Energy and Sustainability

Description

If you want to create a sustainable energy future, this concentration is for you. It draws from and complements a variety of other interdisciplinary studies concentrations.

The trans-disciplinary concentration program in energy and sustainability examines current energy systems and explores what will be required to transition to a sustainable energy future.

In a world increasingly focused on climate change, renewable resources and sustainable practices, this certificate equips students to tackle pressing environmental challenges. They gain expertise in areas such as solar and wind energy, urban sustainability and resource management. With the ability to analyze complex energy systems and policies, certificate holders become invaluable assets in driving sustainability initiatives forward. This combination of skills and knowledge makes graduates of the energy and sustainability program indispensable in shaping a greener and more sustainable future.

Students begin with an overview of how energy affects people's lives, the basic science and methods of energy production, and a full overview of energy policy options. Students may tailor the concentration around their unique interests in energy with a variety of electives representing a broad array of academic disciplines. The breadth of their energy knowledge is enriched by taking courses outside their primary area of study.

An understanding of energy is increasingly important for jobs related to climate change, environmental quality, urban sustainability and sustainable development. This program helps students enhance their understanding of the technology and infrastructure for generating, distributing and using energy; the associated sustainability issues; and the social and policy dimensions of energy systems.

Requirements

• Students must complete a minimum of 15 credit hours including 12 of upper division hours for this concentration.
• All courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.
• A minimum GPA of 2.50 is required for all courses completed in the concentration.
• Students must be at the sophomore level (25 credits) in order to take upper-division courses.

Required Core Courses -- 9 credit hours

SOS 171 / GCU 171: The Thread of Energy (G)(3)
SOS 314: Basic Energy Science or SOS 324: Sustainable Energy Technology and Systems (3)
SOS 315: Energy Policy (3)

Energy Elective Courses -- 6 credit hours

BME 494: Bioenergy and Microbial Biotechnology
CEE 361: Introduction to Environmental Engineering
CHE 469: Air Quality Engineering
CHE 473: Fuel Cells and Biofuel Cells
CHE 478: Biomass Energy Conversion Technology
CHM 494: Solar Energy Conversion
CON 448: Sustainable Construction
EEE 465: Photovoltaic Energy Conversion
EEE 471: Power System Analysis
EEE 498: Lithium-Ion Battery Technology Automotive Electrifictn
EGR 476: Microgrid Design and Operation (3)
EVE 353: Materials in the Environment
GCU 364: Energy in the Global Arena  (3)
GCU 442: Geographical Analysis of Transportation (SB) (3)
GLG 304: Minerals, Energy, and Society (3)
JUS 332: Politics of Energy Policy and Justice (3)
JUS 444: Environment and Justice (3)
MAE 494: Energy Efficiency
PHY 498: The Science of Sustainable Energy (3)
PUP 430: Transportation Planning and the Environment (3)
SOS 323: Sustainable Urban Dynamics (3)
SOS 373: Minerals, Energy, and Society
STS 317: Science, Technology, and Global Engagement (3)
STS 332: Global Issues in Science and Technology (3)

394, 494 and 498 courses must be taken with the specific course title/topic indicated above.

Energy elective courses are not limited to courses from this list only. Other courses on energy may be offered (special topics, etc.). Students may request to have those approved as an elective for this certificate by submitting a College of Global Futures undergraduate standards petition: https://students.asu.edu/College_Standards_Petitions. Completed petitions may be submitted directly to cgfadvising@asu.edu.

Some energy elective courses are more technical in nature, which may require additional math and science knowledge or prerequisites. Any and all prerequisites must be met in order to select and enroll in those courses.