Energy Science Minor

Energy Science

Energy Science Minor

  • Classes are designed for students of ALL MAJORS
  • Colleges of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, Engineering, Arts & Sciences, and Architecture have currently approved the minor
  • Learn how energy production and use affect our economy and environment
  • Explore the social and political ramifications of energy and natural resources consumption
  • Develop cutting edge, responsible solutions for the planet
  • Increase your marketability in an increasingly energy-dependent, environmentally aware world
  • Develop understanding of complex energy systems using “systems thinking”

The Energy Science minor comprises four introductory core courses that provide a comprehensive overview of energy in society, fundamental energy principles, the economics of energy, and environmental issues related to producing and using energy. The minor grew from discussions among faculty in a variety of fields—among them engineering, plant sciences, economics, and climatology. The minor was developed with support from UNL's Nebraska Center for Energy Sciences Research.

In addition to four core classes, a set of three to five upper division, discipline-oriented elective courses are in each of four thematic areas: energy and natural resources, plant and animal bioenergy, energy engineering and energy economics, policy and human dimensions. At least 6 credit hours must be included at the 300 or 400 level from any of the four areas to complete the 18-credit hour minor.

Further description is in the Undergraduate Bulletin under minors in Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources.

Of Note:

Op-Eds from ENSC230 Energy and the Environment: Economics and Policies from the Fall of 2012 can be found here:
http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ageconugensc/

Two recent graduates of the Energy Science Minor have gone to the nation’s top energy and environmental graduate programs in fall of 2014 and featured as a UCARE Spotlight.