Course Form
I. Summary of Proposed Changes
Dept / Program
Applied Computing and Electronics /
Prefix and Course
Energy Technology
#
Course Title
Introduction to Geothermal Energy Technology
Short Title (max. 26 characters incl. spaces)
Geothermal Energy
Summarize the change(s) proposed
Add new course
II. Endorsement/Approvals
Complete the form and obtain signatures before submitting to Faculty Senate Office
Please type / print name Signature
Requestor:
Bradley Layton
Phone/ email :
243-7865 /
bradley.layton@umontana.edu
Program Chair/Director:
Tom Gallagher
Other affected programs
Dean:
NRG 246
Date
Lynn Stocking
Are other departments/programs affected by this modification
Please obtain signature(s) from the
because of
Chair/Director of any such department/
(a) required courses incl. prerequisites or corequisites,
program (above) before submission
(b) perceived overlap in content areas
(c) cross-listing of coursework
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.
Common Course Numbering Review (Department Chair Must Initial):
YES
NO
Does an equivalent course exist elsewhere in the MUS? Check all relevant disciplines if
X
course is interdisciplinary. (http://www.mus.edu/Qtools/CCN/ccn_default.asp)
If YES: Do the proposed abbreviation, number, title and credits align with existing course(s)? Please indicate
equivalent course/campus. 
If NO: Course may be unique, but is subject to common course review. Be sure to include learning outcomes
on syllabus or paste below. The course number may be changed at the system level.
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 246 Introduction to Geothermal Energy Technology 3 cr. Offered Autumn. Prereqs., NRG 101 and
NRG 102. An introduction to the physical and technical aspects of geothermal energy systems.
Topics covered include the fundamental principles of geology and hydrology, heat flow
mechanisms, and a consideration of heat exchange systems including: dry steam, flash, binary
systems, heat pumps, passive systems. The course also surveys political, economic, ecological, and
social aspects of geothermal energy development.
Justification: How does the course fit with the existing curriculum? Why is it needed?
The Director of the Energy Technology Program has recognized a growing need to educate and train students
in this field of sustainable energy technology. After a survey of courses offered within the MUS, no similar
course was found. Additionally, the Energy Technology Program at the UMCOT strives to deliver a diverse
curriculum across all traditional and emerging energy technologies. Geothermal energy technology is
especially relevant to the Pacific Northwest where prospecting for future primary geothermal energy plants is
currently underway. The course will be a directed elective for Energy Technology students.
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 - see procedure 301.30
http://umt.edu/facultysenate/committees/grad_council/procedures/default.aspx
Complete for Co-convented courses
Companion course number, title, and description (include syllabus of companion course in section V)
See procedure 301.20 http://umt.edu/facultysenate/committees/grad_council/procedures/default.aspx.
N/A
New fees and changes to existing fees are only approved once each biennium by the
YES
NO
Board of Regents. The coordination of fee submission is administered by Administration
X
and Finance. Fees may be requested only for courses meeting specific conditions
according to Policy 940.12.1 http://mus.edu/borpol/bor900/940-12-1.pdf . 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
Co-convened
To:
Description Change
Change in Credits
From:
To:
Prerequisites
1. Current course information at it appears in catalog
(http://www.umt.edu/catalog) 
From:
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. If co-convened course: companion course number, title, and description
(include syllabus of companion course in section V) See procedure 301.20
http://umt.edu/facultysenate/committees/grad_council/procedures/default.aspx.
5. Is this a course with MUS Common Course Numbering?
http://www.mus.edu/Qtools/CCN/ccn_default.asp
If yes, please explain below whether this change will eliminate the course’s common course
status.
6. Graduate increment if level of course is changed to UG.
Reference procedure 301.30:
http://umt.edu/facultysenate/committees/
grad_council/procedures/default.aspx
(syllabus required in section V)
7. Other programs affected by the change
8. Justification for proposed change
YES NO
Have you reviewed the graduate
increment guidelines? Please check (X)
space provided.
V. Syllabus/Assessment Information (must include learning outcomes)
Required for new courses and course change from U to UG. Paste syllabus in field below or attach and send
digital copy with form.
The University of Montana
College of Technology
Department of Applied Computing and Electronics
Course Syllabus
NRG 246 Introduction to Geothermal Energy Technology
Credits: 3
Pre-requisites: NRG 101 Intro to Energy Systems I and NRG 102 Intro to Energy Systems II
Faculty Contact:
Bradley Layton, PhD
Phone: 243-7865
Email: Bradley.Layton@umontana.edu
Course Description:
NRG 246 Introduction to Geothermal Energy Technology 3 cr. Offered Autumn. Prereqs., NRG 101 and NRG
102. An introduction to the physical and technical aspects of geothermal energy systems. Topics covered
include the fundamental principles of geology and hydrology, heat flow mechanisms, and a consideration of
heat exchange systems including: dry steam, flash, binary systems, heat pumps, passive systems. The course
also surveys political, economic, ecological, and social aspects of geothermal energy development.
Learning Outcomes:
 Identify the fundamental physical characteristics and processes in geothermal systems
 Differentiate between types of geothermal resources and their location
 Distinguish between the different types of geothermal technologies and appropriate uses of them
 Identify economic costs and benefits of geothermal energy exploitation
 Identify environmental costs and benefits of geothermal energy exploitation
Required Readings:
Posted on Moodle
Optional Textbooks:
“Geothermal Energy: Utilization and Technology” (2006) Dickson, Mary H. and Fanelli, Mario Editors,
Earthscan, 205 pgs. ISBN – 13: 978-1-844047-184-5
“Geothermal Energy: An Alternative Resource For the 21st Century” (2008) Gupta, Harsh and Roy, Sukanta,
Elsevier, 279 pgs. ISBN: 978-0-444-52875-9
“Earth Sheltered Housing Design: Guidelines Examples and References” (1979) Prepared by The
Underground Space Center, University of Minnesota. Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, 318 pgs. ISBN 044228821-2 paperback, ISBN 0-442-26157-8 cloth
Required instrumentation:
OM-EL-USB Temperature sensor available from Omega.com. Please coordinate with instructor for a group
purchase to take advantage of an educational discount.
Participation and Grading Criteria:
Class participation is expected and will impact grades. All readings and work should be completed in
advance of the due date and time. The online section does not actually meet face to face, thus students are
measured by the level of participation (frequency and quality of contributions) in the Discussion Board,
timely submission of ALL work, and adherence to the testing schedule. This is not a correspondence course
that you can do at your leisure and on your own schedule. The major difference between this course and a
face-to-face course is that you do not have to come to a physical location for class.
Written assignments will be graded according to a general rubric (a set of criteria for grading) that will be
provided when the assignment is made.
Assessment:
Math Exercises
Question Sets
Small Reports
Mid-Term Exam
Comprehensive Final Exam
100pts
200pts
400pts
100pts
200pts
1000pts
Grading Scale:
A= 100-90%
B= 89-80%
C= 79-70%
D= 69-60%
F= 59% and below
Topic Outline:
1. Introduction to the Course and Introduction to and Review of Units
2. National and International Energy Use
3. Geoscience Review
4. Geoscience Review continued
5. Darcy and Groundwater
6. Geothermal Basics
7. DOE Views of Geothermal Developments This Decade
8. Enhanced Geothermal Systems
9. Enhanced Geothermal Systems continued
10. Economics and Federal Policy
11. Economics and Federal Policy
12. Low Enthalpy Technologies
13. Sustainability and Environmental Impacts
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.
Revised 8-23-11