ProGreen Diploma Courses

PRGR601 Green Economy, Policies and law

[3 cr.]

The course covers a wide range of topics related policy, law and market economics. Topics include environmental and resource economics and policy; environmental issues and regulations global sustainability and future trends; international environmental law; carbon management for green environment; the science of urban ecology; corporate environmental responsibility; green laws compliance; cost benefit analysis; environmental economics and sustainable development; green tech & finance.

PRGR602 Green Technologies System Approach to Sustainability and Management

[3 cr.]

The course covers topics related to green technologies applications and system approach to sustainability and management. The first part of the course is related to green tech application including renewable energy sources vs. conventional; solar systems: solar thermal, photovoltaic, solar concentrators, wind; biofuels and biotechnologies; water production and quality; wind; hydrogen cells; low energy architecture and energy efficient buildings; and recycling and reuse of materials, elements and components. The second part of the course covers system approach to sustainability and management including environmental management systems and auditing; environmental impact assessment; sustainability management; sustainable operations; and project and portfolio management.

PRGR603 Solar Radiation and Energy Conversion

[2 cr.]

Solar Radiation: Components, Geometry of Earth and Sun, angle between collector and sun beam, Effect of Earth’s atmosphere, Measurements of solar radiation. The course provides a comprehensive analysis of solar thermal energy collection and utilization with an emphasis on the design, sizing and selection of solar thermal technologies such as: solar thermal power plants, solar water heaters, solar concentrators, solar ponds, and solar updraft towers.

PRGR604 Solar PV Electricity

[2 cr.]

The course covers semi-conductor basics, photovoltaic (PV) module characteristics, Efficiency analysis; PV module types: mono-crystalline, Polycrystalline, Amorphous, Multilayer cells, Current research; PV module manufacture; Grid connection and grid-codes, Remote (off-grid) connections; Economics and life-cycle analysis. 

Pre-requite: PRGR 603 or equivalent or consent of instructor.

PRGR605 Wind Energy

[2 cr.]

The module covers the fundamentals of wind energy and the process and limitations of converting wind kinetic energy to electrical energy. It discusses the efficiency law and the governing equation of the conversion process. The module also covers the various types of wind turbines available in the commercial market along with their characteristics, and implementations’ advantages and disadvantages.

PRGR606 Energy Storage

[2 cr.]

In this course various energy technologies will be presented and discussed in terms of their principle of operation, system components, energy density, maintenance, and cost. The different technologies that will be addressed for electrical energy storage are: batteries, compressed air, fly-wheel storage, pumped hydro-power, super-capacitors, and superconducting magnetic energy storage. Thermal and thermo-chemical energy storage technologies will also be covered.

PRGR609 Renewable Energy Lab

[2 cr.]

Photovoltaic Cells: Operating principles of PV cells, Characteristics of PV modules, Effect of Temperature and irradiance, series parallel combinations, Alignment geometry, Maximum power point tracking, and Partial shading. Wind Power: Wind turbines types, Design and operation, Physical fundamentals, Doubly-fed induction generator, Effect of wind speed on voltage and frequency, and Optimal operating point.

PRGR615 Biofuels

[2 cr.]

Course content includes studies of types, sources and processing of biodiesel, biomass, bio-methane and bioethanol, and assessing advantages, problems and principles in biofuel production. Biogas and digester design. Solid biomass processing.

PRGR616 Waves, Tidal, and Hydro Renewable Energy

[2 cr.]

This course gives an overview of the use of ocean thermal, wave, tidal, and hydro renewable energy. It provides a comprehensive analysis of hydro renewable energy collection and utilization for electric power production and other applications with an emphasis on design, sizing, performance analysis and selection of hydro renewable energy technologies. Mini-hydro systems are also covered. It also discusses variety of designs for devices for extracting energy from waves, the technologies and methods for generating electricity from different ocean temperatures between the warm surface water of the ocean and the cold deep water.

PRGR617 Energy Efficiency in Buildings Evaluation and Design

[1 cr.]

The module discusses various schemes of conserving energy in buildings and energy types including, space heating and cooling, water heating and energy for lighting and powering electrical and electronics equipment. It also covers passive and active energy conservation techniques including energy efficient HVAC equipment. Addresses integration of solar energy into boilers and condensing units of building systems and introduces optimized control strategies. The students will be introduced to Visual DOE or E-Quest to perform energy simulation of buildings. Such tools will then be used carry a full building simulation taking into consideration occupancy data, equipment, lights, and building envelope. A base case of energy usage will thus be established and energy conservation measures are then applied to deduce possible savings and their economic value.

