Report of the University Curriculum Committee February 13, 2009 The University Curriculum Committee recommends approval of the following: 1. New Courses

AGSM 355. Energy and Conversion Systems. (3-0). Credit 3. Basic physical conversion principles of energy use, including historical and future patterns; conservation measures, alternative energy sources, and the environment impact of U.S. and world energy use. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification; non-majors only. BAEN 414. Renewable Energy Conversions. (2-2). Credit 3. Energy/power systems through engineering and technical aspects of quantifying and designing the suitability of several types of renewable energy resources; new insights of vast resources that future engineers can harness to augment diminishing supplies of non-renewable energy. Prerequisite: BAEN 320, BAEN 366 or equivalent, or approval of instructor. ENGL 331. Fantasy Literature. (3-0). Credit 3. An exploration of the genre of the fantasy novel, including its elements from the epic and the medieval chivalric romance, with focus on how the fantasy novel deploys these elements in its critique of industrialized modern society. Prerequisites: 3 credits of literature at 200-level or above or approval of instructor; junior or senior classification.

2. Change in Courses

BAEN 474. Unit Operations in Food Processing Course number

From: BAEN 474. To: BAEN 422.

Cross-listing From: CHEN 474.

To: CHEN 422.

CHEN 474. Unit Operations in Food Processing. Course number

From: CHEN 474. To: CHEN 422.

Cross-listing From: BAEN 474.

To: BAEN 422.

Report of the University Curriculum Committee February 13, 2009 Page 2

SPAN 221. Field Studies I.

Course title From: Field Studies I. To: Field Studies Abroad I. Lecture and semester credit hours From: (3-0). Credit 3. To: Credit 1 to 6. Course description From: Spanish language and culture taught in a Spanish-speaking country;

supervised travel of cultural interest; living with local families; participation in activities and courses of a host university or institute; exams, written and oral reports; to be taken concurrently with SPAN 222. Prerequisite: SPAN 102 with a grade of B or higher.

To: Spanish language and culture taught in Spanish in a Spanish-speaking country; participation in academic and cultural activities of a host university or study abroad institute/center; written and oral reports and exams in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 102 with a grade of B or higher.

SPAN 222. Field Studies II.

Course title From: Field Studies II. To: Field Studies Abroad II. Lecture and semester credit hours From: (3-0). Credit 3. To: Credit 1 to 6. Course description From: Spanish language and literature taught in a Spanish-speaking country, in

cooperation with a Spanish university or institute; exams, written and oral reports; to be taken concurrently with SPAN 221. Prerequisite: SPAN 102 with a grade of B or higher.

To: Spanish language, culture, cultural history, or literature taught in Spanish in a Spanish-speaking country; participation in academic and cultural activities of a host university or study abroad institute/center; written and oral reports and exams in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 102 with a grade of B or higher.

THAR 320. Directing I.

Course number From: THAR 320. To: THAR 420.

AGSM – 355

ENERGY AND CONVERSION SYSTEMS COURSE SYLLABUS

Instructor: Chester L. Darcey, Associate Professor, Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department. Office: 205-B Power and Machinery Lab. Phone: 845-7634. Email: c-darcey@tamu.edu. Office hours: by appointment. Prerequisites: Jr. or Sr. Classification; Non-majors only Text: Hinrichs, Roger A. and Merlin H. Kleinbach. 2005. Energy: Its Use and the Environment 4th Edition. Brooks Cole, Portland. The primary objective of this course is to provide basic physical principles, and the general supply and conservation of energy. This course will be beneficial to all students including non-science majors seeking a general, introductory knowledge base in energy and its’ use. The course will also cover the various mechanisms for conversion of primary energy sources to end use. TOPIC # CLASSES TEXT REF. 1. Energy; definition and description, 2 1

Energy use and the environment, Energy use patterns, energy resources, Energy growth and resource depletion, Energy conservation, economics and Environmental considerations, future Future possibilities of energy use.

