Nov 23, 2024  
2023-2024 Course Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Energy Technical Specialist, Solar Power Track, AAS


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Total Credits: 60

Major Number: 5816
CIP Code: 15.0503

Program Description

This degree program has been developed to train students in the field of energy technology. The Energy Technical Specialist Associate of Applied Science degree will convey the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in both the traditional and renewable energy fields.  Students enrolled in the Energy Technical Specialist program will study core curriculum providing a strong base in electrical, electronic and mechanical systems. Students may select an area of specialization to complete their program of study from the following: Wind Energy, Ethanol, Biodiesel, Fossil Fuels, or Power Generation.

Program Prerequisites

None

Special Instructions

Many of the consortium courses are available online. See updated ETS Consortium Course Grid PDF when available.

Program Requirements


Career/Occupational Requirements


Total Credits: 29


Career/Occupational Elective Requirements


For all programs except Nuclear Total Credits: 10


For the Nuclear Program Total Credits: 24


MnTC/General Education Requirements


Goal 1: Communication


Goal 2: Critical Thinking


Fulfilled when all MnTC goals for this degree are complete.

Goal 3 and/or 4: Natural Sciences/Math/Logical Reasoning


Total Credits: 11

Goal 5: History/Social/Behavioral Sciences OR Goal 6: Humanities/Fine Arts


Minimum of 3 credits.

OR

Total Credits: 3

Goals 7-10: Theme Goals


Three credits in one Goal area selected from Goals 7, 8, 9 or 10 are required. Many courses from Goals 1-6 also meet Goals 7-10. One course may fulfill a maximum of two Goals. Credits count only once.

Goal 7: Human Diversity

Goal 8: Global Perspectives

Goal 9: Ethical and Civic Responsibility

Goal 10: People and the Environment

Total Credits: 21


MnTC Elective Requirements


None

Additional Elective Requirements


None

Additional Requirements


None

Program Information


General Requirements for Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates

See Century College Policy 3.17.0.1

Program Note

Students may substitute ECAD 1023  for ECAD 1020 ; MATH 1061  for MATH 1015 ; and/or SOLR 2020  and SOLR 2025  for SOLR 2030  and SOLR 2035  by academic petition. Required credit totals are still enforced.
Students may substitute Century courses RNEW 1507 - Digital Electronics  and RNEW 2543 - Programmable Logic Control Fundamentals  for consortium courses *Digital Electronics and *PLC Fundamentals.
For SOLR 1020  there is an additional expense for uniform, safety personal protective equipment, electrical multimeter, miscellaneous site assessment tools. See website for details.

Transfer, Articulation Agreements, and Partnerships

See the Century College website for information regarding transfer.
This program is intended primarily for employment preparation rather than transfer to a four-year institution. Some courses may not transfer to a number of four-year colleges. If you are considering the possibility of transfer, you may wish to talk with your advisor, counselor, or program instructor before registering to discuss your goals, look at programs designed for transfer, and develop a plan.

Program Learning Outcomes

At the end of this program students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate microcomputer software applications for the personal computer to include word processing, development of an electronic spreadsheet, and keyboarding in a desktop environment.
  2. describe Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) industrial safety precautions related to material handling, electrical and machine safety, first response to fire and medical emergencies, safety signs and color codes, recognition of safety and health hazard accident prevention and management.
  3. apply mathematical concepts of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry to the industrial setting.
  4. describe manufacturing properties of materials, the behavior of materials under load, stress, strain, torsion, and strength.
  5. examine hand and power tools used in the power plant including safe usage, purpose, and maintenance.
  6. read blueprints and plant drawings including flow diagrams, symbols, dimension, tolerance, clearance, and amendments following proper procedures.
  7. demonstrate maintenance procedures including defense in depth, conduct of verifications, and work control processes while applying the standards and documentation requirements to meet power plant safety and management expectations.
  8. discuss information distribution including methods and avenues of communication, material and design, procedural deficiencies of motors and equipment, operation of sensitive equipment, plant vulnerabilities, and personnel errors.
  9. explain basic systems and components involving reactor coolant, volume control, safety injection, mainstream, turbine, feedwater, steam, and heater drain systems within the power plant.
  10. explain advanced systems and components involving water, electrical, cooling, waste drain, fuel handling and storage, fuel pool cooling and cleanup, radioactive waste management, air and gas systems, and ventilation and fire protection systems within the power plant.
  11. explain and use physics terms, units, mechanical principles, simple machines, definitions, and basic concepts.
  12. explain and apply the basic concepts of electrical fundamentals and electronics.

Additional competencies for Nuclear emphasis:

  1. explain and apply basic concepts associated with atomic structure, nuclear interactions and reactions, fission process, and reactor operation.
  2. explain and apply basic concepts of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and principles of fluid flow.
  3. explain and apply the basic concepts of chemistry fundamentals, including water chemistry control and reactor water chemistry.
  4. explain the principles of radiation detection and monitors and the effects of radiation on matter, including body tissue. Perform calculations involving time, distance, shielding, and dose rate. Describe the methods used for limiting radiation exposure and contamination.

Program Contact Information

Scott Randall 651.747.4042 Room 2302 East

Sample Plan


Please note that this is a sample course sequence. Individual schedules will vary depending upon student needs, goals, and availability. Students are recommended to meet with their advisor, counselor, or faculty program instructors to create an individualized plan that includes prerequisites and application requirements. For detailed program information see the Century College website. This information is subject to change.

Total Credits: 16


Total Credits: 16


Total Credits: 14


Semester 4


Total Credits: 14


Note


This information is subject to change. Changes and updates are posted on century.edu

Century College is a member of Minnesota State. We are an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and educator.
This document can be available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling 651.773.1745 or emailing access.center@century.edu.

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