This working list is to serve undergraduate and graduate students as a reference for understanding the wide array of energy courses available. Please reach out to relevant department personnel regarding course questions and confirm details with your advisor or department.
This list is not an exhaustive list of energy courses at Michigan, since we are always pushing energy education further. Please reach out to [email protected] if you know of an energy relevant course you would like us to add to the listed courses.
Energy Courses at University of Michigan
| Short Title | Cross Listed Title | Full Title | Description | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AEROSP 530 | N/A | Gas-Turbine Propulsion | Advanced analysis of turbojet engines: effect of altitude parameters on engine performance; off-design equilibrium running of a turbojet engine; dynamics of engine considered as a quasi-static system; fluid mechanics of a rotating axial blade row; centrifugal compressors; transonic flow problems | AERO 335 |
| AEROSP 533 | ENSCEN 533 | Combustion Processes | This course covers the fundamentals of combustion systems and fire and explosion phenomena. Topics covered include thermochemistry, chemical kinetics, laminar flame propagation, detonations and explosions, flammability and ignition, spray combustion and the use of computer techniques in combustion problems | AERO 225 |
| AEROSP 535 | N/A | Rocket Propulsion | Analysis of liquid and solid propellant rocket power plants; propellant thermochemistry, heat transfer, system considerations. Low-thrust rockets, multi-stage rockets, trajectories in powered flight, electric propulsion. | AEROSP 335 |
| AEROSP 536 | N/A | Electric Propulsion | Introduction to electric propulsion with an overview of electricity and magnetism, atomic physics, non-equilibrium flows and electrothermal, electromagnetic and electrostatic electric propulsion systems. | AEROSP 335 |
| AEROSP 625 | N/A | Advanced Topics in Turbulent Flow | Fundamentals of turbulent shear flows, with emphasis on dimensional reasoning and similarity scaling. Development of laminar shear flows, instability and transition to turbulent flow, kinetic and scalar energy transport mechanisms in turbulent shear flows, critical examination of numerical methods for turbulent flows, comparisons with experiments. | AEROSP 525 |
| AEROSP 633 | N/A | Advanced Combustion | Thermodynamics of gas mixtures, chemical kinetics, conservation equations for multi-component reacting gas mixtures, deflagration and detonation waves. Nozzle flows and boundary layers with reaction and diffusion. | AEROSP 533 |
| ARCH 585 | N/A | Advanced Building Technology | This course is to examine technological innovations in building and environmental technology. Innovations in design methods for new generations of tall buildings and skyscrapers, renewable energy systems, natural energy systems, and electric lighting systems will be discussed, and their implications for shaping the architecture of tomorrow will be explored. Building on the introduction of state-of-the-art technologies, a semester-long project of designing sustainable buildings and their environmental systems will be conducted step by step. T he main topics of the course are: 1)changing contexts of architectural practice: innovation, intelligence and ecology, 2)new architecture and new building forms, 3)new forms and functions of cavities in buildings, 4)building energy and HVAC systems, 5)natural energy systems for tall buildings,6)building system integration and a proposal for a sustainable building of tomorrow | Not listed |
| AUTO 533 | MECHENG 433 | Advanced Energy Solutions | This course provides an introduction to the challenges of power generation for a global society. The course starts with an overview of the current and future demands for energy, the various methods of power generation including fossil fuel, solar, thermal, wind, and nuclear, and the detrimental byproducts associated with these methods. Advanced strategies to improve power densities, reduce pollutant emissions and improve thermal efficiencies, such as advanced combustion cycles, batteries, and fuel cells for stationary and mobile power generation; synthetic and bio-renewable fuels; and reconfiguring power plants are the primary focus of the second half of the course. The material includes an emphasis on specific methods to improve energy efficiencies in the mobile transportation sector such as hybrid vehicles and ultracapacitors. Additional topics include the advantages and technical difficulties associated with a hydrogen economy including production, transport, storage, and application. The emphasis is on the application of thermodynamic analysis to understand the basic operating principles and the inherent limitations of the technologies considered. | ME 235 |
| AUTO 563 | N/A | Dynamics and Control of Automatic Transmissions | The automatic transmission is a key element of automotive vehicles for improved driving comfort. This course will introduce the mechanisms, design and control of modern transmission systems. The emphasis will be on the dynamic analysis, and the application of modern control theories for the overall control design, analysis and synthesis problems. | Graduate Standing or Instructor Permission |
| AUTO 566 | MECHENG 566 | Modeling Analysis and Control of Hybrid Electric Vehicles | Hybrid and electric vehicles are currently the dominant technologies in the new generation of automobiles. This course examines the newest major sub-systems of hybrid and electrified vehicles—including the engine—as well as the integration of these sub-systems into the vehicle as a whole. Students will complete a final project of their choice on a topic related to hybrid and electric vehicles. The course covers the modeling, analysis and control of vehicles with electrified propulsion systems, including electric vehicles, hybrids, plug-in and fuel cell vehicles. The course will introduce students to the concepts and terminology, state-of-the-art developments, energy conversion and storage options, modeling, analysis, system integration and basic principles of vehicle controls. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to follow the literature on these subjects and perform modeling, design, analysis and development work in this field. | Knowledge/skillsets in combustion and matlab |
| BE 527 | EAS 527, NRE 527 | Energy Markets and Energy Politics | Energy Markets and Energy Politics --- The goal of this course is to give students a solid grasp of the environmental and social impacts of, and the institutions that govern, energy use, so that you can play a more effective role in shaping future policy or business decisions. We will begin with basic scientific and technological facts regarding the major uses for and sources of energy. We will then study energy markets (including spot and future markets), and what they are capable of accomplishing; we will also study the ways energy markets may fail. This will lead into an overview of the role of government in influencing energy decisions, starting with a high-level perspective, and then working with a series of case studies that examine in depth what government has accomplished in the area of energy policy. The course will wrap up with several current policy/business issues such as renewable portfolio standards, markets for renewable energy credits, and integrating the transportation sector into a cap-and-trade system for greenhouse gas emisisions. | Knowledge/skillsets in economics |
