Mar 28, 2024  
Rensselaer Catalog 2008-2009 
    
Rensselaer Catalog 2008-2009 [Archived Catalog]

Electric Power Engineering


The traditional place for electric power studies in a university is in the electrical engineering program, where the power option is offered as one of several concentrations. At Rensselaer, electric power is a separate degree program with its own faculty. It maintains strong ties to industry and is dedicated to preparing students for careers in power generation, delivery, or equipment; power electronics applied to drives and power conditioning; or at the intersection of electric power, economics, and management.

The vital role that energy plays in our lives has become increasingly evident in recent years. Society as we know it cannot function without an abundant supply of energy. It turns the wheels of industry and agriculture, it provides transportation, it supplies many of our domestic and recreational needs. There is continuing controversy over the primary source of the energy, but there is widespread agreement that electrical energy, because of its ease of transformation to and from other energy forms and its ease of transmission, distribution, and utilization, is vital. It is expected that electrical energy will constitute an increasing portion of the total energy used.

To keep pace with expanding needs through the development of ever more sophisticated systems requires the technical talent, scientific knowledge, mature judgment, and visionary innovation of the best engineering minds of this generation. The electric power engineering program at Rensselaer is dedicated to meeting this need in generation, delivery, and utilization in an increasingly competitive environment. Study at Rensselaer is supported by the power industry, which the program serves. In particular, the ECSE Department operates a Grainger Scholar program under the auspices of the Grainger Foundation for well-qualified U.S. students.

First Year


Fall


  • Hum. or Soc. Sci. Elective Credit Hours: 4
    (See footnote 1 below)

Spring


  • Hum. or Soc. Sci. Elective Credit Hours: 4
    (See footnote 1 below)

Second Year


Fall


  • Hum. or Soc. Sci. Elective Credit Hours: 4
    (See footnote 1 below)

Spring


  • Hum. or Soc. Sci. Elective Credit Hours: 4
    (See footnote 1 below)

Third Year


Spring


  • Elective Credit Hours: 4
    (See footnote 7 below)
  • Professional Development II Credit Hours: 2
    (See footnote 6 below)

Fourth Year


Fall


  • Technical Elective Credit Hours: 3
    (See footnote 4 below)
  • Hum. or Soc. Sci. Elective Credit Hours: 4
    (See footnote 1 below)
  • Elective Credit Hours: 4

Spring


  • Elective Credit Hours: 4
  • Technical Elective Credit Hours: 3
    (See footnote 4 below)

Humanities or Social Sciences Electives


In this area, electives are based on the Institute and School of Engineering requirements. Additionally, at least one course must be selected from the list posted on the ECSE home page. Students are urged to elect humanities and social science sequences through which they will obtain adequate breadth and depth in subject areas. Students desiring minors in Humanities and Social Sciences must consult the school or department in which the courses are offered to obtain further information and specific requirements.

Concentration in Power Electronics Systems


The concentration in Power Electronics Systems is open to all students in Electric Power Engineering. Fulfillment of the concentration will be recognized by the department and consists of both the following courses:

And one of the following:


Footnotes


  1. There should be a total of 20 credit hours of H&SS electives.
  2. These required courses may be taken in any order.
  3. May be replaced by ENGR 1310.
  4. Any course in engineering or science that is at the 2000 level or higher.
  5. Can be taken in either semester during senior year.
  6. This course will be fulfilled from a list published at the start of each semester.
  7. Students are encouraged to select a life science course, such as BIOL 1010.