The School of Engineering & Applied Science is increasing its offerings to diversify its approach and address the relevance of evolving subfields.

In addition to creating a new energy engineering minor last year—expanding its current offerings to 10—the school is adding a new course, Energy & the Environment, next semester for seniors and graduate students.

Nick Benassi, associate dean in the School of Engineering & Applied Science, said the course will allow students who are interested in both political science and the environment to extend their learning in an interdisciplinary setting.

It is also a way for students to get an overview of the energy engineering minor, said Benassi.

The new course will encompass topics like energy recourses, related challenges, regulations, economics and decision-making. The course is structured to include both lecture and experiential learning formats.

“Through the short course on energy and the environment and the minors in environmental and energy engineering, we are creating opportunities for students in engineering and other disciplines to work and learn together in multidisciplinary programs and courses,” Benassi said.

As of the end of September, there were 19 students enrolled in the new energy engineering minor program.

“One of the greatest challenges facing our global society is the need to develop energy technologies that meet the demand of a rapidly growing population while protecting our environment,” Benassi said. “The challenge is so great that it requires diverse mindsets coming together from across disciplines to develop innovative solutions.”

The two newest minors—the energy engineering minor and the environmental engineering minor—are open to all students on campus, but are targeted at engineering, physical science, chemistry and environmental studies majors whose requirements overlap.

Associate Dean Chris Kroeger said the minors should provide general benefits to students regardless of their ultimate career paths.

“Engineering in general helps develop analytical skills and benefit people. The energy minor creates a greater breadth of awareness and ability to adapt and learn,” Kroeger said.

Students are in favor of the new offerings.

“There isn’t much flexibility in your choice of courses as an engineering undergraduate, but pursuing the energy engineering minor only seemed natural because it allows me to focus on my interests while fulfilling major requirements,” said senior Kelly Wai-Wah Leung, a chemical Engineering major who is minoring in both the new programs.

She said that she has specifically chosen classes in the minors because of their particular approaches to the subject matter.

“The energy engineering minor has guided my choice of social science and chemical engineering electives since last year,” she said.