ELTR 1503 Survey of Renewable Energy Syllabus 010 Spring 2026

Credit Hours 3.00 Lecture Hours 3 Clinical/Lab Hours 0
Type of Credit
CIP Code
47.0105
Course Meeting Time

Monday 9.00am -11.00am

Course Description
This course examines the rapidly spreading use of renewable energy technology through exploration of environmental and energy sustainability, current social and technological issues. Scientific concepts of inertia, force, power, energy, solar astronomy and the basic laws of thermodynamics will be explored and explained. An examination of energy conservation, energy conversion-efficiency, and common renewable energy sources such as Solar-Thermal; Solar-Photovoltaic; Wind Energy; Hydro-Power will be discussed. Other topics such as alternative means of space heating, water heating, and alternative transportation technologies will be included.
Prerequisites
Basic computer skills for word processing, performing internet searches, sending and receiving email; basic math skills; and ability to use a calculator - Must be completed prior to taking this course.

Course Alignment

IAI Number
ELTR-1503
IAI Title
Survey of Renewable Energy
General Education Outcomes

General Education Outcomes are the knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and behaviors that students are expected to develop as a result of their overall experiences with any aspect of the college, including courses, programs, and student services, both inside and outside of the classroom. The General Education Outcomes specifically learned in this course are:

  1. Communication
  2. Critical Thinking
  3. Responsibility
Explanation of Course Alignment

Relationship to academic programs and transferability

Survey of Renewable Energy Technology and Sustainability was designed to meet specific student needs either individually or within a program and is designed to transfer to other colleges and universities. KCC participates in the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI), a statewide transfer agreement for general education courses. All colleges and universities participating in the IAI agree to accept a collective “package” of IAI general education courses; transfer of courses separately is not guaranteed. For more information about IAI and the transferability of courses to specific four-year institutions, go to itransfer.org and mycreditstransfer.org.

 

 

General Education Goals and Objectives

The general education program at KCC is designed to enable students to write, read and speak at a level reflecting college-level learning. The general education goals and objectives are designed to enable students to use reasoning and problem-solving skills, and to acquire skills in ethical reasoning. Students who complete the general education program will be able to examine complex topics and apply systematic processes to form conclusions. KCC has six general education goals:

  1. To develop an understanding of the fundamental, scientific concepts of energy and power, and Law of Conservation of Energy. 

     
  2. To develop an understanding of contemporary issues surrounding the subject of energy use in today’s society. The issues include: the theories of “Global Warming” and “Climate Change”; the so called “Peak Oil” problem; the ideas of “carbon footprint” and “carbon neutrality”; etc.
  3. To develop an understanding of the issues inherent in the contemporary use of terms such as; “Survival”; “Sustainability”; “Renewable”; etc.
  4. To develop an awareness and understanding of currently available Renewable Energy Technologies and their applications.

Reading Comprehension: Students will comprehend the reading required in their chosen curriculum.

Verbal Communication: Students will use clear, concise language in verbal communication.

Written Communication: Students will demonstrate written communication that is organized and coherent.

Quantitative Reasoning: Students will reason and solve quantitative problems from a wide array of contexts.

Ethical Reasoning: Students will apply skills in ethical reasoning and come to understand the ways ethical issues affect individual behaviors, individual lifestyles, and public life.

 

Inquiry and Analysis: Students will examine complex topics and apply systematic processes resulting in formed conclusions.

Faculty Contact Information

Faculty Name
Clay Sterling, Jennifer Martin
Faculty Phone
N/A
Faculty Office Number
N/A
Faculty Student Support Hours

Before and after class, always available via email to answer questions or arrange a meeting

Faculty Information

Jennifer Martin

Course Information

Course Outcomes

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Satisfy the basic informational and personal interest needs of the general public regarding renewable energy technology
  2. Provide the prerequisite foundation for three, subsequent, lab-based, technician-level courses covering specific renewable energy technology topics
  3. Support the efforts of the U.S. Dept. of Energy to build national "Energy Literacy," emphasizing the principles of the USDOE’s "Energy 101" model curriculum.
Textbook/s and Course Materials

None

Methods of Evaluation

Students achievement in the classroom phase of the course will be evaluated on the basis of homework, quizzes, and exams. Achievement in the laboratory will be evaluated on the basis of accuracy and completeness of reports of laboratory activities and of skills developed in the performance of manipulative tasks as evidenced by the workmanship demonstrated in the laboratory assignments. A laboratory final exam may be administered.

 

NOTE: The following evaluation method may be modified by the instructor as required. Letter grades are determined by the following percentage:

 

93 – 100 A 85 – 92 B 78 – 84 C 70 – 77 D Below 70 F

 

Assignments will NOT be accepted past the date due without prior approval. Missed quizzes may NOT be made up.

Academic Division

Business, Technology & Human Services

Dean, Paul Carlson; 815-802-8858; V105; pcarlson@kcc.edu; Division Office – W102; 815-802-8650

Course Policies

For information related to the Student Code of Conduct Policy, Withdrawal Policy, Email Policy, and Non-Attendance/Non-Participation Policy, please review the college’s Code of Campus Affairs and Regulations webpage, which can be found at catalog.kcc.edu.

Expectations for Classroom and Online Behavior

Code of Conduct

Students need to adhere to the Code of Conduct located in the college catalog.

Email Policy

To ensure a student's privacy under all applicable education laws and to facilitate timely interactions, two College-authorized methods of electronic communication exist: KCC-issued student email accounts (using the domain name of .student.kcc.edu) and the Canvas Learning Management System. Students are expected to regularly check their KCC email accounts and Canvas for important incoming communication from the college or from individual instructors. Students understand that emails they send from personal email accounts (other than those listed above) may not be delivered to the KCC recipient, and students should have no expectation that such messages will be answered.

Course Calendar
WeekGeneral Topical Outline

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

Course Introduction, Sustainability and Human History of Energy Use

Science review and Background – What is Energy? What is Power? Law of Conservation of Energy (First Law of Thermodynamics)

Our Current Energy Paradigm – Coal, Oil, and Nuclear; Utility Electricity; Reading an Electric Bill

Critical Analysis of Contemporary Energy Issues, Energy Policy, and Decision Making

Step One to Energy Independence = Energy Efficiency and Conservation

Basic Energy Concepts of Solar Science and Solar Energy

Solar Thermal Technology

Wind Power

Spring Break

Solar Photovoltaics Part I

Solar Photovoltaics Part II

Hydro Generators

Biomass

Alternative Transportation

Magic Energy

Capstone presentations

Capstone Presentations

Final Exam

College Policies, Resources and Supports

College Policies

For information related to the Student Code of Conduct Policy, Withdrawal Policy, Email Policy, and Non- Attendance/Non-Participation Policy, please review the college’s Code of Campus Affairs and Regulations webpage, which can be found at catalog.kcc.edu under the Academic Regulations & Conduct Guide. 

Resources

KCC offers various academic and personal resources for all students. Many services are offered virtually, as well as in person. Please visit Student Resources - Kankakee Community College to access student resources services such as:

  • Clubs and organizations
  • Counseling and referral services
  • Office of disability services
  • Student complaint policy
  • Transfer services
  • Tutoring services, etc.