Applied Energy Management - Renewable Energy Stream

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Courses - September 2025

Level 1

Course details

Chemistry and Thermodynamics I
CHEM8010

Description:

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of chemistry and thermodynamics. Students will learn the principles of atomic and molecular structure, changes of state, the laws of thermodynamics, as well as how to apply basic thermodynamic principles to different systems including steam. Methods of heat transfer and the principles of operation of heat exchangers will be explored.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Communications for Effective Management in Industry
COMM8381

Description: This course emphasizes professionalism as a key foundation for communicating as a supervisor in an industrial environment. Emphasis will be placed on effective oral and written communications with all related stakeholders to include all levels of employees and management. A strong focus will be placed on the use of technology to deliver professional presentations, create effective business reports and professional correspondence.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.
  • Hours: 1
  • Credits: 0
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Engineering Economics for Industry
ECON8061

Description: This course covers the basics of project investment and appraisal and selection required in an industrial environment. Topics include: time value of money; cash flow analysis; cost of capital; elements of cost & cost estimation; decision making among alternatives; break even analysis; effect of depreciation, taxes, replacement analysis, inflation and uncertainties and risk.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Electricity
ELEC8001

Description: In this course students will learn the concepts of basic electricity and simple calculations using voltage, current, resistance and power. Ohm’s law, basic principles of magnetism, the use of electrical metering devices, the operating principles of the various types of AC and DC motors and generators, and the operating principles, construction and maintenance of transformers will also be covered. Safe operation of all electrical equipment is also covered.
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Energy, Storage and Management
ERGY8071

Description: This course will introduce students to the different types of energy storage systems in the context of energy management systems. Students will explore different types of energy storage technologies with a focus on lead acid and lithium ion batteries and will explain how to incorporate them into renewable energy systems. Students will learn about energy management as it applies to commercial and industrial buildings and will use energy software to create models, assess energy use and track energy savings. Students will analyze how energy storage technologies can provide energy management strategies, such as peak shaving and load curtailment. Students will gain a better understanding of the supply/demand relationship of energy.
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Applied Mechanics I
MECH8161

Description:

This course will explore the practical applications of mechanics related to the analysis of rigid bodies and structures. Topics covered include vectors, resultants, forces, equilibrium, internal and external forces on structures, and dry friction. Students will learn how to analyze forces acting on structures and rigid bodies. Students will apply these concepts using both S.I. units and Imperial units of measurement.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Applied Statistics Using Excel
STAT8090

Description:

This course introduces students to the principles and tools of statistical analysis using Microsoft Excel. Students will learn to collate, validate, analyze, and interpret data accurately using single-variable analysis techniques; topics include descriptive statistics, data visualization, basics of probability and probability distributions, estimation of means, hypothesis testing and simple linear regression.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Level 2

Course details

Clean Energy Technologies
ERGY8051

Description:

This course is intended to introduce students to a wide range of technologies that can form the part of a clean energy system. Students will explore the theoretical and practical applications of technologies such as hydro power, wind, biofuel, and fuel cell systems. Students will learn the necessary calculations to size hydro, wind, biofuel and fuel cell systems. This course will not explore topics such as Solar and Battery Energy Storage that are extensively covered in other parts of the program.

  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Renewable Thermal Technology
ERGY8061

Description: Through a series of lectures and labs, this course will provide students with the background knowledge and skills to provide rationale for proposing and installing renewable thermal technologies. Students will learn to analyze the key components of a variety of such systems including their basic function and configuration. Topics covered will include solar water heating, solar pool heating, air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, types of solar collectors, system configurations, sloped roof installation methods, pipe selection and assembly, fluid types, pumps, thermal storage tank options, basic system controls, and air and ground source heat pumps.
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Monitoring, Operations and Maintenance
ERGY8091

Description:

In this course, students will learn about the importance of asset management in healthy renewable energy system. This includes proactive and continuous process of commissioning, operating, monitoring, and maintaining renewable power systems to ensure they perform at or above their expected levels. Student will also discuss the significance and best practices for measurement and verification in performance-based contracts. Students will also explore the interfaces between the different components involved in renewable energy systems. Students will learn how telemetry data and control signals are communicated to and from renewable energy sites.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Electrical Grid
ERGY8101

Description: In this course, students will learn about the inner workings of the modern electrical distribution grid. Students will be able to describe the makeup and operation of the electrical grid, and explore relevant issues including supply/demand, power quality, and safety, including the implementation of anti-islanding measures. Students will explore the opportunities and challenges associated with the integration of Renewable Energy and Energy Storage into the distribution grid. Students will also learn more about how to read and understand their electricity bills.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Applied Mechanics II
MECH8171

Description: This course will build on the concepts learned in Applied Mechanics I. Topics will include angular motion, rectilinear motion, planar motion, kinetics, work, energy and power. Students will apply these concepts using both S.I. units and Imperial units of measurement.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: MECH8160 OR MECH8161
  • CoRequisites:

Introduction to Occupational Health and Safety Legislation
OHS8197

Description:

This course introduces students to health and safety legislation in Ontario. This will include an exploration of the main components of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, industry and hazard specific regulations made under the Act, and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act. Students will learn to distinguish between legislative requirements, industry standards and best practices and apply their knowledge to a workplace to assess compliance. Students will be introduced to common workplace hazards, and the concepts of hazard identification and mitigation. Students will also explore how inspections, investigations and penalties are used in the enforcement of occupational health and safety legislation.