| CEE 211 | N/A | Statics and Dynamics | Statics: review of vector mathematics; moment and force resultants; static equilibrium in two & three dimensions; centroids; center of gravity; distributed loadings; mass and area moments of inertia and principal directions. Dynamics: review of concepts of velocity and acceleration; dynamics of particles and rigid bodies; concepts of work, energy, momentum. | Physics 140 |
| CEE 307 | Environ 407 | Sustainable Cities | As economic and ecological pressures increase, it has become increasingly important that greater efforts be expended to have more sustainable urban environments. Specifically, it is essential that the future operation of cities become more sustainable in terms of energy and resource use, while also safeguarding the health and well-being of local citizens. This course will discuss how multiple disciplines can be integrated to identify and discuss this broad goal. A combination of individual and team assignments will be given, culminating in a team term project that provides alternative strategies for consideration by a panel of experts. | Junior or Senior Standing |
| CEE 325 | N/A | Fluid Mechanics | Principles of mechanics applied to real and ideal fluids. Fluid properties and statics; continuity, energy, and momentum equations by control volume analysis; differential equations of motion for laminar and turbulent flow; dimensional analysis and similitude; boundary layers, drag and lift; incompressible flow in pipes; fluid measurement and turbomachinery. Lecture and laboratory. | CEE 211 |
| CEE 501 | N/A | Electrified Circular Economies | Dive into the world of electrified processes with this comprehensive course on electrochemistry. Explore how this foundational science is revolutionizing emerging circular economy applications like CO2 capture and conversion, resource recovery, sustainable chemical and fuel synthesis, and advanced water treatment. Learn important electrochemical and bio-electrochemical techniques to investigate redox reactions, transport phenomena, and interfacial surface chemistry. Engage in team-based discussions and analysis of the economic, environmental, and social impacts of electricity-driven processes, equipping you with the knowledge and insight to lead the transition into a more sustainable future. Offered Winter 2025. | Graduate Standing or Instructor Permission |
| CEE 518 | N/A | Deployable and Reconfigurable Structures | Covers theory, analysis, and design of deployable and reconfigurable structures, including linkage-based, origami, and inflatable systems. Students will learn about kinematics, geometric constraints, stability, stiffness, energy behaviors, design, material systems, fabrication, and actuation. Includes a student project to explore and design practical deployable structures. | Not listed |
| CEE 526 | N/A | Design of hydraulic systems | Content covers hydropower and pumped hydro energy storage facility design, in addition to fundamental pipe flow topics. | CEE 325 |
| CEE 555 | N/A | Sustainability of Civil Infrastructure Systems | Life Cycle Cost Analysis and Life Cycle Analysis – Methods and Applications in Civil Infrastructure Systems; Building Energy Modeling and Simulation; Energy Management in Buildings; Impact of Building Occupants and Behavioral Challenges; Renewable Energy and Efficiency in Buildings; Existing Buildings and Technical/Social Challenges of Energy Retrofits; and Building Certifications (e.g., LEED). | Not listed |
| CEE 586 | NRE 557 | Industrial Ecology | Analysis of material and energy flows in industrial systems to enhance eco-efficiency and sustainability. Methods: life cycle assessment quantifies energy, waste, emissions (greenhouse gases) for materials production, manufacturing, product use, recovery/disposition. Life cycle design integrate environmental, performance, economic and regulatory objectives. Multi-objective analysis, engineering design analysis, cross-functional teamwork, large sea modeling skills. | Senior Standing or graduate standing |
| CHE 230 | N/A | Introduction to Material and Energy Balances | An introduction to material and energy balances in chemical engineering applications, including environmental and biological systems. Systematic Engineering problem solving, the equilibrium concept in single phase or multiple phase systems, first law of thermodynamics, heats of reaction. Introduction to chemical engineering as a profession. | ENGR 100, ENGR 101 (ENGR 151), Chem 130, and (MATH 116 or 119 or 156 or 176 or 186 or 296 or 121) |
| CHE 330 | N/A | Chemical and Engineering Thermodynamics | Development of fundamental thermodynamic property relations and complete energy and entropy balances. Analysis of heat pumps and engines and use of combined energy-entropy balance in flow devices. Calculation and application of total and partial properties in physical and chemical equilibria. Prediction and correlation of physical/chemical properties of various states and aggregates. Elements of statistical thermodynamics. | CHE 230 |
| CHE 496 | CHE 696, MATSCIE 593, ME 599 | Electrochemistry Applications and Engineering | This course will cover an introduction to electrochemistry concepts and metrics, an overview of experimental cells, and examples of industrial electrochemical systems and their metrics. Part of this will include economics and challenges for industrial electrochemical systems and approaches/applications to improve those systems. Specific electrochemical techniques such as impedance spectroscopy and challenges in engineering electrochemical reactors will be covered, as well as electrocatalysis and future Note - please note that this course is offered at the graduate and undergraduate level electrochemistry applications. | CHE 342 and CHE 343 |
| CHE 542 | N/A | Intermediate Transport Phenomena | Foundations of transport phenomena. Heat and mass transfer with chemical reaction in three dimensions, selective motion. Unsteady energy and mass balances in three dimensions. Distributions in more than one variable. Boundary layer theory. Estimation of interfacial transport coefficients. Dispersive flows: Taylor Dispersion. Application to equipment design. | Graduate Standing or Instructor Permission |
| CHE 578 | N/A | Molecular Heterogeneous Catalysis and Electro-Catalysis | The course will address numerous topics including: 1) Chemical bonding on metal surfaces; 2) Various experimental and theoretical tools that are used to study chemical transformations on surfaces at molecular level. The material will be discussed through a number of examples addressing contemporary issues related to the fields of energy and environment. We will also discuss strategies that can be utilized to employ molecular insights to identify optimal electrocatalysts for different electrochemical processes. | Senior or Graduate Standing |
| CHE 696 | ISD 599 | Fuel Cells and Fuel Processors | This course is aimed at students interested in the fundamental science and engineering of fuel cells and fuel processors. This course covers the fundamentals of electrochemistry relevant for fuel cells, and the basics of fuel cell technology. Emphasis will be placed on PEM fuel cells for automotive applications, and on solid oxide fuel cells for auxiliary power units. Concepts in catalysts for fuel reforming, water gas shift, and preferential oxidation of hydrocarbons will be covered, along with hydrogen storage and hydrogen safety. | Not listed |
