About this Course

13,675 recent views

This course prepares you to recognize the complexities and nuances of different renewable energy solutions, as well as relevant career opportunities (both technical occupations and roles not typically associated with clean energy). Learners are immersed in discussions about green energy technologies, the impact of sustainability on society, energy consumption in the United States and conservation. Topics include: tenets of green building design and construction, solar energy conversion through photovoltaic cells, wind turbine site selection and design, and nanotechnology applications in clean energy. It references educational opportunities from the State University of New York (SUNY) system that correlate with each clean energy market segment. 
The course is suitable for anyone interested in entering the renewable energy field, whether fresh to the workforce or switching industries. Material encompasses online lectures, videos, demos, readings and discussions. Learners will create a career roadmap, whereby they define a job that interests them, conduct a gap assessment to determine additional education/training/skills they need, and document a pathway to their ideal renewable energy career.

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Beginner Level

Approx. 22 hours to complete

English

Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?

Try Coursera for Business

What you will learn

Develop foundational understanding of clean energy market segments (sustainability, green building, solar, wind, and nanotechnology)
Explain the fundamental principles of economic, social and environmental sustainability
Identify renewable energy career opportunities and corresponding educational pathways

Skills you will gain

Wind Energy
Solar power
Renewable energy jobs
Green building design

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Beginner Level

Approx. 22 hours to complete

English

Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?

Try Coursera for Business

Instructors

Instructor rating

4.62/5 (86 Ratings)

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Content Rating97%(1,211 ratings)

Week1

Week 1

1 hour to complete

Welcome!

1 hour to complete

3 readings

4 hours to complete

Clean Energy 101

4 hours to complete

11 videos (Total 62 min), 3 readings, 2 quizzes

11 videos

Intro to Clean Energy 1013mConservation and Sustainability4mForms of Renewable Energy1mThe Importance of Renewable Energy4mEnergy Basics10mEnergy Consumption and Conservation9mRenewable and Non-Renewable Energy Sources9mPathways to Renewable Energy Careers4mProgram Spotlight: Renewable Energy Education and Training at SUNY Farmingdale3mProgram Spotlight: Columbia Technology Ventures4mOptional: Renewable Energy Career Advice from Timothy Hoffman6m

3 readings

International Renewable Energy Career Exploration Resources30mRenewable Energy Fundamentals Resources50mPathways to Renewable Energy Careers Resources30m

2 practice exercises

Career Exploration Activity: O*Net15mClean Energy 101 Graded Quiz30m

Week2

Week 2

2 hours to complete

Sustainability

2 hours to complete

7 videos (Total 18 min), 1 reading, 2 quizzes

Week3

Week 3

3 hours to complete

Green Building

3 hours to complete

5 videos (Total 21 min), 4 readings, 2 quizzes

5 videos

Introduction to Green Building5mThe Societal Need for Green Buildings2mHistory and Purpose of Green Buildings3mGreen Building Rating Systems5mGreen Building Careers4m

4 readings

Total Cost of Ownership10mHistory and Purpose of Green Buildings Resources50mGreen Building Rating System Resources50mGreen Building Career Resources20m

2 practice exercises

Career Exploration Activity: Map a Career Utilizing U.S. Department of Energy Resources10mGreen Building Graded Quiz30m

Week4

Week 4

4 hours to complete

Solar Energy

4 hours to complete

15 videos (Total 85 min), 2 readings, 2 quizzes

15 videos

Introduction to Solar Energy4mSolar Industry History5mThe Value of Solar7mHow PV Works2mSolar Electric System Anatomy2mSolar Radiation5mOrienting to the Sun4mPhotovoltaic Cells and PN Junctions6mPhotovoltaics6mPV Systems5mSolar Energy Careers2mSpotlight on SUNY: Pathways to Solar Energy Careers5mSolar Energy Career Considerations: Gay Canough, Installation Company Owner12mSolar Energy Career Considerations: Dylan Pulaski, Installer5mSolar Energy Career Considerations: John Easoz, Consultant7m

2 readings

Solar Energy Resources40mTechnical Lesson Notes - Formulas and Calculations for Optional Technical Quiz50m

2 practice exercises

Solar Energy Graded Quiz30mOptional Technical Quiz30m

Week5

Week 5

2 hours to complete

Wind Energy

2 hours to complete

5 videos (Total 38 min), 1 reading, 2 quizzes

Week6

Week 6

2 hours to complete

Nanotechnology for Renewable Energy

2 hours to complete

6 videos (Total 40 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz

Week7

Week 7

3 hours to complete

Final Project: Exploring Pathways to Renewable Energy Careers

Using the resources provided throughout the course, you will hone in on a renewable energy career of interest. By assessing your current background and reviewing the requirements for the desired position, you will conduct a gap analysis and be able to describe the education and training needed to enter your ideal renewable energy career. This culminating project leaves learners with a roadmap to a renewable energy career.

3 hours to complete

10 readings

10 readings

Step 1: Project Ideation10mStep 2: Narrow and Title Your Project20mStep 3: Project Objectives10mStep 4: SWOT Assessment20mStep 5: You and Your Future Goal10mStep 6: Self-marketing Tool10mStep 7: Create an Elevator Pitch10mStep 8: Safeguard Your Online Image10mStep 9: Identify a Mentor10mStep 10: Grow Your Network10m

1 practice exercise

Project: Exploring Pathways to Renewable Energy Careers Evaluation30m

Reviews

4.7

54 reviews

5 stars
74.67%
4 stars
20.12%
3 stars
3.24%
2 stars
0.64%
1 star
1.29%

TOP REVIEWS FROM RENEWABLE ENERGY: FUNDAMENTALS AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES

by DVMar 8, 2021

Excellent introduction - Good presentations and materials, I learned a great deal and want to know more. Thank you

by YYJun 15, 2022

Very informational course, a good course to learn about the renewable energy and job opportunities.

by SBApr 15, 2021

Amazing course! I learned so much more about solar and wind and our universe! We can accomplish so very much if we all take that first step and make it all matter!

by DCJul 5, 2021

A nice overview of renewable energy with insightful information

View all reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.

Renewable Energy: Fundamentals and Job Opportunities