Overview
** This course is now open with immediate access after registration!
Emphasis on alternative sources of energy is growing exponentially as we try to move away from carbon-based sources. In this third micro-credential, you will examine alternative energy resources including solar, biomass, hydrogen, geothermal, wind, hydroelectric, and nuclear energy. You will look at the basic science behind each resource and the techniques for harnessing it.
Through a series of self-guided course materials including textbook readings, videos, interviews and examples from industry experts, and an artificial intelligence simulation exploring solar energy in Alberta, you will discover the various innovative and alternative approaches to energy in Canada and around the world.
This course includes access to an e-textbook, Renewable Energy, by Stephen Peake, 2018, which is available within the learning environment.
Alternative and Innovative Energy is the third course in a series of four that explore Innovative and Diversified Energy. In this course, you will:
- Outline the principles behind solar energy and how it can be harnessed
- Describe how hydroelectricity can be generated from flowing water
- Explain nuclear power generation and types of nuclear power reactors
- Describe geothermal power generation and heating
- Outline how biomass resources can be used as energy resources
- Explain the use of hydrogen as an energy resource
- Outline the basics behind wind power and how it can be used to generate power
- Explain the principles behind tidal and wave energy and how they can be harnessed
How It Works
Course Access
90 days
Effort
30-36 hours total
Delivery
Online, On-Demand
Instruction
Self-paced
Cost
$600
- Business Owners in Oil & Gas industry who want to understand the recent science of the current energy mix
- Current employees in the energy sector looking to upskill
- Recent graduates with science degree looking to pursue a specialization in energy
- Individuals looking to raise their awareness in the energy economy
Bundle this course to earn a micro-credential in Innovative and Diversified Energy.
Dr. Ken Munyikwa, Associate Professor / Associate Dean, Student Experience
Ken holds a Bachelor of Science in geology and chemistry as well as a Master of Science in engineering geology. Following the completion of a PhD in Quaternary geology at the Free University of Brussels, Ken took up a postdoctoral research position at the University of Illinois at Chicago. This was followed by a three year visiting assistant professor appointment at Seoul National University in South Korea before joining Athabasca University in 2006 where he currently serves as an associate professor of geology.
Terrapin Geothermics Inc. (Terrapin) helps large industrial emitters advance their net-zero commitments by generating emission-free, baseload heat and power from their operating assets. Unlike the traditional project developer, Terrapin builds turnkey clean energy projects at zero cost to the client by paying them for access to turn their waste heat into value. Terrapin is also the developer and majority owner of the Alberta No. 1 geothermal energy project, the first conventional geothermal heat and power facility in Alberta, Canada.
Founded in 2016, Terrapin is privately-owned and based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Marc Colombina
VP of Operations, Terrapin Geothermics (Terrapin)
Marc leads Terrapin’s operations in Canada and internationally. After starting as employee number 2 at Terrapin, Marc has grown his role from regulatory compliance & grant applications to overseeing the entire day-to-day operations of Terrapin.
Gray Alton
VP of Project Development, Terrapin Geothermics (Terrapin)
Gray leads Terrapin’s geographical expansion across Canada and internationally. With 17 years of construction and project development experience, Gray scouts project opportunities and brings together all stakeholders required to conceptualize, develop, and finance waste heat and geothermal power projects.
CNL is Canada’s premier nuclear science and technology organization, and a world leader in developing nuclear technology for peaceful and innovative applications. Using our unique expertise, we are restoring and protecting the environment, we are advancing clean energy technology, and our medical breakthroughs continue to improve the health of people around the world. With ongoing investments in new facilities and a focused mandate, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories is well positioned for the future. A new performance standard reinforced with a strong safety culture underscores every activity.
For more information on the complete range of Canadian Nuclear Laboratories services, please visit www.cnl.ca or contact communications@cnl.ca.
Rob Carson
Hydrogen Technologies Researcher, CNL
As a researcher in the Hydrogen Technologies Branch at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), Rob Carson contributes to work developing hydrogen technologies for a clean energy future. Rob’s main area of expertise is in hydrogen storage. He is currently involved in work investigating solid-state, liquid organic, and geological (underground) hydrogen storage.
Hydrogen storage and transportation technologies across a wide range of scales will be an important part of reaching Canada’s Net Zero 2050 targets. Rob’s work involves the development of materials and experimental systems to unlock the potential of these technology areas.
Rob has worked on hydrogen-related R&D for CNL for over a decade and holds a Master’s degree from Queen’s University in Mechanical and Materials Engineering.
Megan Moore
Operations Research Analyst, CNL
As an Operations Research Analyst at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, Megan Moore has the opportunity to contribute to a diverse set of projects. She is an expert in nuclear economics, developing economic models to assess traditional reactors, Generation IV reactors, and small module reactors (SMRs), as well as components such as various advanced fuel cycles.
Megan has been able to use the experience she has gained to contribute to the larger economic community, most notably as a current co-chair of the Generation IV International Forum Economic and Modelling Working Group. Megan has also performed several feasibility studies to understand the system-level impacts of implementing various technology solutions.
Most recently, she has led a team at CNL in the development of the hybrid energy system optimization (HESO) model, a powerful tool that can be used to gain valuable insight into possible energy transition scenarios in support of Canada’s clean energy targets.
Course FAQs
Is this an instructor-led course?
This course is designed to be self-paced with all materials you need for successful completion contained within the learning platform. The course has been designed by subject matter experts and includes interviews with leading experts, aligned to the course outcomes. The course is an immersive experience that includes a mix of content including video introductions and video content, impactful readings, learning checks, and interactive elements – all which can be completed at your own pace.
How much time will I need to spend?
Each course will require 30-36 hours to complete. You will have 90 days access from the time of registration to complete the course. After 90 days, the course will be closed.
Do I have to be online at a certain time of day?
No, you do not have to be online at a specific time. You complete the coursework at the times and places that fits your schedule. Each course is designed for working professionals who are balancing their work, family and community commitments.
When do I start?
You can start the course as soon as you register! You will automatically be directed to the interactive learning environment.
How long will I have access to the course?
You will have 90 days from the time of registration to complete the course.
What is the refund policy?
No refunds will be issued for courses. Refunds may be considered under exceptional circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Please contact powered@athabascau.ca for more information.
Are there tests or quizzes involved?
There will be activities, assignments, and short quizzes within the course to ensure you understand the content. All quizzes are designed to be accessible and easy to complete by engaging in the course content. Within each module, you will have the answers to each evaluation.
What are the computer requirements for this course?
You should have access to a Mac, PC, or tablet with an Internet connection, with Safari, Chrome, Microsoft Edge or Firefox as a browser. Here is a link that outlines browser support:
https://documentation.brightspace.com/EN/brightspace/requirements/all/browser_support.htm
For virtual sessions:
- Speakers/headphones
- Web camera and microphone
Learners that want to use their smart phone to access the courses can also download the D2L Pulse App for free to access the course available on Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.d2l.brightspace.student.android&hl=en_CA
Or the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/brightspace-pulse/id1001688546
Does this course have prerequisites?
This course does not have a required prerequisite.
Who do I contact if I need help?
You can contact powered@athabascau.ca for assistance with any questions you may have. We are here to help!