MWCC College Catalog 2008-2009 — Natural Resources
NRD104 RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
4 credits
This course provides a comprehensive overview of renewable energies,
including solar energy, wind power, hydropower, fuel cells, biomass,
and alternative transportation options. Students will learn the principles
of solar home design, solar hot water, pool, and space heating and
solar cooling for both new and existing construction. Students will learn
how to assess the viability of a wind power, hydropower, or biomass system
for a given site. Students will also learn about the impact of government
regulations on the use of renewable energies. Students will analyze
these renewable energy systems and will calculate savings fractions, backup
energy needs, financing options, and economic analyses. They will investigate
the potentials of renewable energy technologies to help solve environmental
and economic problems within society. Prerequisite: ENG100, RDG100,
MAT100. Available at the Gardner campus or online. Offered occasionally.
NRD105 INTRODUCTION TO ENERGY MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES
3 credits
This course introduces the principles of energy management and provides
an overview of the energy industry. Students will learn about the history
of energy production and costs, the dynamics of worldwide energy consumption
and growth, the principle methods by which energy is used, and its environmental
and financial impacts and consequences. Objectives and components of
an effective energy management program are discussed. This course is designed
for students who are not vocationally oriented but are interested in energy
usage. Prerequisite: ENG100, RDG100. Available at the Gardner campus or
online. Offered occasionally.
NRD106 ENERGY EFFICIENCY & CONSERVATION METHODS
3 credits
Students will identify and explain all of the energy efficiency/conservation
methods available for energy use reduction. Energy-consuming facilities,
both domestic and commercial, will be analyzed by the students for
energy efficiency opportunities. Students will calculate energy savings
and environmental impacts for most energy efficiency methods in order
to identify and assess energy conservation opportunities. In addition,
the student will demonstrate the appropriate usage of energy monitoring
and measuring equipment commonly used by energy specialists and energy
auditors. Prerequisite: MAT100, RDG100, ENG100. Available at the Gardner
campus or online. Offered occasionally.
NRD220 PRACTICUM IN NATURAL RESOURCES
3-4 credits
The practicum experience allows students practice in a field specific to their
interest and based upon strengths of the curriculum. The practicum, developed
and defined in cooperation with faculty, department chair, the student, and
the practicum supervisor, requires a 10-15 hour per week commitment above
and beyond other required coursework. The practicum experience will be monitored
with regular progress updates and then detailed and summarized by the student
at the conclusion. Possible practicum experiences may include, but are not
limited to, working within one of the agricultural, environmental, non-profit,
or regional planning agencies, private industries, cities/towns, or educational
institutions in the surrounding region. Prerequisites: permission of advisor
and completion of most NRD/BIO program-related courses. Offered either fall
or spring.