy solutions, as well as relevant career opportunities (both technical occupations and roles not typically associated with clean energy). Learners are immersed in discussions about green energy technologies, the impact of sustainability on society, energy consumption in the United States and conservation. Topics include: tenets of green building design and construction, solar energy conversion through photovoltaic cells, wind turbine site selection and design, and nanotechnology applications in clean energy. It references educational opportunities from the State University of New York (SUNY) system that correlate with each clean energy market segment.

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This course prepares you to recognize the complexities and nuances of different renewable energy solutions, as well as relevant career opportunities (both technical occupations and roles not typically associated with clean energy). Learners are immersed in discussions about green energy technologies, the impact of sustainability on society, energy consumption in the United States and conservation. Topics include: tenets of green building design and construction, solar energy conversion through photovoltaic cells, wind turbine site selection and design, and nanotechnology applications in clean energy. It references educational opportunities from the State University of New York (SUNY) system that correlate with each clean energy market segment.

The course is suitable for anyone interested in entering the renewable energy field, whether fresh to the workforce or switching industries. Material encompasses online lectures, videos, demos, readings and discussions. Learners will create a career roadmap, whereby they define a job that interests them, conduct a gap assessment to determine additional education/training/skills they need, and document a pathway to their ideal renewable energy career.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome!
Clean Energy 101
This module provides a foundation for the course, covering energy consumption and conservation, the importance of renewable energy, and pathways to careers in renewable energy.
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Sustainability
Learners will gain an understanding of the fundamental principles of sustainability, why sustainability matters, and career opportunities in the field.
Green Building
Learners will develop an understanding of the value of green buildings, fundamental green building principles, and common rating systems.
Solar Energy
Learners will consider the benefits and limitations of solar energy, and gain an understanding of solar energy careers and educational opportunities.
Wind Energy
Learners will review the history of wind energy, consider wind as a fluid, explore turbine design and siting, and gain an understanding of wind power careers and educational pathways.
Nanotechnology for Renewable Energy
Learners will be introduced to nanotechnology and its applications in renewable energy. Careers and educational pathways will also be explored.
Final Project: Exploring Pathways to Renewable Energy Careers
Using the resources provided throughout the course, you will hone in on a renewable energy career of interest. By assessing your current background and reviewing the requirements for the desired position, you will conduct a gap analysis and be able to describe the education and training needed to enter your ideal renewable energy career. This culminating project leaves learners with a roadmap to a renewable energy career.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Teaches the value of green building, principles, and rating systems, which are highly relevant for green careers
Covers core skills for roles in renewable energy, a highly in-demand field
Examines the history of wind energy and its future in the energy industry, highly relevant for wind energy professionals
Provides a comprehensive overview of solar energy and its benefits and limitations, essential for solar professionals
Develops a deep understanding of green building design and construction, a core skill for green architects and engineers
Introduces the fundamentals of sustainability and its importance, critical for sustainability professionals

