Coursework at U-M Pertaining to Energy

Prerequisites: MSE 220 or 250 or permission of instructor; I; 4 credits
Biomaterials and their physiological interactions. Materials used in medicine/ dentistry: metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, resorbable smart, natural materials. Material response/degradation: mechanical breakdown, corrosion, dissolution, leaching, chemical degradation, wear. Host responses: foreign body reactions, inflammation, wound healing, carcinogenicity, immunogenicity, cytotoxicity, infection, local/systemic effects.

ChemE 444. Applied Chemical Kinetics

Fundamentals of chemical and engineering kinetics from a molecular perspective. Relationship between kinetics and mechanism. Kinetics of elementary steps in gas, liquid, and supercritical fluid reaction media. Gas-solid and surface reactions. Heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis. Kinetics and mechanisms of chemical processes such as polymerization, combustion, and enzymatic reactions.

ChemE 538. Statistical and Irreversible Thermodynamics

The laws of probability and statistics are applied to microscopic matter to yield properties of macroscopic systems. Relations between classical and statistical thermodynamics are developed. Coupling of irreversible processes is treated through the entropy balance and microscopic reversibility.

EECS 414. Introduction to MEMS

Prerequisites: Math 215, Math 216, Physics 240 I; (Distance Learning) 4 credits
Micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS), devices, and technologies. Micromachining and microfabrication techniques, including planar thin-film processing, silicon etching, wafer bonding, photolithography, deposition, and etching. Transduction mechanisms and modeling in different energy domains. Analysis of micromachined capacitive, piezoresistive, and thermal sensors/actuators and applications. Computer-aided design for MEMS layout, fabrication, and analysis.

EECS 528. Principles of Microelectronics Process Technology

Prerequisites: EECS 421, EECS 423; II; 3 credits
Theoretical analysis of the chemistry and physics of process technologies used in micro-electronics fabrication. Topics include: semiconductor growth, material characterization, lithography tools, photo-resist models, thin film deposition, chemical etching, plasma etching, electrical contact formation, micro-structure processing, and process modeling.

IOE 425. (MFG 426) Manufacturing Strategies

Prerequisites: Senior Standing; I, II; 2 credits
Review of philosophies, systems, and practices utilized by world-class manufacturers to meet current manufacturing challenges, focusing on "lean production" in the automotive industry, including material flow, plant-floor quality assurance, job design, work and management practices. Students tour plants to analyze the extent and potential of the philosophies.

ME 401. Engineering Statistics for Manufacturing Systems

Prerequisites: Senior or Graduate Standing; I; 3 credits
Fundamentals of statistics. Independent t-test and paired t-test. Two-level factorial design. Fractional factorial designs. Matrix algebra and canonical analysis. Regression analysis (Least Squares Method). Response Surface methodology. Probability. Binomial and Poisson distributions. Single sampling plan. Statistical process control (SPC). Taguchi methods. Introductory time series analysis and Defect Preventive Quality Control.

ME 432. Introduction to Combustion

Introduction to combustion processes; combustion thermodynamics, reaction kinetics and combustion transport. Chain reactions, ignition, quenching, and flammability limits, detonations, deflagrations, and flame stability. Introduction to turbulent premixed combustion. Applications in IC engines, furnaces, gas turbines, and rocket engines.

ME 437. Applied Energy Conversion

Prerequisites: ME 235 and Math 216; I; 3 credits
Quantitative treatment of energy resources, conversion processes, and energy economics. Consideration of fuel supplies, thermodynamics, environmental impact, capital and operating costs. Emphasis is placed on issues of climate change and the role of energy usage. In-depth analysis of automobiles to examine the potential of efficiency improvement and fuel change.

ME 452. Design for Manufacturability

Prerequisites: ME 350; II; 3 credits
Conceptual design. Design for economical production, Taguchi methods, design for assembly; case studies. Product design using advanced polymeric materials and composites; part consolidation, snap fit assemblies; novel applications.