PRGR620 Energy Systems & Sustainable Environments

[2 cr.]

This course covers a wide range of topics and for ease of teaching should be divided into three sections:

• Part 1 - Worldwide importance of energy systems including their historical and current energy perspectives, concepts and applications of energy systems. This section will also focus on estimation and evaluation of energy resources.
• Part 2 - Sustainable Energy systems; approaches to energy systems analyses and sustainability metrics. Biological Carbon Capture Storage, including the following processes: soil carbon, CO₂ to energy, Forests & forest ecology, Digestate from Anaerobic Digestion (AD) process, Biochar Grassland management, Biomass to oil.
• Part 3 - Comprehensive overview of the principal types of renewable energy-including solar, thermal photovoltaics, bioenergy, hydro, tidal, wind, and wave. In addition the underlying physical and technological principles of renewable energy systems and the future prospects of different energy sources. Energy efficiency analyses including energy balance, cost-benefit analysis and cost-efficiency analysis of various energy scenarios and renewable energy choices.

PRGR621 Waste to Energy Processes & Technologies

[2 cr.]

• Part 1 - Fundamental principles of waste management, with particular emphasis on organic wastes. Waste generation and characterization, and techniques for waste collection, storage, transport, utilization (including recycling and recovery). Focus is on the application of engineering science to develop integrated waste management systems.
• Part 2 - Waste-to-energy technology: mass burning & modular combustion, refuse derived fuel systems, anaerobic digestion, composting. Comparison and benchmarking of the technologies with respect to energy efficiency, environmental impacts, costs etc. Hazardous waste generation, producer responsibility and legislation.
• Part 3 - Waste-to-energy projects implementation concepts: risk assessment (waste, energy and materials market, environmental protection & legal issues); implementation process including; feasibility, siting, procurement/ownership, financing, plant construction & operations.

PRGR630 Sustainable Preservation and Restoration of Existing Buildings

[2 cr.]

Energy audits, upgrade of building envelope, sustainable practices for enevelope preservation, electric supplies, lighting, and HVAC system. Hands - on evaluation and experimentation of building envelope materials and systems. Building interaction with the environemnt and occupants. Interaction of building enclosure with mechanical systems.

PRGR631 Low Energy Architecture and Passive Building Design

[2 cr.]

This course centers on issues surrounding the integration of sustainable and passive design principles, into conceptual and practical Building design. Topics will include: solar geometry, climate/regional limitations, natural lighting, passive design and sustainability initiatives, insulating and energy storing material. Bioclimatic design and concepts. Case studies will be used extensively as a vehicle to discuss the success/failure of ideas and their physical applications.

PRGR632 Sustainable Building Materials

[2 cr.]

Green and recyclable building material, embodied energy, sustainable construction.

PRGR633 Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency in Buildings

[2 cr.]

main building’s self-energy sources; wind and solar PV. It covers the implementations of micro or mid-scale wind turbines and solar PV systems for the generation of electrical energy. The module also covers storage and grid connection mechanisms as well. Lighting efficiency and electrical installation issues.

PRGR634 Moisture and Control of Humidity in Buildings

[2 cr.]

Sources of moisture and factors affecting its entry and buildup inside the buildings such as construction practices and choice of building materials and furniture. Impact of moisture on thermal comfort and energy performance of the air-conditioning system. Solid/liquid desiccant dehumidification and hybrid air-conditioning systems. Modeling of moisture transport. Industrial need to control indoor humidity. Moisture-caused health issues including mold formation and growth.

PRGR637 Green Building Basics and Building Rating Practices

[2 cr.]

Assessment of building design and construction operations: Project rating systems (LEED, BREEAM, GSAS, etc.). Embodied energy, carbon content, and emission of CO₂, SO₂ and NOx of building materials, elements, and construction process. Water conservation, water management systems, water efficient landscaping, green roofing, rainwater harvesting, sanitary fixtures and plumbing systems, wastewater treatment and reuse, and process water strategies.

PRGR639 Construction and Demolition Waste Management

[2 cr.]

Building disposal techniques including deconstruction as well as selective and partial selective demolition. Design and construction for deconstruction and reuse. Waste minimization through prefabrication, preassembly, and modular construction. Sustainable waste management including recycling and reuse of waste materials and components.

