Course Form (revised 8-2009)
I. Summary of Proposed Changes
Dept / Program
Applied Computing and Electronics/
Energy Technology Program
Course Title
Fuel Cells
Prefix and Course #
NRG 245
Short Title (max. 26 characters incl. spaces)
Fuel Cells
Summarize the change(s) proposed
New course addition
II. Endorsement/Approvals
Complete the form and obtain signatures before submitting to Faculty Senate Office
Please type / print name Signature
Requestor:
Ashley Preston
Phone/ email :
243-7915
ashley.preston@umontana.edu
Program Chair/Director:
Tom Gallagher
Date
Other affected programs
Dean:
Barry Good
III: To Add a New Course Syllabus and assessment information is required (paste syllabus into
section V or attach). Course should have internal coherence and clear focus.
NO
Common Course Numbering Review: Does an equivalent course exist elsewhere YES
in the MUS? Do the proposed abbreviation, number, title and credits align with
existing course(s)? Please indicate equivalent course/campus 
http://msudw.msu.montana.edu:9030/wfez/owa/musxfer.p_CCN_MAIN
X
Exact entry to appear in the next catalog (Specify course abbreviation, level, number, title, credits,
repeatability (if applicable), frequency of offering, prerequisites, and a brief description.) 
U 245 Fuel Cells 3 cr. Offered spring. An introduction to the different types of fuel cells (hydrogen,
biological, metal/air, proton exchange membrane, etc.) accompanied by a critical examination of their
applications, operation, efficiencies, advantages and disadvantages.
Justification: How does the course fit with the existing curriculum? Why is it needed?
NRG245 is a key specialty energy course in the Energy Technology AAS degree program. The course provides
students in the program and across campus with a critical foundation for understanding and evaluating fuel
cell technologies. There are no courses on campus that fulfill the vital need for knowledge about the
physical, technical, and economic aspects of fuel cells.
Are there curricular adjustments to accommodate teaching this course?
No
Complete for UG courses. (UG courses should be assigned a 400 number).
Describe graduate increment (Reference guidelines: http://www.umt.edu/facultysenate/Grad/UG.htm)
Fees may be requested only for courses meeting specific conditions determined by the
Board of Regents. Please indicate whether this course will be considered for a fee.
If YES, what is the proposed amount of the fee?
Justification:
IV. To Delete or Change an Existing Course – check X all that apply
Deletion
Title
Course Number Change
From:
Level U, UG, G
YES
From:
NO
X
To:
Description Change
Change in Credits
From:
To:
Prerequisites
1. Current course information at it appears in catalog
(http://www.umt.edu/catalog) 
To:
Repeatability
Cross Listing
(primary program
initiates form)
Is there a fee associated with the course?
2. Full and exact entry (as proposed) 
3. If cross-listed course: secondary program & course
number
4. Is this a course with MUS Common Course Numbering? If yes, then will this change eliminate the
course’s common course status? Please explain below.
5. Graduate increment if level of course is changed to UG.
Reference guidelines at:
http://www.umt.edu/facultysenate/Grad/UG.htm
(syllabus required in section V)
Have you reviewed the graduate increment
guidelines? Please check (X) space provided.
6. Other programs affected by the change
7. Justification for proposed change
V. Syllabus/Assessment Information
Required for new courses and course change from U to UG. Paste syllabus in field below or attach and send
digital copy with form.
NRG245 Fuel Cells
Department of Applied Computing and Electronics
Energy Technology Program
Course Syllabus
Course Number:
Course Title:
Credits:
Instructor:
NRG 245
Fuel Cells
3
Leif Schneider (leif.schneider@umontana.edu)
Course Description:
An introduction to the different types of fuel cells (hydrogen, biological, metal/air, proton exchange membrane, etc.)
accompanied by a critical examination of their applications, operation, efficiencies, advantages and disadvantages.
Course Overview:
This course provides and introduction to the basic science and technology of fuel cells. The book “Fuel Cell Systems
Explained” is the backbone of this course. The course begins with the basic principles of Hydrogen fuel cells. Next, a
discussion of the thermodynamic and electrochemical fundamental principles; this includes Efficiency and Open Circuit
voltage, the Nernst Equation, Efficiency of cell Voltage, Operational Fuel Cell voltages, Mass transport, and
Irreversibility’s. These concepts will then be used to analyze six different types of fuel cells: Proton Exchange
Membrane, Alkaline electrolyte, Direct Methanol, Phosphoric Acid, Molten Carbonate, and Solid Oxide Fuel cells.
Followed by an introduction to Fueling Fuel Cells; including the basics of fuel processing, electrolyzers, and hydrogen
storage. Finally the course will end with a discussion about Delivering Fuel Cell Power to a practical application.