ME 499. Advanced Energy Systems

This course provides an introduction to the challenges of power generation for a global society. The course starts with an overview of the current and future demands for energy, the various methods of power generation including solar, thermal, wind, nuclear and fossil fuel, and the detrimental byproducts associated with these methods. Advanced strategies to improve power densities, reduce pollutant emissions and improve thermal efficiencies, such as fuel cells for stationary and mobile power generation; synthetic and bio-renewable fuels; and reconfiguring coal-fired power plants to utilize integrated-gasification combined cycle approaches are the primary focus of the second half of the course. The material includes the advantages and technical difficulties associated with a hydrogen economy including production, transport, storage and application. The emphasis is on the application of thermodynamic analysis to understand the basic operating principles and the inherent limitations of the technologies considered.

ME 537. Advanced Combustion

Advanced treatment of fundamental combustion processes. Conservation equations for reacting gas mixtures. The structure of one-dimensional diffusion and premixed flames; introduction to activation energy asymptotics. Two-dimensional Burke-Schumann flames and boundary layer combustion. Flame instabilities and flame stretch; turbulent combustion.

ME 589. Ecological Sustainability in Design and Manufacturing

A scientific basis for understanding and reducing the environmental impact of engineering design and manufacturing decision for a life cycle perspective. Environmental impact principles: air/water pollution, ozone depletion, global warming, resource sustainability. Life cycle assessment and environmentally conscious manufacturing of metals, plastics, and electronics products. Systems design metrics, disassembly, remanufacturing, recycling, policy considerations. Case studies include sustainable mobility, alternative energy sources, tooling and machining, refrigeration, electronics remanufacturing.

ME 599-1. Fundamentals of Energy Conversion

This course covers fundamentals of thermodynamics and chemistry as applied to energy systems. Topics include analysis of energy conversion with an emphasis on efficiency and environmental impact. The course will focus on the engineering fundamentals and chemical processes, as applied particularly in the current topics of interest such as combustion, fuel cells and other direct conversion systems, but encompassing also future forms of traditional systems.

MSE 501. Structure and Processing of Electrical Materials

Prerequisites: MSE 440 or EECS 314; 2 credits
The role of chemistry, structure, and processing in determining the properties of electrical materials.

NERS 442. Nuclear Power Reactor

Analysis of nuclear fission power systems including an introduction to nuclear reactor design, reactivity control, steady-state thermal-hydraulics and reactivity feedback, fuel cycle analysis and fuel management, and environmental impact and plant siting, and the student.

Systems Engineering Courses

CE 460. Design of Environmental Engineering Systems

Prerequisites: CEE 360; I; 3 credits
Design and theoretical understanding of environmental processes; biological, physical, and chemical processes, and reactor configurations commonly used for water quality control; applications to the design of specific water and wastewater treatment operations; discussion of pollution prevention and green engineering options.

Econ 435. Financial Economics

Prerequisites: Econ 401 and 405 or equivalent
This course introduces the economic analysis of financial markets and financial decision-making. Topics covered include asset pricing theory (the valuation of stocks, bonds and options), net present value analysis, portfolio management, and financial market organization and behavior. The course develops the capacity to analyze investment strategies and policy issues from the standpoint of economic theory (as often opposed to conventional wisdom). Our main objectives are to understand why the financial markets work the way they do, to develop useful tools for the analysis of investment opportunities, and to use economic methods to think critically about policy issues such as government regulation of financial markets and the taxation of investment returns.

Econ 574. Forecasting and Modeling

Prerequisites: Econ 503
This course investigates various economic forecasting techniques, with a primary focus on econometric modeling. A sequence of modeling topics is addressed, including model specification, data issues, model estimation and evaluation, simulation of model systems and policy simulation experiments. Special attention is given to preparing, generating, and adjusting forecasts. Alternative forecasting techniques (e.g., leading indicators, time series models, and judgment) are also briefly considered. Other topics include comparative forecasting performance, forecast services, and the current outlook. This course requires individual projects which emphasize on-line experience with modeling and forecasting techniques. (replaced by ME 563)

FIN 580. Options and Futures in Corporate Decision Making

Prerequisites: F551 or F552; 2.25 credits
This course introduces the student to options and futures and illustrates their use in the context of corporate decision making. Companies increasingly issue securities with features that resemble options or futures. Options and futures also play an important role in risk management. Many corporate decisions have built-in strategic options which need to be evaluated. Credit is granted for F580/F618 OR F619.

