Renewable energy education at the Colorado School of Mines: A survey of development

Energy in general and renewable energy in particular are popular topics in engineering, physical science, and social science courses. K-12 students might play with roller coasters, solar cells, or toy windmills to learn about energy transformations; undergraduate students might take an environmental studies course that promotes energy conservation and the use of alternative energy resources; and graduate students might be charged with developing novel composite materials that enhance the performance of fuel cells. Renewable energy is a vast field quickly garnering public attention. Faculty, staff, and researchers within the Renewable Energy Materials Research Science and Engineering Center at the Colorado School of Mines have taken a number of steps to enhance the appreciation and understanding of this emerging area by developing a comprehensive educational program that focuses on preparing students for careers in renewable energy. This survey describes Center initiatives to (A) develop an energy minor curriculum with a track dedicated to renewable energy, (B) develop an upper division undergraduate engineering course on renewable energy, (C) form a student energy club, and (D) deliver a ten-week summer research program that engages undergraduate students in renewable energy. These provide a model program for incorporating renewable energy education into engineering curricula.