UAF debuts two new energy-focused edX courses

UAF is launching two new online non-credit courses that are free to members of the public. The self-paced courses, both focused on different aspects of energy systems, are offered through UAF’s edX partnership and will be available on the AlaskaX platform.

The Renewable Energy for Arctic Food and Water Security course is based on the work of the University of Alaska MicroFEWs project, which focuses on food, energy and water security in Arctic and subarctic communities. The course summarizes the findings of the five-year National Science Foundation project, and includes overviews of life in rural Alaska, firsthand video footage from communities, tutorials on renewable energy resources in Alaska and interactive case studies. The course starts on Aug. 2 and is designed for both traditional students and members of the public.

The Foundations of Microgrids course is an in-depth and accessible overview of microgrid and power systems. Microgrids are local energy grids with their own energy supply and controls, which means they can operate independent of the larger power grid. The Alaska Center for Energy and Power designed and created the course, which will explore a variety of real-world microgrid systems in Alaska and beyond via virtual field trips. The course is introductory level and is aimed at future engineers, energy professionals, community planners and administrators, and anyone interested in where their energy comes from. It starts on Aug. 16

Students in both courses can receive a completion certificate and unlimited access to course materials for an additional fee.