IOE 434. Human Error and Complex System Failures

Prerequisites: IOE 333 or IOE 536 or Permission of Instructor. II 3 credits
Introduction to a new systems-oriented approach to safety management and the analysis of complex system failures. The course covers a wide range of factors contributing to system failures: human perceptual and cognitive abilities and limitations, the design of modern technologies and interfaces, and biases in accident investigation and error analysis. Recent concepts in the area of high reliability organizations and resilience engineering are reviewed. Students perform systems analysis of actual mishaps and disasters in various domains, including various modes of transportation, process control, and health care.

IOE 452. Corporate Finance

Prerequisites: IOE 301/201. Economic Decision Making, IOE 365/265. Probability and Statistics for Engineers, IOE 310. Introduction to Optimization Methods or instructor's consent.
This course provides you with an understanding of financial valuation, investments, risk-return tradeoffs, and capital structure decisions. Learn about NPV and it applications, risk and return, market efficiency and financial securities, dividend policies and capital structure, options and their applications. This course is helpful to understand what is driving financial choices in your company. The course emphasizes corporate policies through fundamental financial principles applicable to personal finances as well.

IOE 453. Derivative Instruments

Prerequisites: IOE 201. Economic Decision Making, IOE 365/265. Probability and Statistics for Engineers or IOE 366. Linear Statistical Models, IOE 310. Introduction to Optimization Methods or instructor's consent.
This course provides you with a thorough understanding of the theory of the arbitrage-free derivatives pricing and to introduce you to the mathematical and numerical tools necessary for that. By the end of the semester you will learn about: 1. the basics of derivative securities and derivative securities markets; 2. mathematical and numerical tools required for implementing theoretical derivatives pricing models; 3. the use of derivative instruments for financial risk management and for financial engineering.

IOE 539 (Mfg 539). Occupational Safety Engineering

Prerequisites: IOE 265 or Biostat 500. I 3 credits
Design/modification of machinery/products to eliminate or control hazards arising out of mechanical, electrical, thermal, chemical, and motion energy sources. Application of retrospective and prospective hazard analysis, systems safety, expert systems and accident reconstruction methodologies. Case examples: industrial machinery and trucks, construction and agriculture equipment, automated manufacturing systems/processes.

NRE 527. Social Institutions for Energy Production

The goal of this course is to give students a solid grasp of the environmental and social impacts of, and the institutions that govern, energy use, so that you can play a more effective role in shaping future policy or business decisions. We will begin with basic scientific and technological facts regarding the major uses for and sources of energy. We will then study energy markets (including spot and future markets), and what they are capable of accomplishing; we will also study the ways energy markets may fail. This will lead into an overview of the role of government in influencing energy decisions, starting with a high-level perspective, and then working with a series of case studies that examine in depth what government has accomplished in the area of energy policy. The course will wrap up with several current policy/business issues such as renewable portfolio standards, markets for renewable energy credits, and integrating the transportation sector into a cap-and-trade system for greenhouse gas emissions.

NRE 574. Sustainable Energy Systems (same as Public Policy 519)

This course examines the production and consumption of energy from a systems perspective. Sustainability is examined by studying global and regional environmental impacts, economics, energy efficiency, consumption patterns and energy policy. First, the current energy system that encompasses resource extraction, conversion processes (e.g. electricity generation) and end-uses (transportation, residential and commercial buildings, industrial sectors), is covered. Responses to current challenges such as declining fossil fuels, carbon sequestration, emerging technologies (e.g., renewable sources: biomass, wind and photvoltaics; fuel cells) and end-use efficiency and conservation. This is a cross-disciplinary course that draws students from across campus including (but not limited to) SNRE, Engineering, Business, LS&A, RC, Architecture and Public Policy.

Energy Specialization Courses

Aero 464. (AOSS 464) (ENSCEN 464) The Space Environment

Prerequisites: senior or graduate standing in a physical science or engineering. I 3 credits
An introduction to physical and aeronomical processes in the space environment. Discussion of theoretical tools, the Sun, solar spectrum, solar wind, interplanetary magnetic field, planetary magnetosphere, ionospheres and upper atmospheres. Atmospheric processes, densities, temperatures, and wind.

