North Dakota State College of Science - Biofuels Technology AAS

http://www.ndscs.nodak.edu/departments/asbdean/biofuels.jsp

Wahpeton / Fargo, ND
Dr. Michael Burke
(701) 231-6923
Michael.Burke@ndscs.edu

The Bio-fuels Technology program is designed to prepare students to work in the emerging field of bio-renewable energy production. The program is a five-semester program (assuming full-time load) starting in the fall of each year. The program can be completed in two academic years or slower at the discretion of the student.

The first two semesters consist of general education science, math and communication classes along with an introductory electronics course and two process control and instrumentation courses. Many of the general education classes are available online. The following summer, fall and spring semesters primarily consist of bio-fuels classes taught at the Skills and Technology Training Center in Fargo, N.D.

The suggested plan of study also includes a summer session that will focus on laboratory instrumentation techniques. The curriculum includes an internship during the final semester. Internships will be conducted at various bio-fuels companies in the Red River Valley and surrounding area. Temporary relocation and/or travel to an internship site may be required in certain circumstances. Students must demonstrate subject matter competency and meet established academic standards prior to participating in internships.

Bio-fuels is an emerging technology that studies the industrial process used in the production of bio-fuels such as ethanol, bio-diesel, syngas and other fuels made from agricultural feed stocks (biomass). The science and technology associated with production is covered along with the economics and environmental impact.

Bio-fuels technologists work in a variety of capacities within a bio-fuels plant: production worker/process controller, chemical analysis/lab technician and quality assurance/control are just a few examples.

Retrieved from NDSCS website on 1/28/2010.