What do you picture when you hear the term “renewable energy?†Do you imagine fields of solar panels, giant windmills, or huge hydroelectric dams? Those are all examples of large-scale, grid-tied systems. In this course, we’ll go much smaller and focus on off-grid, stand-alone systems. We will explore the key components of photovoltaic, wind, and hydroelectric systems. … [Read more...] about Exploring Renewable Energy Schemes
Environmental Science and Sustainability
Introduction to Thermodynamics: Transferring Energy from Here to There
COURSE DESCRIPTION This course provides an introduction to the most powerful engineering principles you will ever learn - Thermodynamics: the science of transferring energy from one place or form to another place or form. We will introduce the tools you need to analyze energy systems from solar panels, to engines, to insulated coffee mugs. More specifically, we will cover the … [Read more...] about Introduction to Thermodynamics: Transferring Energy from Here to There
GIS Data Acquisition and Map Design
In this course, you will learn how to find GIS data for your own projects, and how to create a well-designed map that effectively communicates your message. The first section focuses on the basic building blocks of GIS data, so that you know what types of GIS files exist, and the implications of choosing one type over another. Next, we'll discuss metadata (which is information … [Read more...] about GIS Data Acquisition and Map Design
Act on Climate: Steps to Individual, Community, and Political Action
Are you concerned about climate change? Would you like to learn how to address and respond to this challenge? If so, this course is for you. Act on Climate: Steps to Individual, Community, and Political Action is intended to help learners understand, address and respond to climate change as individuals and in partnership with their communities and political leaders. The course … [Read more...] about Act on Climate: Steps to Individual, Community, and Political Action
Sustainable Agricultural Land Management
This course will cover the agricultural and urban water quality issues in Florida, their bases, land and nutrient management strategies, and the science and policy behind the best management practices (BMPs). Students will learn to evaluate BMP research and analyze its role in determining practices and policies that protect water quality. … [Read more...] about Sustainable Agricultural Land Management