Aero 533. (ENSCEN 533) Combustion Processes

Prerequisites: Aero 225. 3 credits
This course covers the fundamentals of combustion systems, and fire and explosion phenomena. Topics covered include thermochemistry, chemical kinetics, laminar flame propagation, detonations and explosions, flammability and ignition, spray combustion, and the use of computer techniques in combustion problems.

Aero 535. Rocket Propulsion

Analysis of liquid and solid propellant rocket power plants; propellant thermochemistry, heat transfer, system considerations. Low-thrust rockets, multi-stage rockets, trajectories in powered flight, electric propulsion.

Aero 536. Electric Propulsion

Introduction to electric propulsion with an overview of electricity and magnetism, atomic physics, non-equilibrium flows and electrothermal, electromagnetic, and electrostatic electric propulsion systems.

Aero 633. Advanced Combustion

Thermodynamics of gas mixtures, chemical kinetics, conservation equations for multi-component reacting gas mixtures, deflagration and detonation waves. Nozzle flows and boundary layers with reaction and diffusion.

AUTO 563. Dynamics and Controls of Automatic Transmissions

Prerequisites: Graduate Standing or permission of instructor. II alternate years. 3 credits (Distance Learning)
Automatic transmission is a key element of automotive vehicles for improved driving comfort. This course will introduce the mechanisms, design and control of modern transmissions systems. The emphasis will be on the dynamic control design, analysis and synthesis problems.

ChemE 496/696. Hydrogen Technology: Production and Storage

The course is aimed at students interested in the fundamental science and engineering of hydrogen production, hydrogen storage methods and materials, and hydrogen utilization. There will be emphasis on advanced concepts in catalysis for reforming, water gas shift, and preferential oxidation of hydrocarbons.

ChemE 486/696. Fuel Processors and Fuel Cells

The course is aimed at students interested in the fundamental science and engineering of fuel processors, and fuel cells. There will be emphasis on advanced concepts in catalysis for reforming, water gas shift, and preferential oxidation of hydrocarbons, and fuel cell electrode catalysts.

ChemE 567. Chemical Kinetics

Chemical Kinetics is the study of the rates and mechanisms of systems undergoing chemical change. The extraction of rate data from reacting systems and the utilization of such data in other reacting systems is central to chemistry in the laboratory and in the practical worlds of combustion science, atmospheric science, and chemical synthesis. This course introduces the treatment of complex chemical systems and fundamental ideas about chemical reaction rates in gases and in solutions. Computer software is utilized to treat complex reaction systems.

ChemE 528. Chemical Reactor Engineering

Analysis of kinetic, thermal, diffusive, and flow factors on reactor performance. Topics include batch, plug flow, backmix reactors, empirical rate expressions, residence time analysis, catalytic reactions, stability, and optimization.

ChemE 628. Industrial Catalysis

Theoretical and experimental aspects of heterogeneous catalysis and surface science. Design, preparation, and characterization of catalysts. Kinetics of heterogeneous catalytic reactions, thermal and diffusional effects in catalytic reactors. Case studies of important industrial catalytic processes.

EECS 411. Microwave Circuits I

Prerequisites: EECS 330; I; 4 credits
Transmission-line theory, microstrip and coplanar lines, S-parameters, signal-flow graphs, matching networks, directional couplers, low-pass and band-pass filters, diode detectors. Design, fabrication, and measurements (1-10GHz) of microwave-integrated circuits using CAD tools and network analyzers.

EECS 423. Solid-State Device Laboratory

Prerequisites: EECS 320; I; 4 credits
Semiconductor material and device fabrication and evaluation: diodes, bipolar and field-effect transistors, passive components. Semiconductor processing techniques: oxidation, diffusion, deposition, etching, photolithography. Lecture and laboratory. Projects to design and simulate device fabrication sequence.

EECS 425. Integrated Microsystems Laboratory

Prerequisites: EECS 320, EECS 427; II; 4 credits
Integrated circuit fabrication; mask design, photographic reduction; photoresist application, exposure, development, and etching; oxidation; diffusion; metal film deposition by evaporation and sputtering; die bonding, wire bonding, and encapsulation; testing of completed integrated circuits.