| CHEM 302 | N/A | Inorganic Chemistry: Molecules, Materials, and Applications in Energy | This course is an introduction to the principles of inorganic chemistry. We will explore theories of chemical bonding in molecules and extended solids, and apply them toward understanding chemical reactivity and physical properties of matter. We will draw from research examples in alternative energy technologies (storage and conversion) where appropriate. | CHEM 210/211 or 215/216 |
| CLIMATE 320 | SPACE 320, EARTH 320 | Earth System Evolution | Introduction to the physics and chemistry of Earth and space. Gravitational energy, radiative energy, Earth’s energy budget and Earth tectonics are discussed along with chemical evolution and biogeochemical cycles. The connections among the carbon cycle, silicate weathering and the natural greenhouse effect are discussed. | MATH 115, MATH 116 |
| CLIMATE 410 | N/A | Earth System Modeling | Introduction to Earth System Modeling; discussion of energy balance models, carbon cycle models and atmospheric chemistry models with multiple time scales; methods for numerical solution and practice building and analyzing results from models. | CLIMATE 320, CLIMATE 321, SPACE 320, SPACE 321 |
| CLIMATE 422 | EARTH 423 | Boundary Layer Meteorology | Explores processes in the atmospheric boundary layer, which plays an important role in the exchange of energy, mass and momentum between land and atmosphere. Topics include applications of governing atmospheric equations, atmospheric turbulence, turbulent kinetic energy, the surface energy balance and the collection and analysis of field flux tower data. | CLIMATE 350, SPACE 350, or equivalent |
| CLIMATE 480 | EAS 480 | Climate Change: A multidisciplinary approach to problem solving | All sectors of society are affected by climate change: science, policy, business, economics, public health, energy, ecosystems, environmental engineering, journalism, religion, etc. This course explores the intersections of these communities and exposes students the factual and contextual elements that will allow effective participation in the adaption to climate change. | Senior or Graduate Standing |
| EARTH 102 | N/A | Energy from the Earth | The nature, mode of occurrence, and the technology of exploration and exploitation of energy resources, and their relevance to the present and future world energy needs. Special attention is given to oil, gas, oil shale, tar sands, coal, uranium, and geothermal resources. | Not listed |
| EAS 480 | N/A | Climate Change | All sectors of society are affected by climate change: science, policy, business, economics, public health, energy, ecosystems, environmental engineering, journalism, religion, etc. This course explores the intersections of these communities and exposes students the factual and contextual elements that will allow effective participation in the adaptation to climate change. | Not listed |
| EAS 501.008 | N/A | Climate Change, Energy, and Social Justice | This course will provide an interdisciplinary understanding of 1) climate change and its impacts 2) how the current energy system contributes to climate change, and 3) how the current energy system and the transition to the new system are related to social justice. This class will draw on the science behind climate change, view the energy system as a large sociotechnical system, and explore how changing the system is harder than it might look. We see how public policies and perceptions are divided around climate and energy with a specific example of the case of public deliberation on climate and energy. Finally, we will see how the change to the alternative energy source might impact marginalized communities. Here, this class will explore the twin goals of increasing energy access (or, reducing energy poverty) and transitioning to renewable energy without harming people and the planet. We will collectively think about the pathways for the transition towards just, clean, and sustainable energy systems. | Not listed |
| EAS 501.011 | EAS 501.211 | Professional Skils in Climate & Energy | Not listed | Not listed |
| EAS 501.020 | N/A | Energy Law | This course is an introduction to U.S. energy law. The first portion of the course introduces the nation's sources of energy: coal, oil, biofuels, natural gas, hydropower, nuclear, wind, solar, geothermal energy, and energy efficiency. In doing so, it explores the physical, market, and legal structures within which these energy sources are extracted, transported, and converted into energy. The second portion of the course turns to the two major sectors of our energy economy -- electricity and transportation -- and the full range of federal and state regulation of each sector. The third portion of the course explores case studies of hot topics in energy law and policy that highlight the complex transitions taking place in the energy system. These topics may include electric grid modernization, electric vehicles, the role of energy innovation in addressing climate change, and the continued role of nuclear energy. In addition to traditional textbook reading and class discussion, the course may include industry, government, and nonprofit guest speaker presentations. *Please note that this course follows the Law School Academic Calendar which has a later grading deadline than the general UM calendar. | Not listed |
| EAS 501.023 | N/A | Renewable Electricity and the Grid | Not listed | Not listed |
| EAS 525.001 | N/A | Energy Justice | Energy justice is one of the central global issues of our time, with profound implications for health and welfare, freedom and security, equity and due process, and technology development and implementation. This course explores the intersection of energy and equity issues related to a variety of domestic and global energy dynamics, to include ways for rectifying persistent unequal distributions of energy resources to ensure reliable, clean, and affordable energy access. | Not listed |
| EAS 557 | CEE 586 | Industrial Ecology | Analysis of material and energy flows in industrial and ecological systems to enhance eco-efficiency and sustainability in meeting human needs. Methods: life cycle assessment quantifies energy, wastes and emissions for materials production, manufacturing, product use, and recovery/disposition; life cycle design integrates environmental, performance, economic, and policy/regulatory objectives. This interdisciplinary course also includes a series of industrial/municipal site assessments. | Not listed |
| EAS 574 | ISD 532, ESENG 532, PUBPOL 519 | Sustainable Energy Systems | This course examines the production and consumption of energy from a systems perspective. Students will examine sustainability by studying global and regional environmental impacts, economics, energy efficiency, consumption patterns and energy policy. The course begins by introducing the physics of energy and energy accounting methods, followed by the current energy system that encompasses resource extraction, conversion processes and end-uses. Responses to current challenges such as declining fossil fuels and climate change are then explored, including unconventional fossil fuels, carbon sequestration, emerging technologies (e.g., renewable sources: biomass, wind, and photovoltaics; fuel cells) and end-use efficiency/conservation. | Graduate Standing or Instructor Permission |
