Sustainable Energy Technology, 2-year Diploma

Location(s): Online

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(Students may take up to 5 years to complete the program)

This program provides the option to complete the 2-year equivalent diploma or exit with a certificate upon completion of the first year. The certificate level courses cover a broad range of topics in renewable energy alternatives (solar, wind, bio-fuel, and geothermal sources), energy use and availability, energy audits, conservation practices and environmental issues such as climate change.

The diploma level courses are geared more to individuals seeking a career in renewable energy focusing on renewable energy system design, system installation or integration of multiple renewable energy systems. In addition, topics of water management and green building design are also introduced.

Courses are delivered online at designated times during the year. At the diploma level, students who have completed all online courses are required to attend an on-site lab at the Renewable Energy Learning Centre located on the Vermilion, Alberta campus to gain hands-on experience with systems. This one-week lab is offered annually putting the theory developed in the on-line courses into practice.

Program Requirements:

Access to internet
An aptitude towards math and physics and an interest in the environment.
Ability to commit 10 to 15 hours per week per course.
Be prepared to submit course work and complete examinations within the timelines.
Students must register at least two weeks before the course start date to guarantee delivery of textbooks and resource materials.
Students entering the program without a high school diploma may not qualify for transferability of credit to some other postsecondary programs.

The courses are only available online via a distance delivery format.

Graduation Requirements:

Students completing the required certificate-level requirements with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 will be awarded a Sustainable Energy Technician certificate.

Students who successfully complete all required courses for the certificate and diploma level courses and with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 will be awarded a Sustainable Energy Technology diploma.

Curriculum:

Certificate Level Courses

CO 255 - Strategic Communication and Community Engagement 3 Credits
RC 200 - Basic Energy Principles 3 Credits
RC 201 - Energy and Environment 3 Credits
RC 202 - Energy Efficiency and Conservation 3 Credits
RC 203 - Global Impact of Climate Instability 3 Credits
RC 204 - Introduction to Wind Energy 3 Credits
RC 205 - Introduction to Solar Energy 3 Credits
RC 206 - Geo Energy Exchange - Installation 3 Credits
RC 207 - Introduction to Biofuels 3 Credits
RC 208 - Waste Reduction, Reuse & Recyling 3 Credits

Total: 30 Credits

Diploma Level Courses

BA 215 - Small Business Management 3 Credits
RC 210 - Water Issues and Conservation Practices 3 Credits
RC 322 - Geo Energy Exchge - Design Principles 3 Credits
RC 323 - Bio-Energy and Biogas 3 Credits
RC 324 - Sustainable Building Design and Practices 3 Credits
RC 325 - Solar Photovoltaic Systems 3 Credits
RC 326 - Electrical Installation & Codes 3 Credits
RC 327 - Energy Storage Systems 3 Credits
RC 328 - Sustainable Buildings Energy Management & Controls 3 Credits
RC 430 - Integration of Distributed Energy Systems 3 Credits
RC 431 - Renewable Energy On-Site Lab 3 Credits

Total: 33 Credits

Optional Work Integrated Learning Practicum

RC 329 - SET Practicum 3 Credits

Notes:

When you have completed all the diploma courses, you are required to attend an on-site lab on our Vermilion campus (RC 431 ).

Program Delivery:

Courses are offered two at a time for eight weeks each, with the assistance of a facilitator. Participants may enrol full-time and follow the sequence of courses or enroll part-time and take selected courses of interest as long as prerequisite requirements are followed.

Note: RC 200 Basic Energy Principals is considered to be the entrance point for the program and a prerequisite necessary before taking RC 204 , RC 205 or RC 206 . RC 204 can be taken as a co-requisite with RC 200 .

Career Opportunities:

Employment opportunities are developing as the renewable energy industry develops and expands. Strong growth has occurred in the renewable sector recently due, in part, to recent policy changes. The growth is observed across Canada and world-wide. Employment opportunities are varied and include equipment sales, installation,customer support, maintenance and repair, working with government and policy planning for developing of renewable projects, and working with homeowners and businesses to determine the potential costs and benefits of installations. Many Students have explored entrepreneurial opportunities.

Opportunities for further study:

Graduates of the diploma program with a 2.7 gpa or higher can directly transfer into NAIT’s Bachelor of Technology degree program.