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Reviews summary

Renewable energy: careers and insights

Learners say that this course, titled Renewable Energy: Fundamentals and Job Opportunities, is a highly informative introduction to renewable energy. Students say that they appreciated the course's clear presentations and useful materials. According to students, the course provides a good overview of the renewable energy industry and the career opportunities within it. Many students indicated that this course helped them to gain a deeper understanding of renewable energy and to identify potential career paths in the field.
Instructors are knowledgeable and engaging.
"The speakers were very enlightening."
Engaging and informative content presented through videos and readings.
"The format is great and the information is very useful. "
Covers technical aspects of renewable energy, but may be too basic for some.
"A nice overview of renewable energy with insightful information"
Highlights job opportunities in the renewable energy industry.
"Good overview of reneweable energy industry."
Provides insight into careers in renewable energy.
"A great course for anyone who wants to start your career in green energy sector."
"Very useful course for those who wants to transition to the fields of Renewable energy."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Renewable Energy: Fundamentals and Job Opportunities with these activities:
Review math and physics
Strengthening math and physics skills will aid in easier understanding of course materials
Browse courses on Mathematics
Show steps
  • Review basic arithmetic operations
  • Review algebra and geometry concepts
  • Review basic physics principles
Review trigonometry
Review the basics of trigonometry to prepare for this course's discussion of solar energy.
Browse courses on Trigonometry
Show steps
  • Review the definitions of sine, cosine, and tangent.
  • Practice solving for the length of a right triangle using the Pythagorean theorem.
Volunteer at a local renewable energy organization
Volunteering at a local renewable energy organization provides practical experience, networking opportunities, and a deeper connection to the field.
Browse courses on Community Involvement
Show steps
  • Identify local renewable energy organizations.
  • Contact the organizations and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Attend volunteer events and actively participate in activities.
Eight other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 11 activities
Follow tutorials on solar panel installation
Supplemental tutorials on solar panel installation can provide hands-on guidance for understanding the practical aspects of solar energy.
Browse courses on Renewable Energy Systems
Show steps
  • Search for online tutorials on solar panel installation.
  • Follow the steps outlined in the tutorials to learn about the process of installing solar panels.
  • Note down any questions or areas that need further clarification.
Solve practice problems
Solving practice problems will reinforce concepts learned in the course and improve problem-solving skills
Browse courses on Problem Solving
Show steps
  • Find practice problems online or in textbooks
  • Solve the problems on your own
  • Check your answers and learn from your mistakes
Solve practice problems on wind turbine design
Solving practice problems on wind turbine design will reinforce the concepts covered in the course and improve your problem-solving skills.
Show steps
  • Find practice problems on wind turbine design from textbooks or online resources.
  • Attempt to solve the problems using the concepts learned in the course.
  • Check your solutions and identify areas where you need further practice.
Attend industry events
Attending industry events will allow you to connect with professionals in the field and learn about career opportunities
Browse courses on Networking
Show steps
  • Research industry events in your area
  • Attend the events and network with professionals
  • Follow up with the people you meet
Design a small-scale solar energy system
Designing a small-scale solar energy system provides hands-on experience in applying the concepts learned in the course to a practical project.
Show steps
  • Determine the energy needs and available resources at the intended location.
  • Research and select appropriate solar panels, batteries, and other components.
  • Design the system layout and wiring diagram.
  • Estimate the system's performance and cost.
Write a report on the environmental impact of wind turbines
Composing a report on the environmental impact of wind turbines allows you to critically analyze and synthesize information gained from the course.
Browse courses on Wind Turbines
Show steps
  • Research the environmental impacts of wind turbines.
  • Organize your findings into a coherent report.
  • Include data, examples, and citations to support your analysis.
Create a solar energy project
Creating a solar energy project will provide hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the topic
Browse courses on Solar Energy
Show steps
  • Research different types of solar energy projects
  • Design and build your own solar energy project
  • Test and evaluate your project
Start a renewable energy-related project
Starting a renewable energy-related project will provide you with valuable hands-on experience and help you develop your skills
Browse courses on Renewable Energy
Show steps
  • Identify a problem or opportunity in the renewable energy field
  • Develop a plan for your project
  • Execute your project
  • Evaluate the results of your project