| EAS 615 | N/A | Renewable Electricity and the Grid | Due to technological advancement and supportive policies, renewable energy technologies like wind and solar power are rapidly growing in the United States and globally. Integrating renewable energy technologies into power systems requires an understanding of generation technologies, the resources they depend on, power system planning and operations, and economics and policy. This course will introduce students to and give them experience working on each of these issues. Projects, problem sets, and readings will reflect various stakeholders’ viewpoints and introduce skills and concepts that renewable energy professionals employ. Lectures and coursework will draw on materials from around the world, but the majority of material will be from the United States. This course will specifically cover the following topics: • Renewable generation technologies • Renewable resource characteristics • Incorporating renewable energy into power system planning and operations • Renewable energy markets, economics, policies, and regulations • Complementary technologies for renewable energy technologies • Challenges of high wind and solar penetrations | EAS 574 |
| EAS 677.022 | N/A | Econ and Environmental Justice | This half-semester seminar is a group exploration of the relationship between economics and justice in the context of environment, energy, and climate. We will inspect positive and normative elements of economic analysis as it is practiced; we will investigate the causes of and potential solutions to disproportionate pollution exposure among the poor and people of color; we will study the measurement of distributive justice; and we will discuss the market and its limits. Applications will include air quality, water affordability, and climate change mitigation, among others. Inclusive, open-minded discussion will be the top priority in-class meetings; lecture will be used to clarify economics concepts and inform our discussion. Assignments will feature writing and potentially some quantitative analysis. | Not listed |
| ECE 506 | N/A | Design of Power Electronics | The course presents both the theoretical and practical design, analysis, construction, and measurement of circuits and components in different types of power converters. The course will teach concepts and present case studies through lectures, homework, design problems, and a final project. | EECS 418 or graduate standing |
| ECE 508 | N/A | Control and Modeling of Power Electronics | The course presents both the theoretical and practical modeling and control of power converters. Topics include small-signal models; digital and analog control; switched, sampled-data, and averaged models; large signal considerations; distributed power; and tools for computer modeling and simulation. | EECS 418 or graduate standing |
| ECE 534 | N/A | Analysis of Electric Power Distribution Systems and Loads | This course covers the fundamentals of electric power distribution systems and electric loads, including distribution grid components, topologies, and operational strategies; three-phase unbalanced power flow; electric load modeling, analysis, and control; and emerging topics such as photovoltaic and electric vehicle interconnection, distribution automation, and advanced metering infrastructure. | EECS 463 or graduate standing |
| ECE 535 | N/A | Power System Dynamics and Control | The course introduces angle and voltage stability concepts and considers control strategies for improving dynamic performance. It provides an overview of nonlinear dynamical systems, Lyapunov methods and bifurcation analysis. Models of dynamical devices are developed. Small disturbance (linear) analysis techniques are presented, along with methods for assessing large disturbance (nonlinear) behavior. | EECS 463 or graduate standing |
| ECE 536 | N/A | Power System Markets & Optimization | This course covers the fundamentals of electric power system markets, including the economic principles they are based upon. It also covers the optimization methods required to solve planning and operational problems including economic dispatch, optimal power flow, and unit commitment. Problems are placed in the context of real electricity markets. | EECS 463, graduate standing, or instructor permission |
| EECS 215 | N/A | Introduction to Electronic Circuits | Introduction to electronic circuits. Basic Concepts of voltage and current; Kirchhoff’s voltage and current laws; Ohm’s law; voltage and current sources; Thevenin and Norton equivalent circuits; DC and low frequency active circuits using operational amplifiers, diodes, and transistors; small signal analysis; energy and power. Time- and frequency-domain analysis of RLC circuits. Basic passive and active electronic filters. Laboratory experience with electrical signals and circuits. | MATH 116 or 121 or 156 and ENGR 101 or 151 or EECS 180 or 183 |
| EECS 300 | N/A | Electrical Engineering Systems Design II | Principles of engineering design for electrical engineering systems. Integration of electrical engineering foundational concepts to address system-level objectives. Semester-long, open-ended design based on a societally-relevant challenge. Technical topics include embedded systems fundamentals, sensing, power and energy tradeoffs, and addressing realistic constraints of project requirements. Projects are overseen/graded by faculty and may also involve mentoring by representatives from external organizations. | EECS 200 and core EECS classes |
| EECS 414 | N/A | Introduction to MEMS | Micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS), devices and technologies. Micro-machining and microfabrication techniques, including planar thin-film processing, silicon etching, wafer bonding, photolithography, deposition and etching. Transduction mechanisms and modeling in different energy domains. Analysis of micromachined capacitive, piezoresistive and thermal sensors/actuators and applications. Computer-aided design for MEMS layout, fabrication and analysis. | MATH 215 and MATH 216 and PHYSICS 240 or graduate standing |
| EECS 418 | N/A | Power Electronics | AC-DC, DC-DC switch-mode power converter topologies. Power converter topologies. Power Semiconductor devices, inductors, capacitors. Loss mechanisms, thermal analysis. Drive, snubber circuits. Laboratory experience with power electronic circuits. Projects are overseen/graded by faculty and may also involve mentoring by representatives from external organizations. | EECS 215 and 216 or Graduate Standing |
