Energy 101: A Model Interdisciplinary Higher Education Course for Teaching the Fundamentals of Energy

Energy 101 Outline. Energy 101 Science Technology Society. Introduction to Energy. Energy Basics. Energy Sources. Energy Technology and practice. Energy Policy and Decision Making.

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Energy 101 Webinar

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What is the Energy 101 effort?

The Department of Energy (DOE) is leading the "Energy 101" initiative, a peer reviewed course framework for an interdisciplinary fundamental of energy course using a systems-based approach that can be individualized by the nations universities and community colleges. The model course will teach energy from an interdisciplinary perspective in an effort to capture the dynamic role energy plays in our lives -- including relevant scientific, technological and societal aspects. Through this effort, DOE aims to increase the pathways to energy-related degrees and energy careers offered at the nation's universities and community colleges. Such an interdisciplinary course can lead to broadly increasing the energy literacy of students, as well as providing fundamentals which can be used in further energy-related academic or career pathways.

How do I obtain a copy of the Energy 101 Course Framework?

The Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities, in cooperation with its partnering organizations, developed the Energy 101 Course Framework. The framework has 5 Units for a semester long course structure with each of the Units being composed of 1-3 sections, and 36 supporting core concepts. The structure of the framework was the result of the mapping of the Energy Literacy Principles and Fundamental concepts to "introduction to energy" curricula from universities and community colleges, and from the discourse between energy educators from across the country.

Energy 101 Course Framework

Who is leading this effort?

DOE is supporting the creation of this course with our partner organizations, the Association of Public Land Grant Universities (APLU) and the Oak Ridge Association of Universities (ORAU) -- together representing over 300 of the nation's colleges and universities. By working with APLU, ORAU and the national energy education community, the Energy 101 project will result in a peer-reviewed set of modules which can be used to teach the core energy fundamental principles. These modules will allow for flexibility and an ability to modify the course to suit different local and regional interests and needs with respect to energy.

What content comprises Energy 101?

The foundation of the course content is based on the recently released Energy Literacy: Essential Principles and Fundamental Concepts for Energy Education. This document identifies the concepts essential for all citizens from K-to-Gray to know and understand in order to be energy literate.

How will Energy 101 be delivered?

Energy 101 is leveraging the use of the National Training and Education Resource (NTER), an open-source, cloud-based, online platform for the authoring and sharing of Energy 101 course content. The authoring capabilities of the NTER platform provide an opportunity to utilize the latest technology for content delivery and creation, utilizing next generation simulations and immersive learning. Course modules can be adopted and/or customized to add value to new or existing courses.

For More Information or to Get Involved

For more information, to learn more about the Energy 101 initiative and how you can become involved, please visit our Energy 101 online community.

Questions or Comments? Contact Us

Energy101@ee.doe.gov