Renewable Energy Technology, A.A.S., Major #2098
Renewable Energy Technology is a ThinkPad University curriculum in which the use of laptop computers is integrated into courses.
The Renewable Energy Technology Associate in Applied Science (RET A.A.S.) degree provides students with a broad and comprehensive technical education in the rapidly growing field of renewable energy. The RET A.A.S. program focuses on developing skilled technicians who are prepared to enter the job market as entry-level installers, operators, or maintenance technicians for renewable energy technologies including grid-tied solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, small wind, heat pump, micro hydroelectric and multiple bioenergy systems. The degree program has the flexibility to train students directly out of high school, as well as displaced workers who already possess a mechanical or electrical technical background.
The Renewable Energy Technology A.A.S. is a demanding curriculum for incoming students as there are strong math, biology, chemistry, physics, and electrical components to the program. SAT scores, combined with math and science units, and their high school average will be considered to ensure that incoming students will be able to handle a rigorous curriculum.
Graduates from the RET A.A.S. have been successfully employed as entry-level installers or maintenance technicians for renewable energy technologies including grid-tied solar photovoltaic, small wind, heat pump/geothermal, and bioenergy systems. Graduates are currently working in several states across the country and abroad within their chosen renewable energy field.
Required tools/equipment: Laptop, clipboard, safety glasses, work gloves, work boots (steel/safety toe), waterproof rubber boots (recommended), hard hat, rain gear (coat and pants/ bibs), and cold weather gear (insulated clothing).
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon Successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
Describe basic social, political and economic driving forces impacting renewable energy resources and systems regionally, nationally and abroad
Interpret system schematics and designs to safely connect renewable energy mechanical and electrical components
Install, maintain, and troubleshoot renewable energy systems by developing problem-solving skills through critical thinking in both hands-on and written technical environments
Work safely and responsibly in groups with diverse individuals
Curriculum Requirements - 60 Credits
Course | Credits |
|---|---|
RENG 101 - Electrical Theory for Renewable Energy | 4 |
RENG 102 - Renewable Energy Resources | 3 |
RENG 103 - Renewable Energy Seminar | 1 |
RENG 150 - Analysis Techniques for Renewable Energy | 1 |
AGEN 151 - Applied Hydraulics for Hydropower Generation | 3 |
RENG 310- Biomass Energy Resources | 3 |
RENG 221 - Intro to Small Wind Systems | 3 |
RENG 231 - Intro to Solar Photovoltaics | 3 |
AGEN 125 - Residential Electrification | 3 |
NATR 213 - Basics of Geospatial Technology OR CAD 181 - Introduction to Computer-Aided Drafting | 1 |
CITA 101 - Principles of Computers & Apps | 3 |
Natural Science as Advised | 8 |
COMP 101 - Composition and Research | 3 |
Humanities (as advised) | 3 |
SUNY General Education History, Western Civilization, or Other World Civilization as Advised | 3 |
MATH as Advised | 3 |
Technical Electives as Advised | 12 |
Suggested Course Sequencing
course | credits |
|---|---|
Year 1/Fall - 17 Credits | |
RENG 101 Electrical Theory for Renewable Energy | 4 |
RENG 102 Renewable Energy Resources | 3 |
RENG 103 Renewable Energy Seminar | 1 |
MATH (as advised) | 3 |
COMP 101 Composition and Research | 3 |
CITA 101 Principles of Computers and Applications | 3 |
Year 1/Spring - 14 credits | |
RENG 150 Analysis Techniques for Renewable Energy | 1 |
AGEN 151 Applied Hydraulics for Hydropower Generation | 3 |
AGEN 125 Residential Electrification | 3 |
SUNY General Education Natural Science as Advised (e.g. CHEM 110) | 4 |
Humanities as Advised | 3 |
Year 2/Fall - 16 credits | |
RENG 310 Biomass Energy Resources | 3 |
RENG 231 Introduction to Solar Photovoltaics | 3 |
PHYS 107 Introduction to Physics | 4 |
SUNY General Education as Advised (History, Western or Other World Civilization) | 3 |
Lower Level Elective as Advised (e.g. RESC 221) | 3 |
Year 2/Spring - 13 Credits | |
NATR 213 Basics of Geospatial Technology | 1 |
RENG 221 Introduction to Small Wind Systems | 3 |
Lower Level Elective as Advised (e.g. AUTO 102) | 3 |
Lower Level Elective as Advised (e.g. RESC 260) | 3 |
Lower Level Elective as Advised (e.g. RENG 240) | 3 |
Recommended Technical Electives: | |
AGRO 110 - Soil Science | 3 |
AGRO 210 - Field Crops | 3 |
AUTO 102 - Metals (welding) | 3 |
AGEN 161 - Basic Hydraulics | 3 |
BSAD 116 - Business Organization and Management | 3 |
CAD 181 - Introduction to Computer-Aided Graphics | 1 |
CAD 183 - Architectural Computer-Aided Drafting and Design | 3 |
CITA 120 - Computer Concepts & Operating Systems | 3 |
CITA 140 - Introduction to Programming | 3 |
CITA 200 - Data Communications and Networking | 3 |
DTEC 150 - Diesel Systems | 3 |
ENSC 101 - Agricultural Science | 3 |
ENSC 106 - Pesticide Use and Handling | 2 |
ENSC 107 - Integrated Pest Management | 1 |
MECH 211 - Analytical Mechanics (statics) | 3 |
NATR 103 - Natural Resources Equipment Operation | 2 |
NATR 213 - Basics of Geospatial Technology | 1 |
RENG 225 - Tower Climbing and Rescue | 2 |
RENG 240 - Introduction to Heat Pumps | 3 |
RENG 130 - Light Framing | 3 |
RESC 221 - Plumbing | 3 |
RESC 260 - Heating and Energy Systems | 3 |