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Graduate Course Proposal Form Submission Detail - IDS6207
Tracking Number - 4895

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Current Status: Approved by SCNS - 2014-11-01
Campus: Tampa
Submission Type: New
Course Change Information (for course changes only):
Comments: For Global Susta Program - to GC 5/13/14; Appd 5/19/14. to USF 5/20/14; to SCNS 5/28/14. Nmbr 6240 approved as 6207. Effective 11/1/14


Detail Information

  1. Date & Time Submitted: 2014-01-27
  2. Department:
  3. College: CS
  4. Budget Account Number:
  5. Contact Person: George Philippidis
  6. Phone: 8139749333
  7. Email: gphilippidis@usf.edu
  8. Prefix: IDS
  9. Number: 6207
  10. Full Title: Renewable Transportation Fuels
  11. Credit Hours: 3
  12. Section Type: C - Class Lecture (Primarily)
  13. Is the course title variable?: N
  14. Is a permit required for registration?: N
  15. Are the credit hours variable?: N
  16. Is this course repeatable?: N
  17. If repeatable, how many times?: 0
  18. Abbreviated Title (30 characters maximum): Renewable Fuels
  19. Course Online?: C - Face-to-face (0% online)
  20. Percentage Online: 0
  21. Grading Option: -
  22. Prerequisites: None
  23. Corequisites: None
  24. Course Description: The course will analyze the market status and prospects, the production technologies, the economics and finance, and the regulatory and environmental aspects of renewable transportation fuels with a focus on sustainable fuels from biomass and algae.

  25. Please briefly explain why it is necessary and/or desirable to add this course: Needed for new program/concentration/certificate
  26. What is the need or demand for this course? (Indicate if this course is part of a required sequence in the major.) What other programs would this course service? It is one of two courses required to establish a concentration in Renewable Energy in USF's M.A. program in Global Sustainability
  27. Has this course been offered as Selected Topics/Experimental Topics course? If yes, how many times? No
  28. What qualifications for training and/or experience are necessary to teach this course? (List minimum qualifications for the instructor.) - Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or closely related field

    - Proficiency in economics or finance

    - At least 15 years of experience in the renewable fuels sector

    - Experience in teaching

  29. Objectives: The course aims at providing energy practitioners with a good understanding of the technology and business issues of renewable transportation fuels, which are intended to power vehicles and aviation as the economy shift towards a greener and more sustainable basis.
  30. Learning Outcomes: - Assess the benefits, opportunities, and challenges of renewable fuels in today's economy

    - Comprehend the entire supply chain of renewable fuels

    - Understand the spectrum of technologies currently employed and under development for production of renewable fuels from biomass and algae

    - Study the economics of production of renewable fuels and sources of financing for such projects

    - Review logistical, infrastructure, and trade opportunities and barriers as renewable fuels become global commodities

  31. Major Topics: Global market status and future prospects; conventional renewable fuels (ethanol, biodiesel); biomass and algal resources; advanced biofuels and drop-in fuels; advanced production technologies (biochemical, thermochemical, algae); economics of production; project financing; infrastructure challenges; regulatory, environmental, and trade considerations.
  32. Textbooks: "Biofuels" by Wim Soetaert and Erick J. Vandamme (Wiley, 2009)

    ISBN: 978-0-470-02674-8

  33. Course Readings, Online Resources, and Other Purchases: In additional to chapters from the textbook, a number of pertinent readings (available online) will be assigned for each topic of the course and will be communicated to the students in advance via canvas. The readings will include peer-review publications, magazine articles, and technical and business reports.
  34. Student Expectations/Requirements and Grading Policy: Students are expected to complete the following requirements:

    - Midterm exam (35%)

    - Final exam (35%)

    - Research project (30%)

  35. Assignments, Exams and Tests: Textbook readings, online assigned readings, lectures, discussions, two exams, and a research project
  36. Attendance Policy: Course Attendance at First Class Meeting – Policy for Graduate Students: For structured courses, 6000 and above, the College/Campus Dean will set the first-day class attendance requirement. Check with the College for specific information. This policy is not applicable to courses in the following categories: Educational Outreach, Open University (TV), FEEDS Program, Community Experiential Learning (CEL), Cooperative Education Training, and courses that do not have regularly scheduled meeting days/times (such as, directed reading/research or study, individual research, thesis, dissertation, internship, practica, etc.). Students are responsible for dropping undesired courses in these categories by the 5th day of classes to avoid fee liability and academic penalty. (See USF Regulation – Registration - 4.0101,

    http://usfweb2.usf.edu/usfgc/ogc%20web/currentreg.htm)

    Attendance Policy for the Observance of Religious Days by Students: In accordance with Sections 1006.53 and 1001.74(10)(g) Florida Statutes and Board of Governors Regulation 6C-6.0115, the University of South Florida (University/USF) has established the following policy regarding religious observances: (http://usfweb2.usf.edu/usfgc/gc_pp/acadaf/gc10-045.htm)

    In the event of an emergency, it may be necessary for USF to suspend normal operations. During this time, USF may opt to continue delivery of instruction through methods that include but are not limited to: Blackboard, Elluminate, Skype, and email messaging and/or an alternate schedule. It’s the responsibility of the student to monitor Blackboard site for each class for course specific communication, and the main USF, College, and department websites, emails, and MoBull messages for important general information.

  37. Policy on Make-up Work: Late Work and Make-up Examinations:

    Automatic make-up examinations will be given ONLY for students involved in official University of South Florida activities (i.e. athletics, conferences, field trips, etc.). Students away on official USF business during scheduled exams must present a valid excuse on official University of South Florida stationary signed by the appropriate college personnel. No assigned work will be handed in after the last day of the grading period unless otherwise specified. Students missing examinations due to illness must verify their health problems with signed documentation from two acceptable corroborative sources (i.e. your doctor and your parents). Students needing to miss examinations due to chronic health conditions or to deaths in the family should consult with the instructor. Late assignments will not be accepted.

    Academic Misconduct:

    The University of South Florida policies apply to all aspects of this course. There is zero tolerance for cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty. The application project paper MUST include proper citation of sources, failure to do so will result in a grade of F. Any infringement will result in the maximum prosecution of the offender by the University of South Florida and may result in various consequences ranging from a course grade of zero to academic suspension.

    Student Disability Services:

    Students in need of academic accommodations for a disability may consult with the office of Services for Students with Disabilities to arrange appropriate accommodations. Students are required to give reasonable notice (typically 5 working days) prior to requesting an accommodation.

  38. Program This Course Supports: M.A. in Global Sustainability
  39. Course Concurrence Information: It could serve as an elective for various USF programs in engineering, business, and sciences


- if you have questions about any of these fields, please contact chinescobb@grad.usf.edu or joe@grad.usf.edu.