PrintThis syllabus is divided into several sections. You can read it sequentially by scrolling down the length of the document or by clicking on any of the links below to “jump” to a specific section. It is essential that you read the entire document as well as material covered in the Course Orientation. Together these serve as our course "contract."
- Instructor
- Course Overview
- What Will Be Expected of You?
- Required Course Materials
- Assignments and Grading
- Course Schedule
- Course Policies
Instructor
Mark Fedkin: Teaching Faculty in Renewable Energy and Sustainability Systems (RESS) / Research Associate, Department of Nuclear and Mechanical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State Univeristy
- E-mail: To contact me, please use the course e-mail system - the Inbox tab in Canvas
- Availability: I check e-mail daily and will try to get back as quickly as I can. My response may be slower on weekends.
- Questions: You can post any questions related to class activities on "Questions and Answers" discussion board - I will do my best checking that board and replying daily
Course Overview
Description:
This course teaches students the fundamentals of solar thermal energy systems, including system performance, concentrating versus non-concentrating systems, thermal fluids, markets for solar thermal energy, and applications in a range of relevant fields, such as district heating and cooling, industrial process heating, solar desalination, and materials processing. The course contains 12 lessons, which are taught over 15 weeks. The course activities include online class discussions, quizzes, individual work on assignments, peer feedback, and development of design proposal as final deliverable.
Prerequisites: EME 810 or by approval.
Course Objectives:
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- articulate the technical and economic fundamentals of solar thermal energy conversion useful to society and industry;
- describe the spectrum of possible solar thermal technologies to assist industrial processing or power production;
- distinguish the regional technical and economic obstacles to solar thermal deployment;
- assess solar thermal technologies to identify the greatest solar utility for a client in a given locale.
What Will be Expected of You?
This course requires a minimum of 8-12 hours of student activity each week, depending on the speed at which you work. Included in the 8-12 hours each week is time to complete assigned reading, lesson activities, discussions, and work related to course project proposal. The good news is that you don't have to show up for class at a certain time! In the online class you can work on your own schedule to complete each assignment, quiz, or activity by the published deadline. I suggest that you intentionally schedule your time to log on the course during the week. Leaving an assignment to the last day before it is due may compromise the quality of work and diminish effective learning.
Try to develop a habit to check the course discussions daily. That's where students and the instructors share comments, pose questions, and suggest answers. I encourage you to participate as frequently as possible and ask you class mates any possible questions, since this is your opportunity to learn from real people with real life experience, not just textbooks. Bringing in your personal professional experience into discussion is always welcome. While I try to check message boards almost every day, I will only respond when my input is necessary, and may not respond to every single message.
Success in this class depends significantly on the effort you put into your course project proposal. It is important to work on it throughout the course and keep track of milestones and deadlines.
Required Course Materials
In order to access the online materials, you need to have an active Penn State Access Account user ID and password (used to access the online course resources). If you have any questions about obtaining or activating your Penn State Access Account, please contact the Outreach Helpdesk.
Required Textbook:
- John A. Duffie and William A. Beckman, " Solar Engineering of Thermal Processes," John Wiley and Sons, Inc., ISBN 978-0-470-87366-3 (2013).
The full text of the book is available online and can be accessed through the University Libraries System free of charge here: Text Book Link. Students may purchase a hard copy of the text if they wish. Further on we will refer to this text as "D&B" - short for Duffie and Beckman.
Reading assignments on the course pages are tagged as Required, Supplemental, and Optional. Quizzes are based on the required readings, course projects will benefit greatly with content from the supplemental readings, and a broader understanding can be obtained with the optional readings.
Online lesson content
All other materials needed for this course are presented online through this website and in Canvas modules. In order to access the online materials for EME 811, you need to log in with your Penn State Access Account user ID and password.
Using the Library
Just like on-campus students, as a Penn State student, you have a wealth of library resources available to you!
As a registered user of Penn State Libraries, you can...
- search for journal articles (many are even immediately available in full-text);
- request articles that aren't available in full-text and have them delivered electronically;
- borrow books and other materials and have them delivered to your doorstep;
- access materials that your instructor has put on Electronic Reserve;
- talk to reference librarians in real time using chat, phone, and e-mail;
- ...and much more!
