Course Syllabus
Contact Information
Instructor Bio
Dr. Lopez has 20 years of experience at the crossroads of energy and sustainability. She has worked for the private sector, goverment, academia and inter-govermental organizations. She enjoys solving and helping others solve highly complex problems. Dr. Lopez research interests lie in the fields of the energy transition, renewable energy, low carbon energy, and making climate change a thing of the past.
Advanced Research Project Agencies (ARPAs) have been part of her career portfolio. Worked for a DARPA-sponsored project leading the integration of technologies to produce sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) for military applications. Also, for ARPA-E developing new visionary energy programs related to electric aviation, critical energy infrastructure like large power transformers, critical materials for the energy transition, and circularity.
Dr. Lopez holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) focused in Chemical Engineering from Clemson University and BS in Chemical Engineering from UCA. She has been able to combine professional activities with teaching. The university courses that she has taught are Low-Carbon Energy Markets, Environmental Sustainability, Introduction to Chemical Engineering, Fluid Mechanics, Materials Science, Solid Mechanics (Dynamics), Wastewater Treatment, Introduction to Renewable Energy, Engineering Economy, Chemical Technology, Introduction to Bioengineering, First Year Experience, and Technical Scientific Writing. While a student, she served as a teaching assistant for Engineering Graphics, General Chemistry I & II, Solid Mechanics (Dynamics) and Separations. In high school, her peers sought her out as an instructor for Statistics, one of her favorite subjects. This is when she learned that she could be of service in education.
As part of her professional activities, she participates in merit review boards and peer-reviews for scientific journals. She also serves as the chair of two AIChE Environmental Division sessions on "Design & Analysis of Carbon Capture and Negative Emissions Technologies."
Low-Carbon Energy Markets (LCEM) Course Details
Course Prerequisites
Students should have a working knowledge of PowerPoint or other presentation software. Students will record their final project presentation as either an audio or video podcast/interview. The Perusall software will be used to annotate readings, leaving comments and/or summaries of the readings.
Course Materials
Required Readings: Readings, lectures, materials, and software are provided by the instructor through Canvas.
Optional Textbook: The Energy System Technology, Economics, Markets, and Policy by Travis Bradford. Purchasing this book is suggested (but not required) for students, it is a good resource book for understanding the energy system.
Grade Breakdown
| Activity | Description | Points/Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Module Quizzes | Quizzes serve as a knowledge check and can be re-taken multiple times for increasing score (and practice). | 24% |
| Case Studies | Assigned case studies will be annotated by students using the Perusall software. | 24% |
| Market Research | This activity involves research, review and analysis of low-carbon energy news, articles, reports and case studies and will help scaffold the creation of both the midterm report and final course project (interview). | 15% |
| Course Participation | This will include participation in the discussion boards and the live sessions (or makeup activity in lieu of participation in the live session). | 5% |
| Midterm Report | This report is a mid-point, preliminary Q&A report that should summarise progress towards completion of the final project. | 12% |
| Final Project | This culminating activity will be a recorded interview focusing on predicting the state of an LCEM in a specific geographical region. | 15% |
| Course Reflection | Written reflection on the course learning activities and your progress toward the course outcomes. | 5% |
| Total | 100% |
Grade Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 90–100% | A |
| 80–89% | B |
| 70–79% | C |
| 60–69% | D |
| Below 60% | F |
Course Components
Module Quizzes
After you have reviewed the materials in each module, you will be prompted to complete an assessment. The assessment is a multiple-choice quiz that can be taken as many times as you like. You are welcome to use the course materials while taking the assessment, like printed slides for each video lecture with your notes. The objective of the quizzes is to keep you on track with reviewing the modules of this course. So, please be mindful that quizzes have deadlines! The module quiz will no longer be available for you to take for credit after the deadline.
Case Studies
At various points throughout the term, you'll be task with reading a case study (like a market report, policy insights report, or an article) from authoritative source. These readings will be provided to you through the Perusall app in Canvas. Everyone is expected to read all assigned texts and to use critical thinking to annotate these through the social annotation platform (Perusall). Groups of students will take turns leading the class through a summary and discussion of these articles during the Live Sessions. You will be graded on:
- Social Annotations: The insightful questions and helpful comments that you contribute to each article. You are required to make at least three (3) annotations. How will these annotations be evaluated? scoring-example annotations in Perusall.pdf
- Student-led Summaries and Discussions in the Live Sessions: At the end of the Live Session, you will be placed in breakout rooms. Your group will need to use critical thinking to (a) summarize the themes (highlights) of the discussion from the article annotations, (b) connect the article to the course content or industry, and (c) generate discussion/participate in Q&A.
Market Research
The objective of this activity is to help you continuously scaffold the creation of the midterm report and final course project (the interview). This is an individual activity that involves research, review and analysis of energy news, articles, market reports, documentaries, journal articles, etc. Throughout the term of this course, you will be task with researching the different angles of the energy system (e.g.,markets, technology, economics, policy, and ESG factors) according to the topic of your final project (that you would have previously selected). The instructor will provide each student with feedback on these assignments, so that it can be incorporated in the midterm report and the final project interview. Each summary should have a length of no more than two (2) pages, doubled-space.
