MWCC College Catalog — 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, MAT092. 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: MAT096, 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: MAT096, 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.