To give Mechanical Engineers the skills and knowledge to develop engineering solutions to mitigate climate change.
This course sequence will prepare students to work in industries that address the following Sustainable Development Goals:
Goal #6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. (https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal6)
Goal # 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. (https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal7)
Goal #11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. (https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal11) This includes sustainable transport and disaster risk reduction (IOT).
(Bolded titles are new courses)
MEM XXX Introduction to Climate Change and Mechanical Engineering
MEM 361 Reliability
MEM 371 Introduction to Nuclear Engineering 1 (Chris Peters)
MEM 402 Power Plant Design (Pete Clelland)
MEM 415 Fuel Cell Engines
MEM 440 Thermal Systems Design
MEM 445 Solar Energy Fundamentals
MEM XXX Batteries and Renewable Energy Storage (Wes Chang)
MEM XXX Sustainable transportation and fuels (https://www.energy.gov/eere/sustainable-transportation-and-fuels)
MEM XXX Advanced Materials and Manufacturing (https://www.energy.gov/eere/ammto/advanced-materials-manufacturing-technologies-office)
CAEE 301 Community Based Design
Objective: This course addresses the critical role of mechanical engineering in combating climate change. It covers the fundamental principles of climate science and the application of engineering solutions to mitigate and adapt to climate-related challenges. Students will explore technologies and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable development.
Understand the scientific basis of climate change and its impacts.
Analyze the role of mechanical engineering in mitigating climate change.
Design and evaluate sustainable engineering solutions for climate adaptation and mitigation.
Apply systems thinking to address complex climate issues.
Communicate effectively about engineering solutions to climate change.
Sustainable Engineering: Concepts, Design, and Case Studies by David T. Allen and David R. Shonnard
Additional Reading will be provided.
Week 1: Introduction to Climate Change and Engineering
Course Overview; Introduction to Climate Change
Social Dimensions of Climate Change
The Role of Mechanical Engineering in Climate Mitigation
Principles of Climate Justice
Week 2: Climate Science Basics
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Global Warming
Impacts of Climate Change on Natural and Human Systems
Principles of Lifecycle Assessment
Applying LCA to Engineering Projects
Week 3: Energy Systems and Climate Change
Energy Production and Consumption Patterns
Renewable Energy Technologies: Solar, Wind, and Hydro
Innovations in Renewable Energy
Smart Grids and Energy Storage Solutions
Week 4: Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Principles of Energy Efficiency in Engineering
Case Study: Energy-Efficient Building Design
Week 5: Low-Carbon Technologies
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
Advanced Materials for Low-Carbon Technologies
Week 6: Sustainable Transportation
Electrification of Transportation
Design and Impacts of Sustainable Transportation Systems
Week 7: Climate Adaptation Engineering
Designing for Climate Resilience
Case Study: TBD
Week 8: Water and Waste Management
Sustainable Water Management
Engineering Solutions for Waste Reduction and Recycling
Week 9: Climate Policy and Engineering
Overview of Climate Policy and Regulations
The Role of Engineers in Policy Advocacy
Week 10: Systems Thinking in Climate Engineering
Systems Engineering Principles
Integrated Climate Solutions: Case Studies