GS 110L - Intro to Renewable Energy Lab

MTH 60  or MTH 63  or higher-level math, or designated placement.

Corequisite(s):  

GS 110  

Recommended Prerequisite(s):  

MTH 65  

Course Description: Overview of the source of energy in nature. Emphasis on how energy is coupled with specific principles and processes related to physics and chemistry. Topics include heat, radioactivity, light sound, and electricity. Students will perform experiments with variables affecting power output from model wind turbines, solar panels, and geothermal heat engines by engaging in projects such as building a wind farm or a solar charger.

Course Learning Outcomes:

• CLO#1: Design and perform experiments and then interpret results, and communicate findings in a standard form. (ILO: Quantitative Literacy and Reasoning)
• CLO#2: Gather and review evidence to support model building in a laboratory setting.
• CLO#3: Experimentally determine the electrical energy output of several types of solar cells and analyze the results.
• CLO#4: Experimentally determine the energy required for heating applications (e.g., hot water heater) and compare to that of charging personal electronics.
• CLO#5: Using a scaled down version of geothermal heating, determine the parameters, data and analysis of creating electricity using a Peltier module (thermoelectric module) with the temperature difference.