Weekly Assignments and Grading
The course contains weekly assignments, discussions, and reading quizzes. All those activities will be provided via Canvas (Penn State course management system), which will also list specific deadlines for submission. Students will use Canvas for submitting their assignments to the instructor and to receive feedback.
| Assignment | Percent of Grade |
|---|---|
| Quizzes | 10% |
| Discussions | 20% |
| Written assignments | 20% |
| Course Project | 50% |
The course has 12 lessons to complete. Some of the weeks in the semester will be reserved for working on the final project proposal. There is no final exam in this course.
Final letter grades will be based on the following percentages (percentages refer to the proportion of all possible points earned by the student):
| Grade | Percent |
|---|---|
| A | 92.5 - 100% |
| A- | 89.5 - 92.4% |
| B+ | 86.5 – 89.4% |
| B | 82.5 – 86.4% |
| B- | 79.5 – 82.4% |
| C+ | 76.5 – 79.4% |
| C | 69.5 – 76.4% |
| D | 60.0 – 69.4% |
| F | < 60.0% |
EME 811 Course Content and Schedule
Printable Schedule
As the schedule may change, please be sure to check it often! If you have a question about when something is due, ask your instructor!
| Reading | Duffie and Beckman, 2013 Textbook - Chapters 1-2 |
|---|---|
| Activities | Reading quiz, Discussion, Written Assignment |
| Reading | Duffie and Beckman, 2013 Textbook - Chapters 3-4-5 |
|---|---|
| Activities | Reading quiz, Discussion, Written Assignment |
| Reading | Duffie and Beckman, 2013 Textbook - Chapters 5-6 |
|---|---|
| Activities | Reading quiz, Discussion, Written Assignment |
| Reading | Duffie and Beckman, 2013 Textbook - Chapter 7 |
|---|---|
| Activities | Reading quiz, Discussion, Written Assignment |
| Reading | NREL reports and published papers |
|---|---|
| Activities | Reading quiz, Discussion, Written Assignment |
| Reading | Duffie and Beckman, 2013 Textbook - Chapters 9-10 |
|---|---|
| Activities | Reading quiz, Written Assignment, Project topic discussion |
| Reading | Duffie and Beckman, 2013 Textbook - Chapters 8, 13, 14, 20 (selected pages) |
|---|---|
| Activities | Reading quiz, Discussion, Written Assignment |
| Reading | Duffie and Beckman, 2013 Textbook - Chapter 15 |
|---|---|
| Activities | Reading quiz, Discussion, Written Assignment |
| Reading | Duffie and Beckman, 2013 Textbook - Chapter 16, published materials |
|---|---|
| Activities | Reading quiz, Discussion, Written Assignment |
| Reading | Duffie and Beckman, 2013 Textbook - Chapter 17 |
|---|---|
| Activities | Reading quiz, Written Assignment, Critique for project pre-rpoposals |
| Reading | Duffie and Beckman, 2013 Textbook - Chapter 18 |
|---|---|
| Activities | Reading quiz, Discussion, Written Assignment |
| Reading | Introductions to applications chapters in Duffie and Beckman, 2013 Textbook; Solar Heat Worldwide 2014 Report |
|---|---|
| Activities | Reading quiz, Discussion, Written Assignment, Preparation of final design proposal |
| Milestone 1 | Project topic |
|---|---|
| Milestone 2 | Pre-Proposal |
| Milestone 3 | Peer Critique |
| Final | Final Design Proposal |
Course Policies
Prerequisites and Concurrent Courses
If you have not completed the listed prerequisites, then promptly consult with the instructor if you have not done so already. Students who do not meet these prerequisites after being informed in writing by the instructor may be dis-enrolled during the first 10-day free add-drop period. Students who re-enroll after being dis-enrolled according to this policy are in violation of Item 15 on the Student Code of Conduct.
Netiquette
The term "Netiquette" refers to the etiquette guidelines for electronic communications, such as e-mail and bulletin board postings. Netiquette covers not only rules to maintain civility in discussions, but also special guidelines unique to the electronic nature of forum messages. Please review Virginia Shea's "The Core Rules of Netiquette " for general guidelines that should be followed when communicating in this course.
