ELTR 1503 Survey of Renewable Energy Syllabus 010 Fall 2026

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

Tuesday 5.30 - 8.30pm

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

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
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

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

Faculty Contact Information

Faculty Name
Jennifer Martin, Clay Sterling
Faculty Phone
XXX
Faculty Office Number
XXX
Faculty Student Support Hours

XXX

Faculty Information

Jen 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 retaken unless you email faculty prior notice of the absence before the missed class.

Academic Division

Business, Technology & Human Services

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

Course Policies
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.
Copyright & Syllabus Disclaimer

The materials on this course are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for purposes associated with this course. Further information regarding KCC's copyright policy is available at https://kcc.libguides.com/copyright
|Course syllabus/calendar is subject to change.

Expectations for Classroom and Online Behavior

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.

Course Calendar
 

1 – Aug. 20th

 

 

2 – Aug. 27th

 

 

 

3 – Sept. 3rd

 

 

4 – Sept. 10th

 

 

5 – Sept. 17th

 

 

6 – Sept. 24th

 

7 – Oct. 1st

 

8 – Oct. 7th

 

9 – Oct. 15th

 

10 – Oct. 22nd

 

11 – Oct. 29th

 

12 – Nov. 5th

 

13 – Nov. 12th

 

14 – Nov. 19th

 

15 – Nov. 26th

 

16 – Dec. 3rd

 

17 – Dec. 10th

 

18 – Dec. 18th

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

 

Solar Photovoltaics

 

Wind Power

 

Energy Storage Systems

 

Guest Speaker – TBD

 

Hydro Generators

 

Biomass

 

Alternative Transportation

 

No Class – Holiday break

 

Student Capstone Presentations

 

Student 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.