ENCO 4364: Alternative Energy Markets - Electricity

Course materials

·         Boyle, Renewable Energy: Power for a Sustainable Future (2nd Ed.), Oxford University Press.

·         Paul Komor, Renewable Energy Policy, (iUniverse; 2004).

We will also rely upon Brown and Sedano, Electricity Transmission: A Primer, available at http://www.oe.energy.gov/DocumentsandMedia/primer.pdf, and Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, The Energy Report 2008, online at http://www.window.state.tx.us/specialrpt/energy/.

Recommended is Bosselman, et al., Energy, Economics and the Environment: Cases and Materials, 2d edition (2006), but not required for this course.

Expected Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, students will be able to:

·         List common conventional and alternative resources and technologies for producing electrical power, identify basic economic and environmental factors associated with each resource, and describe the role the resource plays in the energy economy;

·         List the key public policies affecting renewable power generation and identify the role played by these policies in shaping the electric power industry;

·         Explain the economic and environmental factors associated with the production, distribution, and use of conventional transportation fuels;

·         List the significant proposed alternatives to conventional fuels and discuss the economic and environmental factors associated with the production, distribution, and use of these alternative fuels; and,

·         Apply cost‐benefit analysis and other assessment methods to proposed public policies toward renewable energy.

Methods of Assessing Outcomes

The expected learning outcomes will be assessed by review of written assignments (project reports), class participation, and performance on the unit tests and the final exams.

Class participation/assignments – The primary focus of many class periods will be classroom discussion of the assigned materials facilitated by the instructor.  Students are expected to read assigned materials prior to assigned dates and to contribute class discussions.

In addition, several short homework assignments must be turned in during the semester.

Group Presentation – Each student will contribute to a group presentation on a topic relevant to the alternative energy industry.

Midterm Exam – Currently scheduled for October 8, but may change.

Final Exam – Test scheduled for Saturday, December 12 at 1:30 AM – 4:00 PM.

Grading

·         Class participation/assignments                30%

·         Group Presentation                                        30%

·         Midterm Exam                                                 20%

·         Final Exam                                                       20%

Additional class policies

In general, the class will follow standard university policies as described in the Texas Tech University Operating Policies (http://www.depts.ttu.edu/opmanual/).  In addition, please note:

Academic Honesty: It is the aim of Texas Tech University to foster a spirit of complete honesty and high standard of integrity. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be treated according to the rules outlined in the Student Handbook.

Absences - A student who will miss class due to a university-approved trip or to observe a religious holy day should make that intention known to the instructor prior to the absence so that accommodations can be made in accordance with university policies.

Disabilities - Any student who, because of a disability, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact the instructor to request necessary accommodations.

Syllabus and Course Outline Changes - The instructor may adjust the syllabus or course outline during the course of the semester. Updated versions of the syllabus and course outline will be maintained on the class website (http://giberson.ba.ttu.edu/ENCO4364).