2. Energy mechanics; primary energy sources 2 2 And forms, motion, work and energy, power.

3. Conservation of energy; conservation principle, 1 3 Energy conversion, conversion efficiencies, Energy units.

4. Home energy conservation and heat transfer, 2 5

Materials, insulation and heating values Impact of conservation measures.

5. Solar energy for heating and cooling, 2 6 Incident solar radiation, active solar heating Systems, passive solar heating systems, Impact and economics of solar heating.

6. Energy from fossil fuels, petroleum, natural 1 7

Gas, oil exploration and recovery, coal, synthetic Gas and oil from coal, oil shale, and tar sands.

7. Alternative fuels for internal combustion engines; 2 - Problem statement, and impact of auto emissions Emission mandates, alternatives; alcohol, CNG, solar, electric, oxygenated fuels.

8. Air pollution and energy use; properties and motion 1 8 Of the atmosphere, air pollutants and their sources, Air quality standards, auto emissions, stationary Source air pollution control systems.

9. Global environment and Waste Heat; 2 9 Ozone depletion, Thermal Pollution, Ecological effects.

10. Electricity; wiring common circuits, voltage drop, 3 10 Ohms law, wire types and sizing for loads, Practical exercise.

11. Generation of electrical energy, 1 11 Electromagnetism and induction, transformers, Environmental impact of hi-voltage lines, Steam electric generating plants.

12. Electricity from solar energy, photovoltaic 2 12 Generation (PV), solar cell principles, PV Systems and economics, wind energy, wind Powered electric generators.

11. PV energy Practical exercise 1 12 12. Biomass, from plants to garbage, municipal 1 17

Solid waste, biomass conversion, wood Combustion, energy plantations,food, fuel, famine.

13. Geothermal energy, origin and nature, systems, 1 18 Resources, environmental impacts.

14. Nuclear Power; (Fission )generation of electrical 2 14

power, Radioactive wastes, nuclear safety, environmental and economic summary.

15. Radiation and its’ uses, Future Nuclear alternatives. 2 15&16 Cold fusion, Energy from the stars,

Grading: The grade for this class will be comprised of 4 exams, and two practical exercises. Make up of exams or practical exercises will follow university policy requiring a university excused absence. Make ups, if needed, will need to be scheduled with instructor the week of return to class. It is the responsibility of the student to request a makeup, and to contact the instructor to schedule a time. The exam dates and weights are listed below. Note; dates may change somewhat from semester to semester. A schedule will be announced the first class day for each semester. Grading Scale

A

B

C

D

F

90 - 100 %

80 - 89 %

70 - 79 %

60 - 69 %

<60 %

Exam Schedule

Exam Date Point Value ________________________________________________________________________ Exam – A September 18 20 Exam – B October 18 20 Exam – C November 13 20 Exam – D December 7 12:30 15 Electrical Wiring practical exercise 10 Photo-voltaic practical exercise 10 Attendance and Participation 5

100 pts.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Policy Statement The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Department of Student Life, Services for Students with Disabilities, in Cain Hall or call 845-1637. Academic Integrity Statements AGGIE HONOR CODE

“An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those who do.”

Upon accepting admission to Texas A&M University, a student immediately assumes a commitment to uphold the Honor Code, to accept responsibility for learning, and to follow the philosophy and rules of the Honor System. Students will be required to state their commitment on examinations, research papers, and other academic work. Ignorance of the rules does not exclude any member of the TAMU community from the requirements or the processes of the Honor System.

