RedVector RV-6478

Earth Dynamics: Geothermal Energy

Earth Dynamics: Geothermal Energy

2 hrs. Online Course

Level: Fundamental

Item#: RV-6478

SME: Donna Rona

This course has been discontinued
 

Economies and energy-intensive technologies are expanding while populations are increasing (over 2 billion people still do not have electricity). This ensures a continued and growing demand for energy. The limitations, political instabilities, and environmental impacts of fossil fuel and nuclear resources has positioned alternative energy sources to play key roles in the future.

Geothermal energy is renewable, reliable, clean, flexible and domestic. The U.S. currently produces more geothermal electricity than any other country [comprising some 32 percent of the world total]. This 2-hour interactive online course covers the fundamentals of geothermal energy including where and how geothermal resources are currently used. The course also takes a look at some of the future of clean energy production.


Course Objectives

At the conclusion of this course the student will:

  • Know the fundamental concepts of geothermal energy
  • Know the basics of geothermal direct use, heat pumps and power plants
  • Understand the advantages of geothermal energy
  • Understand some of the technical problems involved in using geothermal energy
  • Understand how some former problems have been turned into profitable assets

There will be a multiple-choice quiz at the end of this course.

This course is a part of a series of RedVector courses on Earth Dynamics that includes:

Earth Dynamics: Geological Time (1 hour)
Earth Dynamics: Geothermal Energy (2 hours)
Earth Dynamics: Global Warming (3 hours)
Earth Dynamics: Plate Tectonics (4 hours)
Earth Dynamics: Volcanoes (2 hours)

SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT: Donna Rona
Donna Rona Photo
A coastal engineer with over 36 years experience in coastal, marine and environmental engineering, Dr. Rona is a licensed Professional Engineer in Mechanical Engineering. Combining a strong background in physics and earth sciences with extensive field experience in engineering, she has enjoyed a diverse career as a practicing engineer and consultant. Earning a BS in Ocean Engineering from Florida Atlantic University and a MS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Miami, she has also continued to participate in engineering and science education as both adjunct faculty and guest lecturer at several universities, later branching out to earn a certificate in Online Teaching from the University of California.
 
Dr. Rona is an experienced teacher and communicator. Author of professional journal papers, trade magazine articles and the book Environmental Permits (published by Van Nostrand Reinhold), she has served as editor of technical journals, taught graduate courses in engineering, and has served as a business communications consultant. She has authored over 40 technical courses currently offered online.  Working with legislators, technical experts, and businesses, she has also developed skills and expertise in negotiation and arbitration.

Dr. Rona, an advocate of lifelong education, has also earned multiple advanced degrees in integrative medicine, including the Doctor of Naturopathy degree.

State Licenses
NC - Land Surveyor (General)