A new certificate program in renewable energy

Abstract

The primary goal of this newly developed certificate program is to address the need for "green" workforce development related to education, training, and public information dissemination of renewable energy and sustainability. The certificate program incorporates the significant research and teaching experience of faculty members at the College of Engineering and Computer Science in Florida Atlantic University (FAU) to address the industrial needs in this field. An innovative curriculum is designed that includes exposure to all forms of renewable energy including solar, wind, fuel cell, biofuels, geothermal, and other clean-energy-related technologies as well as the underlying foundations of sustainable design and implementation of sustainable development initiatives. The certificate program also incorporates content related to complex environmental, social, and economic issues relative to energy and environmental policy, including carbon reduction targets. The impact of human activity on the environment is covered in one of the courses in the program. In addition, students learn how politics and business interests influence the way technology is developed and delivered to the market. With active involvement of industrial leaders in green building, solar, wind, fuel cell, ocean energy, and other energy related technologies including FPL, the newly design certificate is expected to serve as a focal point for university-industry educational partnerships pertaining to renewable energy workforce development around the nation. © 2012 American Society for Engineering Education.