1. Energy Sciences Minor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln October 9, 2007

2. Brief History Development began as a College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources minor in Renewable Energy Science The development committee submitted a proposal for funding to the NCESR Funding was approved with stipulation that the minor be a University-wide minor Currently developing the Energy Sciences minor with cooperation among three Colleges

3. Colleges Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Engineering Arts and Sciences Others? Architecture Business Administration Journalism and Mass Communications

4. Energy Sciences Minor Intended for students in all disciplines Generate enthusiasm and excitement for studying the science of energy Provide a minor for students interested in alternative energy sources, or management of energy resources Present the role and function of energy in society Explore environmental (and economic) challenges of energy production and use Attract students from many majors

5. Energy Sources Conventional Bioenergy biomass - plants biogas – plant or animal waste Wind Solar Hydro Geothermal Nuclear Conservation

6. Coordinating Committee Agricultural Economics Mechanized Systems Management Electrical Engineering Biological Systems Engineering Agronomy and Horticulture School of Natural Resources Ably assisted by Adam Liska, postdoc in Agronomy and Horticulture

7. Structure of Minor Will require 18 credit-hours Broad introductory core curriculum – 9 hours Higher-level, discipline-oriented electives – 9 hours “Enrichment” courses – up to 3 hours These 3 hours can be substituted for one of the higher-level electives

8. Energy in Perspective (3) Introduction to Energy Systems (3) Economics, Policy, and Human Dimensions* Natural Resources* Plant and Animal Bioenergy Systems* Engineering* Energy Economics and the Environment (3) Nebraska Energy Tour (1), optional Energy Seminar (1), required Independent Energy Study (1), optional *Student chooses three courses (all are 3 credit-hour) from one, or more, of these lists. Credit hours shown in parentheses Core Curriculum (9) Electives (9) Three 1-unit “enrichment” courses Energy Sciences Minor

9. Courses in Core Curriculum Energy in Perspective Energy flows at the surface of the earth and how humans have used these sources throughout history Introduction to Energy Systems Exposition of all sources of available energy, geographic distribution, estimated recoverable amounts, transformation processes for converting to high-quality energy in other forms, and future expected energy demand Energy Economics and the Environment Exploration of energy markets, natural resources use, and the associated economic and environmental trade-offs for conventional and renewable energy systems

10. Current Status Have identified lead instructors for first three courses: ENSC110: Greg Snow, Physics, Adam Liska, Agronomy; ENSC 220: Jerry Hudgins, Elec. Eng., David Jones, Biosys. Eng.; ENSC 330: Richard Perrin and Lilyan Fulginiti, Ag.Economics Minor and core courses have been approved by the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (home college) and the University Curriculum Committee Approval for the minor will be requested from at least two additional Colleges: Arts & Sciences, Engineering The first course will be offered in Fall 2008, and the second and third courses in Spring 2009

11. Plans Conduct workshop Update interested faculty members Identify needed upper-level courses Currently available To be developed Develop and implement marketing plan Seek funding for scholarships Develop plan for sustaining minor

12. Questions?