Minor in Energy Studies

December 10 is deadline for members of class of 2010 to apply for the Energy Studies Minor

Energy is a fundamentally multidisciplinary topic. Transforming the world’s energy systems requires combining expertise from numerous fields in engineering and technology, natural and social science, and policy. A diversity of disciplinary perspectives is necessary to equip students to work in this complex, evolving field.

The Energy Studies Minor for undergraduates is an Institute-wide program that complements the deep expertise obtained in any major with a broad understanding of the interlinked realms of science, technology, and social sciences as they relate to energy and associated environmental challenges. The minor curriculum integrates these three domains in a thoroughly multidisciplinary program. A faculty oversight committee including representatives from all five Schools oversees the Energy Studies Minor program.

The Energy Studies curriculum has two components. The first is a core that provides an integrated perspective on energy and associated environmental challenges in three domains, each with a primary focus: Energy Science Foundations (fundamental laws and principles that govern energy sources, conversion, and uses), Social Science Foundations of Energy (social scientific perspectives and tools that explain human behavior in the energy context), and Energy Technology / Engineering in Context (the application of laws and principles to a specific energy context). The second component is a customized program of electives that is selected by each student in close consultation with Energy Minor faculty advisors.

Core curriculum and elective classes shown here are provisionally approved for academic year 2009-2010 by the Energy Studies Minor Oversight Committee.

Core curriculum

Energy Science Foundations

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Choose one of the following:
2.005 Thermal-Fluids Engineering I
5.60 Thermodynamics and Kinetics
6.007 Electromagnetic Energy: From Motors to Lasers
8.21 Physics of Energy
12.021 Earth Science, Energy, and the Environment
12.340 Global Warming Science

Social Science Foundations of Energy

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Required subject:
15.031J Energy Decisions, Markets, and Policies

14.01 Microeconomics or its equivalent is a prerequisite for 15.031J

see here for enrollment details

Energy Technology/
Engineering in Context

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Choose one of the following:
2.60 Fundamentals of Advanced Energy Conversion
4.42J Fundamentals of Energy in Buildings
22.081J Introduction to Sustainable Energy

Energy Electives

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Choose 24 units from the following:
1.071J Global Change Science (12 units)
1.801J Environmental Law, Policy, and Economics: Pollution Prevention and Control (12 units)
2.570 Nano-to-Macro Transport Processes (12 units)
2.612 Marine Power and Propulsion (12 units)
2.627 Fundamentals of Photovoltaics (12 units)
4.401 Introduction to Building Technology (12 units)
5.92 Energy in the Local Community (12 units)
6.061 Introduction to Electric Power Systems (12 units)
6.131 Power Electronics Laboratory (12 units)
6.701 Introduction to Nanoelectronics (12 units)
10.04J A Philosophical History of Energy (12 units)
11.162 Politics of Energy and the Environment (12 units)
11.165 Infrastructure in Crisis: Energy and Security Challenges (12 units)
11.168 Enabling an Energy-Efficient Society (12 units)
11.369J Energy Policy for a Sustainable Future (12 units)
12.213 Alternate Energy Sources (6 units)
14.42 Environmental Policy and Economics (12 units)
14.44 Energy Economics and Policy (12 units)
15.026J Global Climate Change: Economics, Science, and Policy (9 units)
15.366 Energy Ventures (12 units)
15.933 Strategic Opportunities in Energy (6 units)
22.033 Nuclear Systems Design Project (12 units)
22.06 Engineering of Nuclear Systems (12 units)
STS.032 Energy, Environment, and Society (12 units)