| EECS 419 | ISD 599 | Electric Machinery and Drives | In the struggle to address today’s energy and environmental challenges, many potential solutions require electro-mechanical energy conversion. Examples include electric propulsion drives for electric and hybrid electric vehicles, generators for wind turbines, and high-speed motor/alternators for flywheel energy storage systems. Each of these systems contains: an electric machine operating either as a motor, a generator, or both; a power electronic circuit which interfaces the machine to a power supply or an electrical system; and a controller which measures electrical and mechanical quantities and uses this information to control the power electronic circuitry. In this course we will cover fundamental electromechanical, power electronic, and control theory in the context of electric drive systems. The capabilities and limitations of different types of electric machines (e.g., permanent magnet, induction) in various drive applications will be covered. MATLAB® Simulink® models will be used throughout the course to give students exposure to the dynamic behavior of these systems. A lab will be held with the class where the students will obtain hands-on experience with electric machines and drives. | EECS 215 and 216 or Graduate Standing |
| EECS 463 | N/A | Power Systems Design and Operation | This course covers the fundamentals of electric power distribution systems and electric loads, including distribution grid components, topologies, and operational strategies; three-phase unbalanced power flow; electric load modeling, analysis, and control; and emerging topics such as photovoltaic and electric vehicle interconnection, distribution automation, and advanced metering infrastructure. | PHYSICS 240 or 260 and EECS 215 and 216 OR Graduate Standing |
| ESENG 501 | CEE 565 | Seminars in Energy Systems, Technology, and Policy | This course will consist of talks given by leaders in policy and energy systems engineering discussing cutting-edge technologies and critical barriers in their disciplines. Speakers range from research and business leaders to policy makers. The aim of the seminar series is to provide a look inside the various levels of challenges faced when developing and implementing new energy technologies. Students will hear industrial, governmental, and research perspectives on promising technologies and policies that may shape both our energy portfolio and its environmental consequences in the decades to come. One of the main themes of the series is the need to create sustainable energy systems, and the speakers will offer their own perspectives on how policy and technology can be effective in doing so. Lastly, to facilitate student thinking and participation, a portion of each lecture will be devoted to discussion. | Graduate Standing or Instructor Permission |
| ESENG 505 | MECHENG 571, CHE 696 | Energy Generation and Storage Using Modern Materials | Energy and power densities previously unattainable in environmentally-friendly energy technologies have been achieved through use of novel materials. Insertion of new materials into power supplies has changed the landscape of options. Design strategies for power systems are described, in the context of growing global demand for power and energy. This course requires the completion of a term-long project. Projects must contain at least one of the following components: Development of a novel analytical technique, motivated by observed material behavior or microstructure; experimental characterization of a new material or device; development of a novel numerical technique, motivated by demonstrated inadequacy in current implementations used to describe performance. | Graduate Standing or Instructor Permission |
| ESENG 535 | ISD 535, CEE 564 | Greenhouse Gas Control | This course presents a review of strategies for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in power generation, transportation, and the built environment. Sources, discharges, and physical properties of greenhouse gases are surveyed, and technologies for greenhouse gas elimination or sequestration are discussed. Policy options for greenhouse gas control and carbon footprint reduction are also considered. CEE564/ESENG599 can fulfill a degree requirement in the Master of Engineering in Automotive Engineering (Auto Eng); Energy Systems Engineering (ESE); Global Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering (GAME) and Manufacturing Engineering (PIM) programs. Contact an ISD Graduate Coordinator for more information and to discuss your Plan of Study (POS). | Not listed |
| ESENG 567 | CEE 567 | Energy Infrastructure Systems | Energy is the preeminent issue of our time. During the transition from coal to sustainable energy sources, society faces a multitude of challenges. The engineer’s role will be to evaluate various energy resources with regard to factors such as their environmental effect, production cost and associated technical challenges. The course addresses the technologies and economics of electric power generation, transmission and distribution. Centralized versus distributed generation, and fossil fuels versus renewable resources, are considered in regard to engineering, market and regulatory principles. Students develop an understanding of the energy challenges confronting society and investigate technologies that seek to address future needs. | CEE 230, MECHENG 336, CHE 330 or equivalent |
| FIN 583 | N/A | Energy Project Finance | Energy Project Finance --- The energy industry is undergoing its biggest transition since the widespread adoption of electricity. A convergence of factors - Global warming, new technologies, resource constraints, shifting global demographics, and unpredictable global policies - has put in motion what will be the largest industrial transition in history. Harnessing and using energy productively is enormously capital intensive. Deploying capital into energy projects is complex, requiring investors to manage the diverse range of policy mechanisms, identify or develop the necessary supporting infrastructure and understand volatile markets and politics. The 6-week Energy Finance course will examine the economic drivers for energy investments and the fundamentals of financing energy projects. | FIN 503 or 513 or 551 or 591 or waivers |
| IOE 491.023 | N/A | Computational Modeling for Decarbonizing Energy Systems Syllabus | Reliable, affordable, and clean energy systems underpin human and economy wellbeing in the United States and globally. As energy systems decarbonize, these three objectives – reliability, affordability, and cleanliness – could come increasingly into tension. This course will provide students an in-depth understanding of and hands-on experience with computational models that we use to operate and plan power systems. While the course will be grounded in the United States context, the model formulations and principles are applicable globally. Projects, problem sets, and readings will reflect diverse stakeholders’ viewpoints and introduce key skills and concepts. | IOE 310 or equivalent |
| LAW 410 | N/A | Clean Energy and Climate Change Law | This seminar will be moving forward in "real time" as climate change and clean energy legal, political and policy decisions are being made. The electricity market, technologies and policies are now transforming as rapidly as did wireless telecommunications, which changed the ways that we live and work. In this seminar, we will learn about and discuss how legal and policy principles are adapting to climate change solutions, especially emerging distributed clean solar energy and battery storage technologies and a more competitive and decentralized electric power market. | Not Listed |
