Energy Systems Minor

Energy Systems Minor
Energy systems are pervasive in our society. A list of energy-related subjects and applications in the engineering curriculum would be nearly endless, but here are some examples:

  • Mechanical engineers have a core area in thermo-fluids where courses in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer for a base for energy systems.
  • Electrical engineers address power transmission and distribution as well as electric motors and power systems.
  • Civil engineers develop structures for wind turbines and hydroelectric dams.
  • Chemical engineers develop alternative fuels and clean burning technologies.
  • Material engineers develop new materials for batteries and fuel cells.
  • Aerospace engineers develop wind turbines.
  • Industrial engineers address manufacturing efficiency and energy reduction.
  • Agricultural engineers develop biorenewable energy sources.

Energy systems are also a significant focus of the grand challenges of engineering, and this minor will help our students address these issues in their engineering careers.

The goal of the minor in energy systems is to provide ISU engineering students with focused educational opportunities in the broad area of energy systems. Successful energy systems minor students will understand broad energy perspectives, the language of energy systems, and the economic, environmental, and policy issues related to energy in the two required courses (six credits) for the minor (Econ 3800 and EE 3510 OR ME 4330). Note that credit for both EE 3510 and ME 4330 is no longer accepted (as of January 2017). The remaining nine credits in the minor can be selected from a list of approved engineering courses related to energy systems to give students the opportunity to extend their knowledge.


Required Courses


ECON 3800. Energy, Environmental and Resource Economics.
*Only offered during spring semester*
(Cross-listed with ENV S) (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: ECON 1010
Natural resource availability, use, conservation, and government policy, with emphasis on energy issues. Environmental quality and pollution control policies.

Effective January 2017, one of the following two courses is required in addition to Econ 3800, either EE 3510 OR ME 4330. Note that credit for both EE 3510 and ME 4330 will no longer be accepted.

EE 3510. Analysis of Energy Systems.
(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: PHYS 2220
Energy-scientific, engineering and economic foundations. Energy utilization-global and national. Sectoral analysis of energy consumption. Relationship of energy consumption and production to economic growth and environment. Technology for energy production. Economic evaluation of energy utilization and production. Scientific basis for global warming. Environmental impact of energy production and utilization. Renewable energy.

ME 4330. Alternative Energy
(3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: CHEM 1670; PHYS 2320 or PHYS 2320H; PHYS 2320L
Basic principles, performance, and cost analysis of alternative energy systems including biofuels, bioenergy, wind, solar, fuel cells, storage and other alternative energy systems. Performance analysis and operating principles of systems and components, and economic analysis for system design and operation will be taught. Emphasis is on alternative energy technologies needed to meet our future energy needs at various scales ranging from household to city to national levels.


Elective Courses (Updated January 2025)



Advisory Committee

Mark Mba Wright, ME Advisory Committee Chair markmw@iastate.edu
Tom Brumm, CoE tbrumm@iastate.edu
Steve Martin, MSE swmartin@iastate.edu
Vik Dalal, ECpE vdalal@iastate.edu

How to Apply

To apply for the Undergraduate Minor in Energy Systems, follow these steps:

1. Complete the Request for Minor form available from the Iowa State University Registrar’s office.
2. Obtain a signature from your academic advisor.
3. Submit form to energyminor@iastate.edu.

We encourage you to consult either your undergraduate academic advisor or a member of the advisory committee for assistance during the application process. Email energyminor@iastate.edu, or visit 2045 Black Engineering if you have any questions.

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