Faculty: Technical This major focuses on renewable and sustainable energy sources like solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and bioenergy. The program emphasizes technological innovation, environmental sustainability, and engineering principles to address global energy challenges. Graduates are prepared for careers in renewable energy companies, research institutions, government agencies, and environmental consulting firms. **Learning Objectives:** - Understand alternative energy sources and their applications. - Develop skills in designing and managing renewable energy systems. - Learn techniques for analyzing efficiency, sustainability, and environmental impact. - Explore the role of alternative energy in addressing climate change and energy security. - Understand regulatory standards, ethical considerations, and sustainability practices. - Analyze challenges and opportunities in alternative energy. - Develop teamwork and problem-solving skills for renewable energy projects. **Major Outline:** 1. **Introduction to Alternative Energy Sources** - Overview of alternative energy sources and their global significance. - Fundamentals of energy principles and sustainability. 2. **Solar Energy** - Principles of solar energy and photovoltaic (PV) systems. - Techniques for designing and maintaining solar energy systems. 3. **Wind Energy** - Fundamentals of wind energy and wind turbine technology. - Techniques for assessing wind resources and integrating wind energy into the grid. 4. **Hydro Energy** - Principles of hydro energy and hydropower plants. - Techniques for designing and managing hydro energy projects. 5. **Geothermal Energy** - Fundamentals of geothermal energy and power plants. - Techniques for exploring geothermal resources and developing projects. 6. **Bioenergy** - Principles of bioenergy, including biomass and biofuels. - Techniques for producing and utilizing bioenergy. 7. **Energy Storage and Grid Integration** - Methods for storing energy and integrating renewable sources into the grid. 8. **Environmental Impact and Sustainability** - Understanding and mitigating the environmental impact of renewable energy projects. 9. **Regulatory Standards and Ethical Considerations** - Understanding regulatory standards and promoting ethical practices. 10. **Emerging Trends in Alternative Energy** - Analysis of innovations like energy efficiency and smart grids. 11. **Capstone Project** - Real-world project to apply learned skills in renewable energy systems. **Assessment Methods:** - Renewable energy project designs, feasibility studies, environmental impact assessments, research papers, group projects, and internships. **Recommended Textbooks:** - "Renewable Energy: A First Course" by John K. Kaldellis. - "Solar Energy Engineering: Processes and Systems" by Soteris A. Kalogirou. - "Wind Energy: The Facts" by David Milborrow. **Prerequisites:** Basic knowledge of physics, mathematics, and environmental science. Suitable for students in engineering, environmental science, and related fields. **Major Duration:** Typically 4 years for a bachelor's degree, including coursework, projects, and internships. **Certification:** Graduates may receive a degree in Alternative Energy Sources and pursue certifications like Certified Energy Manager (CEM) or Renewable Energy Professional (REP). **Target Audience:** Aspiring renewable energy engineers, environmental scientists, and sustainability specialists seeking to specialize in alternative energy sources and sustainable development. This major equips students with the skills needed to excel in alternative energy sources, supporting advancements in renewable energy technology and global energy security.