EECS 427. VLSI Design I

Prerequisites: EECS 270 and EECS 311; I, II; 4 credits
Design techniques for rapid implementations of very large-scale integrated (VLSI) circuits, MOS technology and logic. Structured design. Design rules, layout procedures. Design aids: layout, design rule checking, logic, and circuit simulation. Timing. Testability. Architectures for VLSI. Projects to develop and lay out circuits.

EECS 514. Advanced MEMS Devices and Technologies

Prerequisites: EECS 414. II; 4 credits
Advanced micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) devices and technologies. Transduction techniques, including piezoelectric, electrothermal, and resonant techniques. Chemical, gas, and biological sensors, microfluidic and biomedical devices. Micromachining technologies such as laser machining and microdrilling, EDM, materials such as SiC and diamond. Sensor and actuator analysis and design through CAD.

EECS 515. Integrated Microsystems

Prerequisites: EECS 414. I; 4 credits
Review of interface electronics for sensors and drive and their influence on device performance, interface standards, MEMS and circuit noise sources, packaging and assembly techniques, testing and calibration approaches, and communication in integrated microsystems. Applications, including RF MEMS, optical MEMS, bioMEMS, and microfluidics. Design project using CAD and report preparation.

EECS 529. Semiconductor Lasers and LEDs

Prerequisites: EECS 429; I; 3 credits
Optical processes in semiconductors, spontaneous emission, absorption gain, stimulated emission. Principles of light-emitting diodes, including transient effects, spectral and spatial radiation fields. Principles of semiconducting lasers; gain-current relationships, radiation fields, optical confinement and transient effects.

ME 438. Internal Combustion Engines

Prerequisites: ME 336 or permission of instructor. I; 4 credits
Analytical approach to the engineering problem and performance analysis of internal combustion engines. Study of thermodynamics, combustion, heat transfer, friction and other factors affecting engine power, efficiency, and emissions. Design and operating characteristics of different types of engines. Computer assignments. Engine laboratories.

ME 458. Automotive Engineering

Prerequisites: ME 350. I, II; 3 credits (Distance Learning)
Emphasizes systems approach to automotive design. Specific topics include automotive structures, suspension steering, brakes, and driveline. Basic vehicle dynamics in the performance and handling modes are discussed. A semester team based design project is required.

ME 559. Smart Materials and Structures

Prerequisites: EECS 210 or equivalent; I alternate years; 3 credits (Technical Breadth)
This course will cover theoretical aspects of smart materials, sensors and actuator technologies. It will also cover design, modeling and manufacturing issues involved in integrating smart materials and components with control capabilities to engineering smart structures.

ME 631. Statistical Thermodynamics

Introduction to statistical methods for evaluating thermodynamic and transport properties. Elements of quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and kinetic theory, as applied to engineering thermodynamics.

MSE 693. Nanostructured Materials for Energy Conversion and Storage

The course will focus on nanomaterials design and processing approaches to enhanced performance photovoltaics, thermoelectrics, and fuel cells.

Required Courses

ESENG 501. Seminars on Energy Systems, Technology, and Policy

Leaders in policy and energy systems engineering discuss cutting-edge technologies and critical barriers in their disciplines. The aim of the seminar series is to provide a view of challenges at multiples scales in developing and implementing new technologies. The impact of energy policy is also a topic of interest, along with the need to create sustainable energy systems.

ESENG 503. Energy Systems Engineering Project

Prerequisites: ESE 501 or permission of instructor, mandatory satisfactory/unsatisfactory 3 credit
Students will carry out a project in interdisciplinary teams, and where possible in conjunction with an internship held during the summer with an industrial or governmental sponsor. A faculty member will follow the progress and serve as an advisor to the project teams.

ESENG 505 (MECHENG 571). Energy Generation and Storage Using Modern Materials

Prerequisites: MECHENG 382 and MECHENG 335 or equivalents 3 credits
Energy and power densities previously unattainable in environmentally-friendly energy technologies have been achieved through use of novel materials. Insertion of new materials into power supplies has changed the landscape of options. Design strategies for power systems are described, in the context of growing global demand for power and energy.

ESENG 599. Special Topics in Energy Systems Engineering

Prerequisites: permission of instructor
Selected topics in Energy Systems Engineering program.