Career center

Learners who complete Renewable Energy: Fundamentals and Job Opportunities will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Wind Energy Engineer
Wind Energy Engineers design, develop, and manage wind energy systems. They work on a variety of projects, from siting and planning wind farms to designing and installing turbines. Renewable Energy: Fundamentals and Job Opportunities provides a great foundation for this career, as it covers topics such as wind turbine site selection and design. The course also references educational opportunities from the State University of New York (SUNY) system that correlate with the wind energy market segment.
Solar Energy Engineer
Solar Energy Engineers design, develop, and manage solar energy systems. They work on a variety of projects, from siting and planning solar farms to designing and installing solar panels. Renewable Energy: Fundamentals and Job Opportunities provides a great foundation for this career, as it covers topics such as solar energy conversion through photovoltaic cells. The course also references educational opportunities from the State University of New York (SUNY) system that correlate with the solar energy market segment.
Renewable Energy Project Manager
Renewable Energy Project Managers plan, organize, and manage renewable energy projects. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including developers, investors, and contractors. Renewable Energy: Fundamentals and Job Opportunities provides a great foundation for this career, as it covers topics such as green energy technologies and the impact of sustainability on society. The course also helps build a foundation in project management principles.
Energy Auditor
Energy Auditors assess the energy efficiency of buildings and homes. They make recommendations for improvements that can save energy and money. Renewable Energy: Fundamentals and Job Opportunities may be useful for this career, as it covers topics such as green building design and construction and energy consumption in the United States.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientists study the environment and its components. They work to protect the environment and human health. Renewable Energy: Fundamentals and Job Opportunities may be useful for this career, as it covers topics such as sustainability and the impact of renewable energy on the environment.
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultants help organizations to improve their environmental performance. They work with businesses, governments, and non-profit organizations to develop and implement sustainability strategies. Renewable Energy: Fundamentals and Job Opportunities provides a great foundation for this career, as it covers topics such as sustainability and the impact of renewable energy on the environment.
Green Building Consultant
Green Building Consultants help organizations to design and construct green buildings. They work with architects, engineers, and contractors to create buildings that are environmentally friendly and energy efficient. Renewable Energy: Fundamentals and Job Opportunities provides a great foundation for this career, as it covers topics such as green building design and construction.
Energy Policy Analyst
Energy Policy Analysts develop and analyze energy policies. They work with governments and other organizations to create policies that promote the development and use of renewable energy. Renewable Energy: Fundamentals and Job Opportunities provides a great foundation for this career, as it covers topics such as the impact of sustainability on society and energy consumption in the United States.
Climate Change Specialist
Climate Change Specialists study climate change and its impacts. They work with governments, businesses, and non-profit organizations to develop and implement strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Renewable Energy: Fundamentals and Job Opportunities may be useful for this career, as it covers topics such as sustainability and the impact of renewable energy on the environment.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including businesses, governments, and non-profit organizations. Renewable Energy: Fundamentals and Job Opportunities may be useful for this career, as it covers topics such as sustainability and the impact of renewable energy on the environment.
Conservation Scientist
Conservation Scientists study and work to protect natural resources. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including governments, businesses, and non-profit organizations. Renewable Energy: Fundamentals and Job Opportunities may be useful for this career, as it covers topics such as sustainability and the impact of renewable energy on the environment.
Wildlife Biologist
Wildlife Biologists study and work to protect wildlife. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including governments, businesses, and non-profit organizations. Renewable Energy: Fundamentals and Job Opportunities may be useful for this career, as it covers topics such as sustainability and the impact of renewable energy on the environment.
Natural Resource Manager
Natural Resource Managers plan and manage the use of natural resources. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including governments, businesses, and non-profit organizations. Renewable Energy: Fundamentals and Job Opportunities may be useful for this career, as it covers topics such as sustainability and the impact of renewable energy on the environment.
Architect
Architects design and manage the construction of buildings. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including clients, contractors, and engineers. Renewable Energy: Fundamentals and Job Opportunities may be useful for this career, as it covers topics such as green building design and construction.
Engineer
Engineers design, build, and maintain a wide variety of structures and systems. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including clients, contractors, and other engineers. Renewable Energy: Fundamentals and Job Opportunities may be useful for this career, as it covers topics such as green building design and construction.

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Renewable Energy: Fundamentals and Job Opportunities.
This comprehensive handbook covers all aspects of wind energy, from the fundamentals of wind turbines to the design and operation of wind farms. It valuable reference for engineers, policymakers, and anyone seeking a better understanding of wind energy.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the future of renewable energy, including the potential of renewable energy to meet future energy needs, the challenges of integrating renewable energy into the electric grid, and the policy and economic issues surrounding renewable energy.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of renewable energy, including the history of renewable energy, the different types of renewable energy technologies, and the environmental and economic benefits of renewable energy.
This introductory textbook focuses on the fundamentals and applications of solar energy. It useful reference for understanding the principles of photovoltaic systems, solar thermal collectors, and solar energy storage.
This textbook covers the principles and practices of biomass energy, including the conversion of biomass to energy, the design and operation of biomass power plants, and the environmental impacts of biomass energy.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of hydropower engineering, including the principles of hydropower systems, the design and construction of dams, and the operation and maintenance of hydropower plants.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of green building principles and practices, including the design, construction, and operation of green buildings.

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