Electronic Submissions
This course will require you to complete some handwritten assignments which must be submitted electronically. You should have access to a scanner, camera, or other device capable of capturing an 8.5" x 11" document with a minimum resolution of 150 pixels per inch (~2 megapixels or 1275 pixels x 1650 megapixels). Most modern cell phones have sufficient resolution to meet this requirement.
Technical Requirements
For this course, we recommend the minimum technical requirements outlined on the World Campus Technical Requirements page, including the requirements listed for same-time, synchronous communications. If you need technical assistance at any point during the course, please contact the IT Service Desk (for World Campus students) or Penn State's IT Help Portal (for students at all other campus locations).
Internet Connection
Access to a reliable Internet connection is required for this course. A problem with your Internet access may not be used as an excuse for late, missing, or incomplete coursework. If you experience problems with your Internet connection while working on this course, it is your responsibility to find an alternative Internet access point, such as a public library or Wi-Fi ® hotspot.
Mixed Content
This site is considered a secure web site, which means that your connection is encrypted. We do, however, link to content that isn't necessarily encrypted. This is called mixed content. By default, mixed content is blocked in Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Chrome. This may result in a blank page or a message saying that only secure content is displayed. Follow the directions on our Technical Requirements page to view the mixed content.
Equations
This course must be viewed using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, Chrome, or Edge. Internet Explorer is not supported. If you use any other browser, or if you are not using the latest version of your browser, some pages containing equations may not render properly. In addition, javascript must be enabled for equations to render properly. If you have any issues with equations not rendering properly, please update your browser to the latest version or try using a different browser. If you need additional technical assistance at any point during the course, please contact the HelpDesk (for World Campus students) or the IT Service Desk (for students at all other campus locations).Penn State E-mail Accounts
All official communications from Penn State are sent to students' Penn State e-mail accounts. Be sure to check your Penn State account regularly, or forward your Penn State e-mail to your preferred e-mail account, so you don't miss any important information.
Academic Integrity
This course follows the procedures for academic integrity of Penn State's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. Penn State defines academic integrity as "the pursuit of scholarly activity in an open, honest and responsible manner." Academic integrity includes "a commitment not to engage in or tolerate acts of falsification, misrepresentation, or deception." In particular, the University defines plagiarism as "the fabrication of information and citations; submitting others' work from professional journals, books, articles, and papers; submission of other students' papers, lab results or project reports and representing the work as one's own." Penalties for violations of academic integrity may include course failure. To learn more, see Penn State's Academic Integrity Training for Students.
Course Copyright
All course materials students receive or to which students have online access are protected by copyright laws. Students may use course materials and make copies for their own use as needed, but unauthorized distribution and/or uploading of materials without the instructor’s express permission is strictly prohibited. University Policy AD 40, the University Policy Recording of Classroom Activities and Note Taking Services addresses this issue. Students who engage in the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials may be held in violation of the University’s Code of Conduct, and/or liable under Federal and State laws.
For example, uploading completed labs, homework, or other assignments to any study site constitutes a violation of this policy.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University's educational programs. Every Penn State campus has an office for students with disabilities. The Office for Student Disability Resources website provides contact information for Campus Disability Coordinators at every Penn State campus. For further information, please visit the Office for Student Disability Resources website.
In order to receive consideration for reasonable accommodations, you must contact the appropriate disability services office at the campus where you are officially enrolled. You will participate in an intake interview and provide documentation. See documentation guidelines at Applying for Services from Student Disability Resources. If the documentation supports your request for reasonable accommodations, your campus’s disability services office will provide you with an accommodation letter. Please share this letter with your instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early in your courses as possible. You must follow this process for every semester that you request accommodations.
Change in Normal Campus Operations
In case of weather-related delays or other emergency campus disruptions or closures at the University, this online course will proceed as planned. Your instructor will inform you if there are any extenuating circumstances regarding content or activity due dates in the course due to these delays or closures. If you are affected by a weather-related emergency, please contact your instructor at the earliest possible time to make special arrangements.