| LAW 534 | N/A | Energy Law | This course is an introduction to U.S. energy law. The first portion of the course introduces the nation's sources of energy: coal, oil, biofuels, natural gas, hydropower, nuclear, wind, solar, geothermal energy, and energy efficiency. In doing so, it explores the physical, market, and legal structures within which these energy sources are extracted, transported, and converted into energy. The second portion of the course turns to the two major sectors of our energy economy -- electricity and transportation -- and the full range of federal and state regulation of each sector. The third portion of the course explores case studies of hot topics in energy law and policy that highlight the complex transitions taking place in the energy system. These topics may include electric grid modernization, electric vehicles, the role of energy innovation in addressing climate change, and the continued role of nuclear energy. In addition to traditional textbook reading and class discussion, the course may include industry, government, and nonprofit guest speaker presentations. | Law School - Upper Class |
| MATSCIE 330 | N/A | Thermodynamics of Materials | The laws of thermodynamics and their consequences. Applications to solid and liquid materials. Mass and energy balances. Gas reactions. Phase diagrams. Ellingham, Pourbaix and stability diagrams | PHYS 140/141, MATH 215, and MATSCIE 220 or 250 |
| MATSCIE 335 | N/A | Kinetics and Transport in Materials Engineering | Application of basic principles of molecular transport and mass, energy and momentum balance to the solution of heat, diffusion and fluid flow problems relevant to materials processing. Introduction to radiative heat transfer. Empirical approaches to and dimensional analysis of complex transport problems including convection, turbulence and non-Newtonian flow. | MATH 216, MATSCIE 220 or 250 and MATSCIE 330 |
| MATSCIE 555 | N/A | Materials Energy Conversion | The course includes an introduction to energy conversion and storage issues. Next, the operating principles of energy conversion and storage devices are discussed. The remainder of the course focuses on the physics and chemistry of nanostructures and nanomaterial design and processing approaches to enhanced performance photovoltaics, thermoelectrics and fuel cells. | Senior Standing or higher |
| MECHENG 235 | N/A | Thermodynamics I | Introduction to engineering thermodynamics. First law, second law system and control volume analyses; properties and behavior of pure substances; application to thermodynamic systems operating in a steady state and transient processes. Heat transfer mechanisms. Typical power producing cycles and refrigerators. Ideal gas mixtures and moist air applications. | Chem 130 and 125 or Chem 210 and 211 and Math 116 or Math 121 or Math 156 |
| MECHENG 311 | N/A | Strength of Materials | Energy methods; buckling of columns, including approximate methods; bending of beams of asymmetrical cross-section; shear center and torsion of thin-walled sections; membrane stresses in axisymmetric shells; elastic-plastic bending and torsion; axisymmetric bending of circular plates. | MECHENG 211, Math 216 |
| MECHENG 320 | NAVARCH 320 | Introduction to Fluid Mechanics | Fluid statics; conservation of mass, momentum and energy in fixed and moving control volumes; steady and unsteady Bernoulli’s equation; differential analysis of fluid flow; dimensional analysis and similitude; laminar and turbulent flow; boundary layers; lift and drag; applications to mechanical, marine, biological, environmental, and micro-fluidic systems. | Math 215 or 255 or 285, MECHENG 235 or NAVARCH 235 & MECHENG 240 |
| MECHENG 335 | N/A | Heat Transfer | Heat transfer by conduction, convection, radiation; heat storage, energy conservation; steady-state/transient conduction heat transfer; thermal circuit modeling; multidimensional conduction; surface radiation properties, enclosure radiation exchange; surface convection/fluid streams over objects, non-dimensional numbers, laminar, turbulent, thermo-buoyant flow, boiling and condensation; heat exchangers; design of thermal systems, solvers for problem solving/ design. | MECHENG 320 |
| MECHENG 412 | N/A | Advanced Strength of Materials | Review of energy methods, Betti’s reciprocal theorem; elastic, thermoelastic and elastoplastic analysis of axisymmetric thick cylinders and rotating discs; bending of rectangular and circular plates, including asymmetric problems; beams on elastic foundations; axisymmetric bending of cylindrical shells; torsion of prismatic bars. | MECHENG 311 |
| MECHENG 438 | ISD 599 | Internal Combustion Engines | This course presents an analytical approach to the engineering problems and performance analysis of internal combustion engines, while also highlighting the design and operating characteristics of different types of engines. Students will examine thermodynamics, combustion, heat transfer, friction and other factors affecting engine power, efficiency, and emissions. They will then use what they have learned to assess engine behavior and understand design tradeoffs. Students will complete computer assignments and be exposed to engine laboratories throughout the class. The computer program used in class is for combustion and cycle analysis, while the labs will be carried out with a CFR engine. Two exams will be given, along with approximately six problem sets (including computer assignments) and the three labs/reports. | MECHENG 235, MECHENG 336 or Instructor Permission |
| MECHENG 489 | N/A | Sustainable Engineering and Design | ME 489 covers economic, environmental and social aspects of sustainability as they pertain to engineering design. The course covers life cycle assessment, carbon/water/energy footprints, economic assessments, mass/energy balances, air/water pollutants, modeling of environmental pollutant concentrations, engineering economics, social considerations, pollution prevention, resource conservation, human and eco-toxicity, life cycle costing, and energy systems. | MECHENG 235 |
| MECHENG 537 | N/A | Advanced Combustion | Advanced treatment of fundamental combustion processes. Conservation equations for reacting gas mixtures. The structure of one-dimensional diffusion and premixed flames; introduction to activation energy asymptotics. Two-dimensional Burke-Schumann flames and boundary layer combustion. Flame instabilities and flame stretch; turbulent combustion. | MECHENG 432 |
| MECHENG 539 | N/A | Heat Transfer Physics | Unified treatment of thermal energy storage, transport and conversion, by principal carriers: phonon, electron, fluid particle and photon. Quantum, molecular dynamics and Boltzmann transport treatments are used, along with applications (e.g., thermoelectrics, photovoltaics, laser cooling, phonon recycling, size effects). | MECHENG 235, MECHENG 335 |
