EC.711 | Spring 2011 | Undergraduate

D-Lab: Energy

Course Description

D-Lab: Energy offers a hands-on, project-based approach that engages students in understanding and addressing the applications of small-scale, sustainable energy technology in developing countries where compact, robust, low-cost systems for generating power are required. Projects may include micro-hydro, solar, or wind …

D-Lab: Energy offers a hands-on, project-based approach that engages students in understanding and addressing the applications of small-scale, sustainable energy technology in developing countries where compact, robust, low-cost systems for generating power are required. Projects may include micro-hydro, solar, or wind turbine generators along with theoretical analysis, design, prototype construction, evaluation and implementation. Students will have the opportunity both to travel to Nicaragua during spring break to identify and implement projects.

D-Lab: Energy is part of MIT’s D-Lab program, which fosters the development of appropriate technologies and sustainable solutions within the framework of international development.

This course is an elective subject in MIT’s undergraduate Energy Studies Minor. This Institute-wide program complements the deep expertise obtained in any major with a broad understanding of the interlinked realms of science, technology, and social sciences as they relate to energy and associated environmental challenges.

Learning Resource Types
Problem Sets
Projects with Examples
Lecture Videos
Demonstration Videos
Activity Assignments
Design Assignments with Examples
Presentation Assignments with Examples
Photo of a student standing outdoors next to a box containing cookies, with clear plexiglass top and a large foil solar reflector.
During the spring break trip to Nicaragua, students worked with community partners on various projects like a solar oven, shown here baking sugar cookies. (Photo courtesy of D-Lab on Flickr.)