Reporting Educational Equity Concerns
Penn State takes great pride in fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff. Acts of intolerance, discrimination, or harassment due to age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religious belief, sexual orientation, or veteran status are not tolerated (Policy AD29 Statement on Intolerance) and can be reported through Educational Equity via Report Bias.
Counseling and Psychological Services
Many students at Penn State face personal challenges or have psychological needs that may interfere with their academic progress, social development, or emotional well-being. The university offers a variety of confidential services to help you through difficult times, including individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, consultations, online chats, and mental health screenings. These services are provided by staff who welcome all students and embrace a philosophy respectful of clients’ cultural and religious backgrounds, and sensitive to differences in race, ability, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Services include the following:
Counseling and Psychological Services at University Park (CAPS): 814-863-0395
Counseling Services at Commonwealth Campuses
Penn State Crisis Line (24 hours/7 days/week): 877-229-6400
Crisis Text Line (24 hours/7 days/week): Text LIONS to 741741
Military Personnel
Veterans and currently serving military personnel and/or spouses with unique circumstances (e.g., upcoming deployments, drill/duty requirements, disabilities, VA appointments, etc.) are welcome and encouraged to communicate these, in advance if possible, to the instructor in the case that special arrangements need to be made.
Connect Online with Caution
Penn State is committed to educational access for all. Our students come from all walks of life and have diverse life experiences. As with any other online community, the lack of physical interaction in an online classroom can create a false sense of anonymity and security. While one can make new friends online, digital relationships can also be misleading. Good judgment and decision-making are critical when choosing to disclose personal information to others whom you do not know.
Deferred Grades
If you are prevented from completing this course within the prescribed amount of time for reasons that are beyond your control, it is possible to have the grade deferred with the concurrence of the instructor, following Penn State Deferred Grade Policy 48-40. To seek a deferred grade, you must submit a written request (by e-mail or U.S. post) to the instructor describing the reason(s) for the request. Non-emergency permission for filing a deferred grade must be requested before the beginning of the final examination period. It is up to the instructor to determine whether or not you will be permitted to receive a deferred grade. If permission is granted, you will work with the instructor to establish a communication plan and a clear schedule for completion within policy. If, for any reason, the coursework for the deferred grade is not complete by the assigned time, a grade of "F" will be automatically entered on your transcript.
Attendance
This course will be conducted entirely online. There will be no set class meeting times, but you will be required to complete weekly assignments with specific due dates. Many of the assignments are open for multiple days, so it is your responsibility to complete the work early if you plan to travel or participate in national holidays, religious observances or University approved activities.
If you need to request an exception due to a personal or medical emergency, contact the instructor directly as soon as you are able. Such requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Diversity, Inclusion, and Respect
Penn State is “committed to creating an educational environment which is free from intolerance directed toward individuals or groups and strives to create and maintain an environment that fosters respect for others” as stated in Policy AD29 Statement on Intolerance. All members of this class are expected to contribute to a respectful, welcoming, and inclusive environment and to interact with civility.
For additional information, see:
- Penn State Affirmative Action Nondiscrimination Statement
- Policy AD 85 Sexual and/or Gender-Based Harassment and Misconduct, Title IX
- Penn State Values
- Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Penn State
- Assessment of the Living, Learning, and Working Environment (ALLWE) in EMS| Penn State College of Earth and Mineral Sciences
Mandated Reporting Statement
Penn State’s policies require me, as a faculty member, to share information about incidents of sex-based discrimination and harassment (discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and retaliation) with Penn State’s Title IX coordinator or deputy coordinators, regardless of whether the incidents are stated to me in person or shared by students as part of their coursework. For more information regarding the University's policies and procedures for responding to reports of sexual or gender-based harassment or misconduct, please visit Penn State's Office of Sexual Misconduct Prevention & Response website.
Additionally, I am required to make a report on any reasonable suspicion of child abuse in accordance with the Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law.
Disclaimer
Please note that the specifics of this Course Syllabus can be changed at any time, and you will be responsible for abiding by any such changes. All changes will be communicated to you via e-mail, course announcement and/or course discussion forum.