| MECHENG 565 | ISD 565 | Battery Systems and Control | This course covers battery modeling, control and diagnostic methodologies associated to battery electric and battery hybrid electric vehicles. Emphasis is placed upon system-level modeling, model order reduction from micro-scale to macro-scale and surrogate models for load control, estimation, on-board identification and diagnostics for Lithium Ion batteries. The electrochemical, electrical, and transport principles for battery modeling are reviewed. Spatiotemporal models of coupled concentration, potential, and thermal phenomena are introduced and then augmented to predict aging and capacity fade. Simulation of the resulting partial differential equations using various popular software tools will be introduced with selected topics on numerical issues. Time- and frequency-domain model order reduction techniques, system identification, parameter estimation, filtering, and control theory will be covered and applied to state of charge, state of health, load governors and rate limiters. Additionally, electric-circuit battery models, DC/DC converters, and other vehicle implementation issues of power management and balancing will be introduced. Lectures will be supplemented with laboratory demonstrations and invited presentations conducted by local automotive OEMs, and site visits to battery testing facilities. This course does not require extensive background in battery chemistry and materials. It does require a basic background (undergraduate level) in signals and systems or controls (Laplace and Z-transforms, stability, time and frequency domain analysis and control design tools). Mathworks, Dymola, and Comsol simulation software will be used. | Knowledge/skillsets in signals, systems, or controls and matlab |
| MECHENG 566 | AUTO 566 | Modeling, Analysis, and Control of Hybrid Electric Vehicles | Modeling, analysis and control of vehicles with electrified propulsion systems, including electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, plug-in and fuel cell vehicles. Introduction of the concepts and terminology, the state of the art development, energy conversion and storage options, modeling, analysis, system integration and basic principles of vehicle controls. | MECHENG 438 and MECHENG 461 |
| MECHENG 569 | ISD 599 | Control of Advanced Powertrain Systems | The course covers essential aspects of electronic engine control followed by an introduction to fuel cell control. Control problems arising in direct injection, variable valve timing, active boosting, and flexible-fuel vehicles. The course includes models and feedback control design of spark ignition (gasoline). Hybridization auxiliary electrification, and engine control opportunities when connected and automated. A new section on low temperature hydrogen fuel cells is covered at the last third of the class. We will apply simple P, PI, and PID controllers, system identification, averaging, feedforward, feedback, multivariable control, estimation, diagnostics, and machine learning techniques. Engine control challenges and operation in hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric engines along with opportunities in high efficiency operation in connected and automated vehicles will be also introduced. Regulatory aspects and pressures for worldwide shift from ICEs to EVs will be reviewed. | ME360 and ME461 and Graduate Standing or Instructor Permission |
| MECHENG 589 | N/A | Sustainable Design of Technology Systems | Scientific perspectives on grand challenges to environment and society created by the production of energy, water, materials and emissions to support modern life styles. Integration of economic indicators with life cycle environmental and social metrics for evaluating technology systems. Case studies: sustainable design of consumer products, manufacturing and infrastructure systems. | Senior or graduate standing |
| MECHENG 599 | N/A | Principles, Materials, Manufacturing, and Devices of Batteries | This comprehensive course is designed to give students an in-depth understanding of various aspects of batteries, encompassing manufacturing processes. Beginning with an exploration of thermodynamics and electrochemistry, the course emphasizes lithium-ion batteries, which play a pivotal role in modern energy storage systems. It covers a broad spectrum of battery types, including lead-acid, nickel-metal hydride, metal-air, sodium-sulfur, and redox flow batteries, ensuring a well-rounded comprehension of battery technology. Throughout the course, students will cultivate a profound knowledge of essential components such as electrode materials, electrolytes, separators, additives, and the intricate electrode-electrolyte interface. Furthermore, the curriculum thoroughly examines advanced electrochemical techniques, the incorporation of nanotechnology in battery materials, and the structural design of battery devices, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of battery systems, including their manufacturing processes. Given the increasing interest in lithium-ion (Li-ion) technology, the course addresses fundamental electrochemistry and materials science principles and offers insights into battery pack designs and performance characteristics. Moreover, it fosters discussions on innovative strategies to advance Li battery technology, preparing students to confront emerging challenges in the field. Ultimately, this course aims to equip students interested in battery research, development, and integration into electric vehicles (EVs) and various other applications with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate this dynamic and rapidly evolving field effectively. By offering a solid foundation in principles, materials, manufacturing, and devices of batteries, this course empowers students to make meaningful contributions to advancing energy storage technologies and their applications across diverse industries. | graduate Standing or Instructor Permission |
| NAVARCH 235 | N/A | Marine Thermodynamics | Introduction to marine thermodynamics. First law, second law of thermodynamics. System and control volume analyses. Energy and entropy. Heat transfer. Thermodynamic analysis of representative power producing cycles and refrigerators. Applications to marine systems. | Chem 130 and 125 or Chem 210 and 211 and Math 116 |
| NAVARCH 331 | N/A | Marine Power and Energy I | Marine electrical power and energy systems. AC and DC power networks, analysis techniques and transformations. Principles, characteristics, and properties of power converters, transformers, and DC AC motors. Shipboard energy storage systems. Basic control theory. Power and energy system modeling and control. Design of boat and ship electric power systems. | PHYS 240 |
| NAVARCH 332 | N/A | Marine Power and Energy II | Marine diesel engines, steam turbines, gas turbines, combined plants. Fuels, emissions. Mechanical power transmission, reduction gears. Electrical power generation, transmission and distribution. Propeller selection and engine-propeller matching. System reliability, design of mechanical, integrated electric and hybrid propulsion systems. Boat and ship auxiliary systems. Marine engineering systems design project. | NAVARCH 331, NAVARCH 235, OR ME 235 |
| NAVARCH 551 | N/A | Offshore Engineering I | Offshore engineering structures. Introduction to hydrodynamic loads on offshore platforms. Detailed study of forces on slender bodies – risers, pipelines, cables. Morison’s equation. Flow induced motions, vortex induced vibrations, galloping. Two-cylinder flows. Mathematical modeling, experiments, data processing. Marine hydrokinetic energy harnessing. | Graduate Standing or Instructor Permission |
| NERS 211 | ENSCEN 211 | Introduction to Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences | Different forms of energy, the history of nuclear energy, the fundamentals of fission and fusion nuclear power, radiological health applications, and electromagnetic radiation in the environment. Current topics of interest such as radon, radioactive waste, and nuclear proliferation. | MATH 216 |
