Aug. 19, 2009

School of Engineering Offers New Concentration on Alternative Energy

The first course in a new School of Engineering concentration on alternative and renewable energy begins this fall with about 25 students enrolled in An Introduction to Alternative Energy.

Offered by the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, the new track allows students to earn a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree with a concentration in alternative energy systems.

“The introduction of the new Alternative and Renewable Energy track is timely because of the urgent need for alternative sources to address future energy shortages,” said Charles Nguyen, dean of the School of Engineering.

Enrollment in the program begins this fall. Students will take engineering core classes, electrical engineering core classes and five upper-level courses on alternative and renewable energy.  In addition to the introduction course, the new alternative energy classes are:

• The Theory of Photovoltaics (electric solar panels)
• The Applications of Photovoltaics
• Batteries, Fuel Cells and Energy Storage
• Gas-Electric Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

The first course will be taught by Scott Mathews, associate professor of electrical engineering and computer science. “With new investment in alternative energy and the predictions of a green energy revolution, it is clear that the next decade will demand a new generation of scientists, engineers and technicians,” he said.

Nguyen predicted courses in the new concentration will attract not only students in engineering but also in related fields. The courses will be electives for students outside engineering.

Other departments, including mechanical engineering and chemistry, will share responsibility for teaching the courses. “The track will cultivate research collaboration among the Catholic University faculty in energy-related disciplines,” Nguyen said.

The full curriculum is expected to be in place by fall 2010.

The alternative energy track follows CUA’s addition of other “green” studies. Last year, two master’s programs were unveiled in the School of Architecture and Planning — a Master of City and Regional Planning and a Master of Science in Sustainable Design.

MEDIA:  For more information, contact Katie Lee or Mary McCarthy in the Office of Public Affairs at 202-319-5600.

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