Energy Curricula Best Practices
The prospect of global warming has motivated much of the world to consider energy alternatives that are green. However, it took the high price of fossil fuels that threatened our standard of living to convince the remainder of people that alternative energy was an immediate and critical priority. Students understand this better than most and seek educations that will equip them to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
Directed Energy is conducting a study to identify those Universities that have developed and implemented the most innovative curricula in energy. Making this information available to WNY Colleges and Universities will ultimately lead to their ability to (1) develop programs to attract the best students and (2) better equip these students for rewarding careers in the energy economy.
The team of people that will work to develop energy-based curriculum include:
- Faculty (in engineering, science, management, architecture, etc. departments) and Administration at the University at Buffalo, Alfred University, and other schools as appropriate and willing.
- Representatives from the region’s technology companies
- Student intern(s)
A report will be prepared and distributed in electronic form to department chairpersons, deans and senior administrators for review and comment. This report will also be available on this website (anticipated completion in early 2010). Directed Energy does not feel it is qualified to make recommendations to these institutions so will refrain from providing them. However, selected comments will be made pertaining to the region’s companies strengths and needs.
The document will be useful to curriculum committees, those promoting the University to incoming students, and university “strategists.” Directed Energy expects that these findings will, in time, lead to new course offerings and even degree programs. There are particularly exciting opportunities to develop cross-disciplinary courses. For instance, courses in:
- Cellulosic Ethanol (biology, chemistry and engineering)
- Solar Cells (physics, engineering)
- Smart building Design (architecture and engineering)
In addition, there are opportunities for regional industry to work with these Universities by providing guest speakers and even underwriting the development of courses serving industry professional development needs.