For additional information please visit: http://www.tamu.edu/aggiehonor/

BAEN 414, RENEWABLE ENERGY CONVERSIONS Fall 09

Lecture: 2 hrs/week, Laboratory: 2 hrs/week COURSE SYLLABUS Instructor:

Dr. Sergio Capareda Scoates 303D Phone: 458-3028 E-mail: scapareda@tamu.edu Office Hours: TBD and announced during the first class day

Teaching Assistant: Bjorn Santos, 324 B Scoates or 109 Hobgood Phone: 845-3693 E-mail: bjornsantos@yahoo.com Lecture Room: 215 Scoates Hall Laboratory: AEPM 203 (P&M Building) Course Description: In the pursuit of higher food production, modern agriculture relies heavily on efficient use of energy and power. This course will deal with the engineering and technical aspects of quantifying, designing and evaluating the suitability of several alternative and renewable energy resources such as biomass, solar, wind, and hydro power for agricultural applications. This course will open new insights into the vast resources that future engineers and those in related disciplines can harness to augment diminishing supplies of man's non-renewable energy and power source. At the end of the course, the student should be able to identify the different sources of energy and power in the farm, know their applications, recognize their limitations, and demonstrate the capability to manage energy and power systems in agriculture. Suggested References:

1. Duffie, J.A. and W. A. Beckman. 2006. Solar Energy of Thermal Processes 3rd Edition. McGraw Hill Book Co, Inc., New York.

2. Hiler, E.A. and B.A. Stout. 1985. Biomass Energy: A Monograph. Texas Engineering Experiment Station Monograph Series. Texas A&M University press, College Station, Texas.

3. Stout. B.A. 1984. Energy Use and Management in Agriculture. Breton Publishers, Belmont California.

4. Manwell, J.F., J.G. McGowan and A. L. Rogers. 2002. Wind Energy Explained: Theory, Design and Applications. John Wiley and Sons, Inc. New York.

5. Kitani, Osamu and Carl W. Hall (eds). 1989. Biomass Handbook. Gordon and Breach Science Publishers. New York.

6. Kemp, W. H. 2006. Biodiesel: Basics and Beyond. Aztext Press. Ontario, Canada. 7. Handouts and Readings.

All books listed here are available for checkout from my office.

Prerequisite: BAEN 320 (Engineering Thermodynamics), BAEN 366 (Transport Processes in Biological Systems) or Instructor’s Approval. Specific Skills to be Acquired At the end of this course, the student should be able to

1. Quantify available renewable energy resources (resource assessment and evaluation). 2. Characterize variability of renewable energy resources throughout a given site or season.

3. Calculate useful energy and power potential from each renewable energy resource (efficiency of conversions)

4. Design and evaluate specific renewable energy resource systems applicable in agriculture, namely,

a. ethanol production from agricultural resources b. bio-diesel production from vegetable oil c. pyrolysis reactor for heat and bio-oil production i. biomass-fueled gasifier (downdraft and fluidized bed) j. biomass liquefaction processes l. other renewables such as solar still for potable water use; solar photovoltaic application

for irrigation and energy storage; solar dryer and space heater for agricultural applications; wind power generation systems for agricultural applications and costs and environmental benefits of all the above technologies

COURSE GRADING AND FORMAT

Grading:

Exams (3) Laboratory Exercises Quizzes/Homework Total

60 % 30 % 10 % 100%

A B C D F

90 - 100 % 80 - 89 % 70 - 79 % 60 - 69 %

<60 % The final exam is optional for students with a passing pre-final score. For those taking the final exam, the final grade will be obtained as 70% of the pre-final score and 30% of final exam score.

Format:

This is a 2-hour lecture course followed by 2 hours of laboratory each week. There will be hands-on exercises for each type of renewable energy resource discussed. The laboratory work will include technical calculations. Hand-outs and assigned chapters from the references list will be given. There will be homework under each renewable energy type.

Teams and Grade Distributions:

The laboratory exercises will be done as group work. Students will be divided into teams for this purpose. All work collected for grading will be individual work; no team assignments will be graded. Teams will have assigned seating in the classroom to assist in checking of attendance.

