Alternative Course Title: Biofuels: Sustainable Energy for a Changing World
Course Description:
This course provides an in-depth exploration of biofuels, a rapidly growing alternative energy source. With the growing demand for sustainable energy, biofuels have become an important solution to reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change.
The course begins with an overview of biofuels, including their types, production methods, and current use. Students will learn about the various sources of biofuels, including crops, waste materials, and algae. The course also examines the benefits and drawbacks of biofuels, including their impact on the environment, economy, and society.
The course will delve into the science and technology of biofuels, covering topics such as feedstock selection, pretreatment, conversion technologies, and optimization of biofuel production. The course will also examine the policy and regulatory frameworks governing biofuels production, including incentives, subsidies, and environmental regulations.
In addition, the course will explore the economic and social implications of biofuels, including their impact on global energy markets, food security, and rural development. Students will also learn about the challenges and opportunities for the biofuels industry, including emerging technologies, innovations, and market trends.
Overall, this course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of biofuels and their role in sustainable energy production. By the end of the course, students will have the knowledge and skills to evaluate the potential of biofuels as a sustainable energy source and contribute to the development of a greener future.
- Credit value: 3-6 (US standard) | 6-12 (ECTS standard)
- Indicative duration (full-time): 4-10 weeks
- Indicative duration (part-time): 5-12 weeks
- Certificate: Yes
COURSE METHODOLOGY
This course is based on standard EUCLID methodology. Students may refer to the following resources:
- Academic Guidelines (HQ version)
- Academic Guidelines (most recent version even if unofficial)
- Student Orientation Guidelines (most recent version even if unofficial)
- Zotero instructions for EUCLID students
- Grammarly instructions for EUCLID students
COURSE OBJECTIVES | LEARNING OUTCOMES
Here are some expected outcomes for a biofuel course at the university level:
1. Understand the basic principles and concepts of biofuels, including their types, production methods, and applications in the energy industry.
2. Identify the different sources of biofuels, including crops, waste materials, and algae, and evaluate their potential as sustainable energy sources.
3. Analyze the benefits and drawbacks of biofuels, including their impact on the environment, economy, and society, and develop informed opinions on the subject.
4. Evaluate the different conversion technologies and processes used to produce biofuels, including feedstock selection, pretreatment, fermentation, and distillation.
5. Develop an understanding of the scientific and engineering principles underlying biofuel production, including mass and energy balances, reaction kinetics, and process design.
6. Assess the policy and regulatory frameworks governing biofuel production, including incentives, subsidies, and environmental regulations, and understand their impact on the industry.
7. Evaluate the economic and social implications of biofuels, including their impact on global energy markets, food security, and rural development.
8. Analyze emerging trends and innovations in biofuel technology, including next-generation feedstocks, production processes, and market opportunities.
9. Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by analyzing case studies and real-world examples of biofuel production and application.
10. Communicate effectively about biofuels, both orally and in writing, and collaborate with peers to complete projects and assignments.
REQUIRED TEXTS AND MATERIAL
Course material is provided in the form of embedded videos, audio MP3s, and/or downloadable PDFs.
COURSE INSTRUCTOR | ASSOCIATED FACULTY
Please see faculty profile(s) for this course at https://www.euclid.int/facultyprofiles.asp
COURSE SYLLABUS | ACCESS TO 7 PERIODS
