Solar Photovoltaic and Energy Efficiency

In this course, students gain a basic understanding of the principles of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and renewable energy alternatives. Basic electrical theory, the variables of PV system design, and sizing of PV systems are introduced. Topics include the scientific and math principles, physical properties, system components, codes, cell efficiency, and safe installation procedures for prevalent technologies. Students examine the cost and paybacks influencing adoption of solar technologies, as well as its potential in solving energy and environmental problems.

to be taken as a 1st 8-weeks course

This course will present basic energy concepts, lighting fundamentals, energy utilities and rates, and identification of opportunities for efficiency changes in buildings. Topics include scientific principles of energy, light and heat, energy codes and standards, metering and monitoring. Students will examine the economic, regulatory, and infrastructure issues affecting implementation of energy efficiency measures as well as their potential for solving energy and environmental problems.

to be taken as a 1st 8-weeks course

This course examines the theoretical and technical dimensions of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in detail. Students learn advanced principles of electricity and how they apply to PV systems. They review PV system sizing and design, components and equipment. Detailed discussions on product troubleshooting, net metering laws, local codes, and National Electrical Code (NEC) PV requirements are covered. Successful participants will be qualified to take the North America Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Entry Level exam.

to be taken as a 2nd 8-weeks course

This course will develop an intermediate level of understanding of energy efficiency concepts especially as they apply to reductions in residential energy consumption and the practice of Building Performance Analysis. This course will cover energy and power concepts, rate options, load profile understanding, an introduction to smart grid technology, deeper understanding of the principles of heat, air, and moisture movement in residential homes. Students will be introduced to the operation of energy audit equipment such as the blower door test, the duct blaster, and the combustion analyzer. Students will learn to identify CAZ zones (combustion air zones) and to structure the placement of the blower door and duct blaster and develop the procedure for measuring air leakage rates of a typical residential home.

to be taken as a 2nd 8-weeks course

This course provides an exploration of intellectual, psychological, social and physical factors that impact lifelong learning, well-being and success. Topics include motivation and self-efficacy; critical thinking, academic integrity and active study strategies; health issues and lifestyle choices; relating to others as a global citizen; written and oral communication; time management; career exploration; and educational planning.

BIOL 9 recommended

See the full list: Required Elective Course from "Program Electives" list below

Students become acquainted with the career fields related to the discipline of the internship by working in a professional setting. Students spend a minimum of 60 hours during the term under the supervision of a professional in the field. Learning objectives and exit internship evaluation are required. Limited availability.

In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research.

consider ENERGY 3 (for EE Specialist Certificate)

ENGL C1001 (formerly ENGL 2) recommended for transfer options

See the full list: SMC GE Area 3 Course (opens in new window)

COMM C1000 (formerly COM ST 11) or COM ST 21 recommended for transfer options

See the full list: SMC GE Area 1B Course (opens in new window)

ENVRN14 recommended

See the full list: SMC GE Area 4 Course (opens in new window)

ENVRN 20 recommended

POLS C1000 ( or POL SC 1) recommended for CSU graduation requirement

This survey course covers ecological principles including ecosystem structure and function, population dynamics and the interdependence of living organisms. Current environmental issues and controversies such as global warming, biodiversity and species extinction, habitat destruction, food and energy resources and pollution will be explored. Strategies for sustainable living will be emphasized.

This course covers the fundamentals of how to organize, finance, and operate a small business. Topics to be covered include business plan development, financing, legal and ethical issues, marketing, entrepreneurial team development, and business models.

This introductory course will use an interdisciplinary approach to give students a broad perspective on environmental problems and solutions. Students will be introduced to the strategies scientists, economists, political analysts, and other writers and researchers use to investigate and analyze environmental and urban issues, human/nature relationships, natural and built environments, and environmental citizenship.

This course introduces the field of environmental ethics with an emphasis on global environmental problems and global citizenship. The conceptual foundations of environmental attitudes and values are examined through an historical survey of philosophies of nature and human/nature relations. Ethical theories are presented and used to analyze contemporary environmental problems, e.g. mistreatment of animals, pollution, climate change, species extinction, natural resource depletion, environmental racism etc. The ethical assumptions underlying various national and international responses to environmental problems will be analyzed and evaluated.

This course examines environmental politics. The political, economic, and social origins of environmental change and degradation are examined, as well as democratic, bureaucratic and market-based solutions to environmental problems advocated by environmental movements, interest groups and political parties. Arguments for best public policy responses to a range of environmental problems will be assessed and debated. The course offers a practical problem-solving approach focusing primarily on the relations between a range of contemporary political values and on what it means to take political responsibility for reducing the human impact on the earth.

This course will focus on the theory and application of psychological principles as they relate to the causes of, and potential solutions to, current global environmental problems. Modern ecological issues (such as global climate change, habitat-loss, etc.) have their historical origin in human behavior; this class will focus both on relevant causal behaviors, and on the mental mechanisms that give rise to such behavior. An evolutionary perspective will be employed to identify the pathways by which the clash of a “universal human nature” and the modern environment results in an “evolutionary mismatch.” Evolutionary models such as the “tragedy of the commons” will be elucidated with relevant and real world examples. In addition, the course will explore potential avenues to effectively reshape human kind’s social, technological and economic relationship with its environment. As such, a systems approach will be taken that considers the human as a part of, as well as an influence on, ecosystems. Cutting edge research will be integrated from different domains of psychology (cognitive, social, developmental and evolutionary, etc.) as well as related fields (genetics, behavioral economics, game-theory, anthropology, etc.) to comprehensively study the human-environment interaction.