Exams:

Tentative dates for the three regular exams are given in the course schedule. The final dates will depend upon the pace of class lectures. Exams may include both problems to solve and short answer/multiple choice questions. Exams will be individual work and will be closed book and closed notes. Conversion tables, formulas and monographs will be provided for the exam. The final exam will be given as scheduled in the University Schedule. It will be a comprehensive exam.

Make-up Exams:

Make-up exams will be given only for those having a university excused absence (see Student Rules). Make-up exams will be scheduled by the instructor.

Laboratory Work

There will be laboratory exercises in all renewable energy areas discussed. An individual laboratory report is required. The laboratory report will be submitted a week after the exercise was made. A format for report is provided in each laboratory exercise handout.

Homework and Quizzes:

Problems will be assigned both for in-class completion and as homework. All homework will be collected and graded. No late homework will be accepted unless you have valid excuse. Unannounced quizzes will be given periodically. No make-up quizzes will be given. A quiz missed due to a university excused absence, will not be included in the calculation of the final grade.

Academic Integrity:

“An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal, or tolerate those who do.” Please see the Aggie Honor System Office web site at http://www.tamu.edu/aggiehonor for rules and procedures regarding academic integrity.

Students with Disabilities

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Department of Student Life, Services for Students with Disabilities, in Cain Hall or call 845-1637.

BAEN 414 RENEWABLE ENERGY CONVERSIONS

CLASS LECTURE SCHEDULE Fall 09

Sessions

Class

Date

Topic

Read

1

1

Introduction Ref. 5 2

2 Biomass Energy Resources from Agriculture Ref 2,3, 5, 7

2

3 Biochemical Conversion Processes: Biodiesel Production Ref. 7 4

Biochemical Conversion Processes: Biodiesel Production Ref. 7

3

5 Biochemical Conversion Processes: Ethanol Production Ref. 2,3 & 5 6 Biochemical Conversion Processes: Ethanol Production Ref. 2,3 & 5

4 7 Biochemical Conversion Processes: Methane Generation Ref. 2,3 & 5 8

Costs and Environmental Considerations and Review Ref. 2,3& 5

5

9 Exam 1 Biochemical Energy Conversion

10 Biomass Thermal Conversion Processes: Pyrolysis Ref. 2,3 & 5

6 11 Biomass Thermal Conversion Processes: Gasification Ref. 2,3 & 5 12 Biomass Thermal Conversion Processes: Combustion Ref. 2,3 & 5

7

13 Biomass Thermal Conversion Processes: Liquefaction Ref. 2,3 & 5 14 Indirect Biomass Liquefaction Processes Ref. 2,3 & 5

8 15 Costs and Environmental Considerations Ref. 2,3 & 5

16 Review for Exam 9

17 Exam 2 Thermo-Chemical Energy Conversion 18 Solar Energy Conversion: Thermodynamic Pathways Ref. 1

10

19 Solar Thermal Processes: Heating and Cooling Ref. 1 20 Wind Energy Resources for Agriculture Ref. 4

11 21 The Weibull Distribution for Energy Resource Calculations

Ref. 4

22 Various Types of Windmills and Applications to Agriculture

Ref. 4

12

23 Cost and Environmental Considerations Handouts 24 Hydro Power: Resources and Availability Handouts

13 25 Various Types of Water Power Conversion Systems Handouts 26 Cost and Environmental Considerations Handouts