  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Photovoltaic Grid Design
TECH8016

Description: Through a series of lectures and labs, this course will introduce the students to the design and installation concepts of a PV System as applied to residential and small commercial installations. Students will be introduced to solar insulation characteristics; PV panel theory, construction and performance; site analysis; battery types, PV charge control types; electrical integration; utility tied regulations installation and safety; and an introduction to national and international incentive programs.
  • Hours: 84
  • Credits: 6
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Level 3

Course details

Renewable Project Development
ERGY8081

Description: In this course, students will explore the process of project development in both greenfield and brownfield applications. Students will be able to describe the various stages of the renewable project lifecycle. Students will delve further into the permitting and approvals process, including an exploration of the various relevant governing bodies and their roles. Students will explore the importance of resource assessments and risk assessments, along with various models of project financing, in order to make informed decisions and assess the viability of potential projects. This course will also explore the construction process and the operation stage.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Plant Operations and Energy
ERGY8110

Description:

This course explores the different forms of energy generation plants. Students will learn how a plant typically operates, and the principles of energy generation from steam, nuclear, and a variety of renewable sources. Cogeneration practices and strategies will also be explored, and strategies for carbon reduction during plant operations will be discussed.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Microgrid
ERGY8120

Description:

Through a series of lecture and labs, this course will introduce the students to the design and installation concepts of microgrid systems, utilizing small scale wind and photovoltaic systems. Students will be introduced to site analysis for off-grid systems, electrical load calculations, battery calculations, PV and battery sizing and wind and generator integration and options.

  • Hours: 70
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Introduction to Project Management For Industry
MGMT8631

Description:

This course covers the necessary tools and processes to manage the life cycle of a project in an industrial environment. Students will utilize the Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK®), applying standard terminology and methods in a number of small sample projects including creation of project charter, risk management, procurement, and project scheduling and project reporting.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Renewable Business Market
MKT8081

Description: The renewable energy sector is among the fastest growing industries around the world and provides many opportunities for small business and entrepreneurship. In this course, students will explore current news, trends, and the policy cycle of renewable energy. They will learn how these cycles impact the renewable energy industry. Students will also learn the basics and strategies for success in the industry, both as an entrepreneur and as a prospective employee of an established company.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Hazard Identification
OHS8036

Description:

This course allows students to examine workplace hazard identification and risk management principles in the context of manufacturing and construction environments in Ontario. Students will learn how to asses occupational hazards and exposure pathways, in accordance with applicable legislation. Using industry standard tools and processes, students have an opportunity to conduct a hazard identification and risk evaluation processes. Students will learn how to apply the appropriate hazard controls and how to determine the effectiveness of the selected controls after implementation to ensure for effective risk mitigation.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Emerging Technologies
TECH8040

Description:

This course explores the changing nature of energy technology and discusses current trends and emerging technologies. Through collaborative learning, students will learn strategies to research, evaluate, and identify appropriate applications for and risks associated with new energy technologies.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Level 4

Course details

Career Management
CDEV8132

Description: This course focuses on career management skills needed to navigate the evolving workplace. Students will evaluate their skills, attitudes, and expectations within their chosen careers and explore emerging trends in the workplace. Students will refine their networking strategies and create marketing documents to position them for success. Mock interviews will provide the opportunity for practice, feedback, and reflection as students prepare for future interviews. Students will explore communication strategies that support workplace success and advancement. By the end of this course, students will have created a personalized career management plan.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Capstone (Applied Energy Management)
ERGY8032

Description: This capstone project course, a culmination of the program, will require students to combine the practical and theoretical knowledge gained within this program in order to successfully plan plant-wide energy improvements for a specific plant scenario. Small groups of students working in teams will propose, design, and document upgrades or solutions that factor in energy, waste, pollution, and cost to a potential client/employer. This semester-long project will demonstrate the students' understanding of plant operations, supply chain, human resources, project management, and communication skills in an industrial environment. Through meetings with student groups, faculty will support the development of the project plan, implementation, and metrics.
  • Hours: 126
  • Credits: 7
  • Pre-Requisites: ERGY8081 AND ERGY8120 AND MGMT8630 OR MGMT8631
  • CoRequisites:

Human Resources Management for Industry
HRM8381

Description:

The primary focus in this introductory course is to offer the student an in depth view into Canadian human resource (HR) management functions as it relates to industry. The course emphasis is on the skills and techniques utilized by HR professionals and managers in each of their specialty areas, and how they are related to the organization's overall strategy and objectives in Canada.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Health and Safety Management
OHS8226

Description: Effective Occupational Health and Safety programs recognize the connection between employee health, safety, productivity and quality. They are essential for the workplace. This course will explore the reasons why a comprehensive health and safety program is of benefit to workplaces, and the importance of involvement by all levels of workers and management in an occupational health and safety program. It will cover the principles of developing and monitoring a workplace health and safety programs using a management system model. This course will also cover the requirements of creating a safe workplace environment through the interpretation and application of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and related safety legislation. Accident investigation and analysis, assessing allegations of unsafe work, managing health complaints, training needs, conducting meetings, ergonomics, and emergency planning will also be covered.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Program outcomes

  1. Manage an energy project that aligns with organizational and operational goals.
  2. Analyze an organization’s current energy profile to plan and establish an energy strategy.
  3. Evaluate energy production methodologies and carbon reduction strategies to make effective management decisions.
  4. Recommend energy management options, solutions and technologies to maintain long-term operational and infrastructure efficiency.
  5. Collect, compile, and interpret data using appropriate tools based on data analysis methodologies.
  6. Prepare and present persuasive business correspondence and technical documents including business cases, technical reports and proposals in a scientific format using industry-relevant terminology.
  7. Optimize an energy portfolio based on industry standards, operating procedures and process parameters.
  8. Plan, design and advance energy management projects, in compliance with occupational health and safety regulations, established standard operating procedures and best practices.
  9. Develop and apply ongoing strategies for personal and professional development to remain current in the energy field.