PRGR641 HVAC Systems for Energy Efficient Acclimatization

[2 cr.]

Energy conservation measures in the built in environment to enhance the building’s energy efficiency while maintaining space thermal comfort and indoor air quality requirement. Overall and segmental thermal comfort models with localized air quality. Fundamental ventilation, indoor-air-quality, infiltration natural and mechanical ventilation, importance and impact of indoor air quality on human health and energy performance of the building air conditioning system. ASHRAE requirements for ventilation. Personalized ventilation and personalized cooling devises.

PRGR643 Heat Pumps

[2 cr.]

Heat pumps in low energy and passive buildings. Ground source Heat Pump fundamentals, loop Systems, open Systems, soil/rock classification and conductivity, grouting procedures, performance of ground source heat pumps in housing units. Water loop heat pumps, inside the building, bore holes, design and optimization of heat pump plants, including heat sources for such plants are considered in detail. Cost effective design options.

PRGR645 Building Energy System Modeling

[2 cr.]

Indoor space thermal models. Analysis and modeling of building energy systems involving applications of thermodynamics, economics, heat transfer, fluid flow and optimization. The use of modern computational tools to model thermal performance characteristics of components of HVAC systems including chillers, recovery systems, flow control devices, heat exchanges, solar panels, dehumidification systems, boilers, condensers, cooling towers, fans, duct systems, piping systems and pumps.

PRGR646 Energy Management System of Buildings

[2 cr.]

The Building Management Systems course provides the necessary tools to control, monitor and optimize the building’s facilities, mechanical and electrical equipment for comfort, safety, and efficiency. It covers the principles of the building automation systems (BAS) applied to commercial HVAC equipment, lighting systems, fire and security systems; with keen emphasize on the control routine for energy efficiency.

PRGR664 Water Instrumentation

[2 cr.]

This course offers an introduction to the instrumentation trade as it applies to the day-to-day operation of water/wastewater treatment plants. Topics discussed include types of instruments and control equipment, process measurement and control principles, terminology, design and control systems documentations, operators training and troubleshooting techniques. It is important to note that this course is not aimed to create tradespersons, but is designed from the viewpoint of plant operators, so they can develop more awareness of the plant staff and allow them to effectively monitor and control the plant and major equipment, the treatment process, water production and plant wastes.

PRGR665 Water Basics

[2 cr.]

The course covers basic information about the water and sewer utility operating environment and water sources, as well as the key issues in water demand planning.  Students will learn about the history of drinking water regulations and current regulations including the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Clean Water Act. Topics include: today’s water crisis, management and best practices, an introduction to regulatory affairs and restrictions, water sources in the region and globally, commercial and domestic water use, our water footprint, responding to the water crisis, and new trends.

PRGR666 Water Infrastructure Systems

[2 cr.]

Analysis and design using commercially available software: water distribution systems including pipes, reservoir, pumps and losses. Results visualizations and assessment: pressure, velocity, head losses. Analysis and design using commercially available software: wastewater collection systems including pipes, manholes, drop manholes, wet wells, and other appurtenances.  Results visualizations and assessment. Maintenance & Safety; Sampling, Sampling Methods and Parameters; Analysis & Data Handling; Management & Supervision.

PRGR667 Water Treatment and Water Desalination

[2 cr.]

Physical, chemical and biological water quality parameters determinations and standards; water treatment units: screens; sedimentation, coagulation/flocculation processes, filtration, and disinfection.  This course will also survey the commonly used thermal and membrane based desalination technologies. Environmental, sustainability and economic factors which may influence the performance, affordability and more wide-spread use of desalination systems for fresh water production and reuse will be highlighted.

PRGR668 Waste Water and Sludge Treatment

[2 cr.]

Wastewater Characteristics, Mass balances concept; Preliminarily treatment; Primary treatment; secondary biological treatment including: activated sludge process, aerated lagoons, SBR, trickling filters, RBC; nitrification-denitrification processes; introduction to sludge treatment and disposal; Sludge stabilization; Thickening; Dewatering; Anaerobic digestion; Composting; disposal; Waste to Energy.

prgr669 Green Agriculture and Irrigation Systems

[2 cr.]