14

27 EXAM 3: Wind, Hydro and Others 28 Dead day: Review for Finals

15 Finals

BAEN 414 RENEWABLE ENERGY CONVERSIONS

LABORATORY SCHEDULE

Week Date Topic Ref. 1 Introduction, Tour of Lab Facilities: Ex. 1 HV Calculations Handout 2 Exercise #2 Heating Value Using Calorimeter 2, 3, & 6 3 Exercise # 3 Proximate Analysis of Biomass 2, 3 & 6 4 Exercise # 3 Biodiesel Production from Vegetable Oil 2, 3, 6, 7 5 Exercise # 4 ASTM Procedures for Biodiesel 2, 3, 6, 7 6 Exercise # 5 Ethanol Production from Biomass Feed stocks 2, 3, & 6 7 Exercise # 6 Pyrolysis of Biomass Resources 2, 3, & 6 8 Exercise # 7 Gasification Exercise 2, 3 & 6 9 Exercise # 8 Engine Dynamometer Exercises Ref. 1 10 Exercise # 9 Solar Energy Resource Calculations Ref. 1 11 Exercise # 10 Evaluation of Solar Still Ref. 1 12 Exercise # 11 Solar Photovoltaic Exercise for Power Ref. 1 13 Exercise # 12 Wind Energy Resource Calculations Ref. 4 14 Exercise # 13 Hydro Power Calculations Ref. 4 Dead Day: Project Deadline for Graduate Students

EXAM Schedule EXAM 1 Lecture Class: Coverage: Physico-Chemical and Biochemical Conversions: Biodiesel, Ethanol, Biogas EXAM 2 Lecture Class

Coverage: Biomass Thermal Conversion and Liquefaction: Pyrolysis, gasification, combustion and direct and indirect liquefaction

EXAM 3 Lecture Class Coverage: Other Renewables: solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, fuel cells, salinity gradient,

etc.

***Sample syllabus*** ***Sample syllabus***

Texas A&M University Spanish 222 “Field Studies Abroad II”

Dr. Brian Imhoff Summer 09B ACAD 201D 845-2194 M-F 8:15-10:30 bimhoff@tamu.edu COURSE DESCRIPTION Spanish language, culture, cultural history, or literature taught in Spanish in a Spanish-speaking country; participation in academic and cultural activities of a host university or study abroad institute/center; written and oral reports and exams in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 102 with a grade of B or higher or consent of program academic coordinator. COURSE REQUIREMENTS Formal classroom instruction, assignments, and exams; real-world application of language proficiency with accompanying written assignments; first-hand experience of the culture and history of a Spanish-speaking in situ; class attendance is mandatory. COURSE MATERIAL Lot = B. Estela Loya Rojas, Lotería 4, Español dinámico (Mexico City, Trillas), 2000. Course packet supplied on site. GRADING POLICIES

Participation 10% Written exercises 20% Quizzes (3) 20% Oral Reports (2) 20% Final Exam 30% COURSE CALENDAR Monday, June 4 Lot, ch. 1 Monday, June 18 Lot, ch. 5 Tuesday, June 5 Lot, ch. 1 Tuesday, June 19 Lot, ch. 5 Wednesday, June 6 Lot, ch. 2/oral reports Wednesday, June 20 Lot, ch. 6/oral reports Thursday, June 7 Lot, ch. 2/oral reports Thursday, June 21 Lot, ch. 6/oral reports Friday, June 8 Quiz 1 Friday, June 22 Quiz 3 Monday, June 11 Lot, ch. 3 Monday, June 25 Lot, ch. 7 Tuesday, June 12 Lot, ch. 3 Tuesday, June 26 Lot, ch. 7 Wednesday, June 13 Lot, ch. 4/oral reports Wednesday, June 27 Lot, ch. 8/oral reports Thursday, June 14 Lot, ch. 4/oral reports Thursday, June 28 Lot, ch. 8/oral reports Friday, June 15 Quiz 2 Friday, June 29 Final Exam ____________________________________________________________________________________________ The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for a reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Department of Student Life, Services for Students with Disabilities in room 126 of the Cain Building, 845-1637. N.B. “An Aggie does not lie, cheat or steal, or tolerate those who do.” (http://www.tamu.edu/aggiehonor)

Supporting Statement for Changing THAR 320 to THAR 420

THAR 320 (proposed THAR 420): Directing is a capstone experience for THAR majors. It requires a mastery of script analysis, basic design, principles of acting and characterization, and theatre history. Current numbering confuses students because it places the course numerically BEFORE some prerequisites, and other courses students should have successfully completed prior to taking this class.