Mat-Su College Alaska

by Dr. Kristin Owens
(Palmer, AK)

In the Renewable Energy Occupational Endorsement Certificate Program, students learn the fundamental concepts and skills necessary to pursue employment or gain further training as a renewable energy technician. Students are introduced to the physical principles of various renewable energies including solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power sources. Terminology, energy conservation, and safety are emphasized throughout the program. Coursework incorporates the appropriate skills and knowledge necessary for effective employees in the energy, utility, and maintenance industries. Career pathways may include operating large-and small-scale renewable power production facilities; designing, installing, and maintaining renewable energy systems; or assisting homeowners and businesses with energy efficiency. A required practicum provides applied experience in a workplace setting.

Upon completion of this program, students will demonstrate:
•Knowledge of renewable energy resources and technologies
•Basic technical skills for diesel engine repair
•Introductory understanding of basic physics and power management as applied to renewable energy
•Familiarity with OSHA General Industry standards and safety
•Entry-level skills for renewable energy project development and management

RE A100 Introduction to Renewable Energy (3)
Introduces students to the field of renewable energy. Topics include renewable energy resources, technologies, principles of conservation and efficiency, storage and hardware options, thermal energy systems, regulations, applicable codes, and career pathways.

RE A101 Industrial Safety for Renewable Energy (2)
Emphasizes electrical and industrial safety for working in the renewable energy industry. Topics include hazard awareness, regulations, and mitigation skills.

RE A102 Applied Physics for Renewable Energy (3)
Introductory course for students considering a career in renewable energy. Includes the physical principles for various renewable energies including solar, wind, hydropower, and geothermal. Demonstrates how the principles of physics relate to the design, basic operation, advantages, and limitations of renewable energy sources.

RE A106 Diesel Engines (3)
Introduces the knowledge, vocabulary, and technical skills required to maintain, diagnose, and make minor repairs to diesel engines. Topics include diesel engine theory, components, engine performance, cycle of operation, cooling systems, electrical systems, fuels, fuel systems, and the selection and use of tools.

RE A200 Power Generation Systems (3)
Introduces the knowledge, vocabulary, and technical skills required to maintain, diagnose, and make minor repairs to small-scale power generation systems. Focuses on AC and DC theory, electrochemical storage systems, generators, inverters, transformers, and photovoltaic technologies.

RE A201 Power Management (3)
Combines essential topics in power system management and business technology to provide a holistic view of energy management. Topics include power stability, economic dispatch, energy storage, smart grid, and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.

RE A203 Renewable Energy Project Development (3)
Synthesizes facets of project development and management within the context of renewable energy projects.

RE A295 Renewable Energy Practicum (3)
Provides practical experience in a workplace setting. Faculty, practicum supervisor, and student collaboratively develop an individualized plan for workplace training to reflect the student's occupational objectives. Special note: Course may be repeated for up to nine credits.

The 23-credit OEC is designed to be completed in one year, providing students the ability to move into the workforce quickly. These courses also provide a core in which to build a future associate’s degree. The OEC may also compliment existing degrees in Architecture and Engineering Technology, Construction Management and Engineering, as these fields look towards incorporating renewable energy designs and concepts into their future.

Check us out at: www.matsu.alaska.edu