Water requirements of plants.  Irrigation scheduling.  Soil moisture sensors. Quality requirements for irrigation water and crop selection.  Modern irrigation systems: micro-sprinkler systems, drip systems, irrigation efficiency and energy demands of irrigation systems. Use of renewable energy for irrigation. Precision Irrigation systems.  

PRGR670 Life Cycle Assessment

[2 cr.]

This module introduces the principles and methods of life cycle thinking and life-cycle assessment (LCA) with specific reference to agricultural and energy systems using attributional LCA. The module will be based around the ISO 14040 methodology and will involve developing a LCA model common software packages such as MS-Excel. It will focus on the four common stages of LCA: (i) definition of the Goal and Scope; (ii) Life Cycle Inventory Analysis; (iii) Life Cycle Impact Assessment and (iv) Interpretation with a specific focus on carbon footprint, water footprint and energy audit. Case studies will consider LCA studies of agricultural systems, energy systems and selected industrial processes and products.

PRGR672 Energy Conversion & Storage

[2 cr.]

• Part 1 - Fundamentals of renewable energy processes: heat engines (thermo-mechanical, thermo-chemical, electrochemical, and photoelectric processes and technologies); on-shore and off-shore energy conversion; innovative energy storage devices; energy carriers, synthesized fuels. Emphasis is on advanced energy technologies, energy efficiency, systems performance & minimization of environmental impacts. Introduction to principles of multiple sources of renewable energies.
• Part 2 - Deployment of energy storage technologies: introduction to storage and renewable energy systems; technical and economical advantages of energy storage; electricity storage systems; characteristics of energy storage techniques, and; comparison of the different storage techniques (viz., field of application, energy efficiency, investment etc.).
• Part 3 - Part 3 focuses on renewable energy deployment in transport. Supply chains of liquid and gaseous transportation fuels; alternative transportation technologies and infrastructure for advanced future transportation systems (land, water and air); environmental and social impact assessments. Models/tools for estimating the energy consumption and emissions in different transportation systems; evaluation of external impact factors and means of reducing pollution and optimizing energy consumption.

Key Learning Outcomes

Part 1:

• Demonstrate knowledge of fundamentals of energy conversion and storage processes, and the associated technologies;
• Apply developed knowledge, understanding and problem-solving abilities to resolve theoretical problems in renewable energy conversion and storage.

Part 2:

• List and describe the technical and economic advantages of energy storage;
• Analyze the characteristics (e.g., storage capacity, available power, efficiency, autonomy, cost etc.) and compare advantages of different energy storage techniques based on potential application/deployment.

Part 3:

• Demonstrate knowledge of potential applications of renewable energy in the transport sector (land, water and air), and articulate the contemporary challenges and future development and research.
• Integrate knowledge of bio-energy resources, conversion technologies, environmental impacts and socio-economic aspects to rationalize pathways for sustainable integration of renewable energy in the transport sector.

PRGR673 Research Skills Development - General

[2 cr.]

Objective of this module is to enable learners to develop critical research skills, including requisite skills for clear and concise communication of research plans, research progress and findings to experts in their respective area thought more efficient use of software and commonly used resources. Focus is on structured inquiry from experiments and/or data collection and analysis, rather than hypothesis or theory to be tested. The module processes will integrate knowledge gained from all other modules in the program, to develop the rationale for research, set out research objectives and methods, analyze and interrogate data, and draw validated conclusions.

PRGR677 Cost-Benefit Analysis

[2 cr.]

Introduction, conceptual and microeconomic foundations of cost-benefit analysis. Valuation of costs and benefits across time through discounting; dealing with uncertainty. Shadow price of foreign exchange, financial and economic analysis of investment projects. Case studies.

PRGR679 Project Management, Risk Management and Planning

[2 cr.]

The abilities to propose, plan, execute and close a project are essential qualities of every manager. This proposal aims to help the student to develop the skill required from every project manager. It will also address common risk management and contingency planning. This should be delivered in accordance with internationally recognized global project management standard bodies, such as PMI, to aid the students who wish to become certified project managers.

PRGR681 Sustainable Water Resources Management

[2 cr.]

Quantitative methods for analyzing water resource problems.  Design and management of facilities for river basin development, water supply, hydropower, and other activities related to water resources. Stochastic and deterministic methods for approaching and analyzing water resources problems.  strategies for water management including water harvesting, non-conventional water sources for agriculture, groundwater recharge. Techniques, methods, and strategies for agricultural, domestic, industrial, and municipal water conservation planning and sustainable use in dry lands.