| NERS 250 | N/A | Fundamentals of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences | Technological, industrial and medical applications of radiation, radioactive materials and fundamental particles. Special relativity, basic nuclear physics, interactions of radiation with matter. Fission reactors and the fuel cycle. | MATH 216 and Physics 240 |
| NERS 344 | N/A | Fluid Mechanics for Nuclear Engineers | Mass, momentum, and energy balance in lumped-parameter and differential forms. Hydrostatics. Laminar and turbulent flow in pipes. Application of fluid mechanics to nuclear components and systems. | NERS 311 and MECHENG 235 |
| NERS 441 | N/A | Nuclear Reactor Theory 1 | An introduction to the theory of nuclear fission reactors including neutron transport theory, the P1 approximation, diffusion theory, criticality calculations, reactor kinetics, neutron slowing down theory, and numerical solution of the diffusion equation. | NERS 312 and NERS 320 or Graduate Standing |
| NERS 442 | N/A | Nuclear Power Reactor | Analysis of nuclear fission power systems including an introduction to nuclear reactor design, reactivity control, steady-state thermal-hydraulics and reactivity feedback, fuel cycle analysis and fuel management, environmental impact and plant siting and transient analysis of nuclear systems. | NERS 441 or Graduate Standing |
| NERS 472 | N/A | Fusion Reactor Technology | Study of technological topics relevant to the engineering feasibility of fusion reactors as power sources. Basic magnetic fusion and inertial fusion reactor design. Problems of plasma confinement. Energy and particle balances in fusion reactors, neutronics and tritium breeding, and environmental aspects. Engineering considerations for ITER and NIF. | NERS 471 |
| NERS 531 | EECS 529, ENSCEN 529 | Nuclear Waste Management | Based on the nuclear fuel cycle, this course will review the origin, composition, form and volumes of waste generated by commercial reactors and defense programs. The scientific and engineering basis for near-field and far-field containment in a geologic repository will be reviewed in the context of performance assessment methodologies. | Senior Standing |
| NERS 672 | SPACE 545 | High Energy Density Physics | Fundamental tools and discoveries of high-energy density physics, where pressures are above a million atmospheres. Fundamental physical models, equations of state, hydrodynamics including shocks and instabilities, radiation transport, radiation hydrodynamics, experimental technique, inertial fusion, experimental astrophysics and relativistic systems. | Not listed |
| PUBPOL 250 | N/A | Energy and Climate Change: Technology, Markets, and Policy | Greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy use are the leading cause of global climate change, and they are growing. The challenge of sharply reducing emissions while continuing to provide energy to a growing population is an enormous global challenge, one that policymakers have not yet solved. This course will provide an introduction to the global energy system and its role in climate change, with a focus on the United States. It will begin with a review major energy technologies, the markets in which they operate, and how both have changed over time. It will then turn to the fundamentals of climate change, with a basic overview of the science, the economic principles that can guide policymaking to reduce emissions, and key social dynamics that shape policies and markets. We will then turn to the real-world application of public policies at the international and national level, developing an understanding of how these policies are designed along with their effectiveness. The course will conclude with a series of case studies on potential approaches to addressing the interconnected spheres of energy and climate. Case studies will focus on the sometimes difficult trade-offs that arise in trying to prevent the worst impacts of climate change while provide the energy that underpins the global economy. We will examine the political, economic, technological, and psychological aspects of pursuing alternative approaches to achieve these interconnected goals. | Not listed |
| PUBPOL 495.001 | PUBPOL 495.002 | Policy Seminar: Energy & Climate | PUBPOL 495 (Policy Seminar) is for students currently enrolled in the Public Policy Undergraduate Program only, no exceptions. Enrollment is by permission only. Please contact [email protected] with any questions. The climate is changing at an unprecedented rate, with implications for human well-being around the world. This course will analyze the evidence on climate change's impacts on the environment and the economy. Then we'll explore how different energy sectors (electricity, natural gas, etc) contribute to climate change. We'll delve into theories and when and how the government can or should regulate the sectors that contribute to climate change. Our goals are to: - Think critically about policy issues and options related to climate change. - Understand the basics of some of the energy markets that contribute to climate change. - Develop excellence in conveying our ideas in written form. | Undergraduate only |
| PUBPOL 519 | N/A | Sustainable Energy Systems | Assessment of the current energy systems that encompasses resource extraction, conversion processes and end-uses. Sustainability is examined by studying global and regional environmental impacts, economics, energy efficiency, consumption patterns and energy policy. | Graduate Standing or Instructor Permission |
| PUBPOL 564 | PUBPOL 475, PUBPOL 750 | Government Regulation of Industry and the Environment | This course focuses on the economics of energy and environmental regulations in the United States. It is designed to give practical experience making connections between intermediate microeconomic concepts and real-world regulatory policy issues. The emphasis will be on critical thinking to answer questions like the following: How do energy markets work? What are the effects of energy markets on the environment? When should the government intervene to regulate a market? What is the appropriate form of government intervention in a market? What is the role of energy policy in mitigating environmental damage? | One semester of microeconomics |
| PUBPOL 750.006 | N/A | Topics: Renewable Energy at the State and Local Level | As national concern for addressing global warming grows, more and more Americans are looking for governmental action to speed a transition to low-carbon energy sources. | Not listed |
| URP 620 | N/A | Energy Planning | This course considers the content and consequences of the range of state and local policies that relate to renewable energy development in urban and rural communities. It also considers how planners can shape wind and solar projects. It covers not just policies traditionally associated with climate action - such as the carbon tax, cap and trade, renewable portfolio standards, or municipal climate pledges - but also the suite of policies that facilitate or hinder renewable energy development. This includes state tax policy, local land use regulation, infrastructure investment, and use of public lands. It also explores the diverse stakeholders who shape these policies and the motivations behind their positions - from economic development, to energy independence, to landowners' rights. | Not listed |
| Short Title | Cross Listed Title | Full Title | Description | Prerequisite |