Course Learning Objectives:
A student who has met the objectives of the course will be able to:
-
Explain the basic function of fuel cells
-
Explain the fundamental thermodynamic and electrochemical properties of fuel cells
-
Differentiate between the 6 types of fuel cells discussed in this course
-
Understand and thoroughly evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of these 6 types of fuel cells
-
Demonstrate a basic understanding of the electrochemistry of fuel cells, such as the ability to discuss the
Nernst Equation and its effect on the different fuel cells.
-
Recognize the maximum efficiencies of the different fuel cells and know what equation determine the
efficiency of the fuel cells.
-
Explain what the meaning and role of Gibbs Free Energy is in relation to fuel cells
-
Know what a fuel cell stack is, what the components are that make up the stack, and how the fuel cell stack is
produced.
-
Explain what an electrolyzer is and its function and relationship to a fuel cell
-
Identify and understand the fuels available as the energy source of the fuel cell; this includes hydrogen
Required Course Text Book:
We will be using the textbook "Fuel Cells Systems Explained", Second Edition, published by Wiley 2003. The ISBN is 0470-84857-x.
Drop/Add Policy
http://www.umt.edu/catalog/policy_procedure.htm
Academic Honesty Policy
All students must practice academic honesty. Academic misconduct is subject to an academic penalty by the course
instructor and/or a disciplinary sanction by the University.
All students need to be familiar with the Student Conduct Code. The Code is available for review online at
http://www.umt.edu/SA/VPSA/index.cfm?page?1321.
Students with disabilities
Students with disabilities will receive reasonable accommodations in this online course. To request course
modifications, please contact me as soon as possible. I will work with you and Disability Services in the accommodation
process. For more information, visit the Disability Services website at http://www.umt.edu/dss/ or call 406.243.2243
(Voice/Text).
Topical Outline/Course Schedule Spring 2009:
This is a 3 credit course that requires the completion of weekly reading assignments, weekly assignments, two quizzes,
one midterm exam, and one final exam according to the following schedule
01/2601/30
02/0202/06
02/0902/13
02/1602/20
02/2302/27
03/0203/06
03/0903/13
03/1603/20
03/2303/27
03/3004/03
04/0604/10
04/1304/17
Monday
Reading
Assignment
Reading
Assignment
Reading
Assignment
Holiday
Reading
Assignment
Reading
Assignment
Reading
Assignment
Reading
Assignment
Midterm
Available
Spring
vacation
Reading
Assignment
Reading
Assignment
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Homework #1 Due
Reading
Assignment
Quiz #1 is
Available
Homework #2 Due
Quiz #1 Due
Homework #3 Due
Homework #4 Due
Spring vacation
Midterm
Exam
Spring
vacation
Spring
vacation
Quiz #2 is
Available
Spring vacation
04/2004/24
04/2705/01
05/0405/08
Reading
Assignment
Reading
Assignment
Reading
Assignment
05/1105/15
Quiz #2 Due
Homework #6
Due
Homework #5 Due
Term Paper
Due
Final Exam
Grading:
2 Quizzes: 10%
Term Paper 15%
Homework: 30%
Midterm: 20%
Final: 25%
Homework:
All homework will be completed and submitted online. The homework’s are a combination of multiple choice
questions, true/false, essay, fill in the blank and matching questions. The homework’s will be available for at least a
week prior to the submission date. You will be able to save your answers, which will allow you to work on the
homework multiple times before submission.
Term Paper or Homemade Fuel Cell Report:
Choose one of the 6 types of fuel cells we are discussing in this course. Write a 2-3 page report detailing the operation
of the fuel cell; including the thermodynamic energy flow; information on the electrochemistry; and a description of
how it works. The student has the option of building a homemade fuel cell instead of writing a term paper. During the
course, information on homemade fuel cells will be available. Most of these homemade fuel cells are very cheap and
can be performed with digital multi-meter.
Quizzes:
Quizzes will cover homework questions and reading assignments. There will be two quizzes each worth 5% of the total
grade. The quizzes will be completed and submitted online. The quizzes will be made available on a Friday and need to
be submitted the following Wednesday. Quiz #1 will need to be submitted by 11 pm Wednesday Week 5 and Quiz #2
will need to be submitted by 11 pm Wednesday, Week 10. Students will only have one attempt at each quiz, and 1
hour to complete the quiz. The quiz is open note and open book.
Midterm and Final Exam:
There is one midterm; the midterm will be available Monday of Week 9 and must be submitted by 11 pm, Wednesday
of Week 9. You will be able to print the questions beginning on Monday. All answers will be submitted online, in a
similar format as the home works and quizzes.
The Final Exam will have the same format as the midterm. It will be available on the Monday of Final Exam week and
must be completed and submitted online by 11 pm on Thursday of finals week.
VI Department Summary (Required if several forms are submitted) In a separate document list course
number, title, and proposed change for all proposals.
VII Copies and Electronic Submission. After approval, submit original, one copy, summary of
proposals and electronic file to the Faculty Senate Office, UH 221, camie.foos@mso.umt.edu.