Course Participation
To get the most out of this course, it is essential to engage deeply with the course resources and to participate meaningfully in course activities. Learning does not happen in a vacuum. It requires you to interact with the instructional materials, your peers, and your instructor. To that end, your participation throughout the term will factor into your overall grade. This score will be comprised of the two main activities below:
- Canvas Discussion Board: As you watch the module videos and review the resources provided in this course, identify a few questions or issues you'd like to discuss further. Share these on the provided discussion board in the corresponding module in Canvas. You can also get participation points by helping to answer or critically discussing other students questions/issues. The instructor will choose items from the discussion board to further discuss during the Live Session.
- Live Session Attendance: Join Live Session in real time or watch the recording and do the makeup assignment.
Midterm Report
This report should summarise progress on the preparation of the final project. The report should contain, specifically, a preliminary Q&A of the final project interview. This report should address instructor feedback provided to the student under the 'market research' activity. You will be graded individually.
Final Project (the Interview)
This culminating activity will be a recorded interview of yourself focusing on predicting the state of an LCEM in a specific region in 2024. Based on your own interest, you will be allowed to select one low-carbon energy (e.g., nuclear) and a geographical region (e.g., Norway). Yes, I will know if you are selecting a Netflix show (like 'Occupied'). I will let you choose what is fun, useful and engaging to you! You will submit a pre-recorded, 10-15 minute (max.) interview as your final deliverable at the end of the course. Note that video is optional, you may choose instead to do a podcast-style interview. The instructor will publish the interview in our 'Final Project' module in Canvas for the class to be able to access, watch and comment on it, as an optional participation activity (please email the instructor in case you need this extra credit on or before the project deadline).
Course Reflection Paper
In this short paper, you are asked to integrate and apply what you have learned from this course and relate it to other courses in the program, your career and to the industry in general. Please note that you do not need to wait until the end of the term to start reflecting on this course. A useful habit is to briefly journal your preconceptions before starting each module. You may use the introductions to the videos in each module to guide you through the reflection process.
Course Policies
Communication
The instructor can be reached via email at Dora.E.Lopez.De.Alonzo-1@ou.edu. Please allow for two (2) business days for a response.
Late Policy
We will follow the Make-Up Day policy which is a late work policy that allows submission of missed work (for up to full credit on the assignment) during the immediatly following 24-hour period of a scheduled assignement deadline. Please make sure to notify the instructor of any anticipated late work.
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Land Acknowledgement
Long before the University of Oklahoma was established, the land on which the University now resides was the traditional home of the “Hasinais” Caddo Nation and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes.
We acknowledge this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa and Osage nations. Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Native people.
The University of Oklahoma recognizes the historical connection our university has with its indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgment is aligned with our university’s core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up our entire OU Community.
Course Catalog
Search the OU Course Catalog.
Student Handbook
Please familiarize yourself with the OU Student Handbook.
Student Support Services
OU offers a variety of services to support students. For more information, please refer to the Student Support Module in your Orientation course.
Online Library
Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.
Copyright Statement and Privacy Information
Sessions of this course may be recorded or live-streamed. These recordings are the intellectual property of the individual faculty member and may not be shared or reproduced without the explicit, written consent of the faculty member. In addition, privacy rights of others such as students, guest lecturers, and providers of copyrighted material displayed in the recording may be of concern. Students may not share any course recordings with individuals not enrolled in the class or upload them to any other online environment.
Academic Integrity
As a member of the OU community, it is your responsibility to protect your educational investment by knowing and following the rules. The Student Code is available from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, and is contained in the Student's Guide to Academic Integrity.
Academic honesty is incredibly important within this course. Cheating is strictly prohibited at the University of Oklahoma, because it devalues the degree you are working hard to get. Should you know of someone else engaging in academic misconduct, please report it to your instructor or directly to the Office of Academic Integrity. Your instructor has a professional obligation to report academic misconduct.
In addition to the course conduct policies outlined by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook.
Religious Observance
It is the policy of the University to excuse the absences of students that result from religious observances and to reschedule examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays, without penalty. [See Faculty Handbook 3.15.2].
Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities
The Accessibility and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is committed to supporting students with disabilities to ensure that they are able to enjoy equal access to all components of their education. This includes your academics, housing, and community events. Please review OU's Accessibility Policy.
If you are experiencing a disability, a mental/medical health condition that has a significant impact on one or more life functions, you can receive accommodations to provide equal access. Possible disabilities include but are not limited to learning disabilities, AD(H)D, mental health, and chronic health. Additionally, we support students with temporary medical conditions (broken wrist, shoulder surgery, etc.) and pregnancy.
To discuss potential accommodations, please contact the ADRC at 730 College Avenue, (phone) 405-325-3852, or adrc@ou.edu.
Title IX Resources
Anyone who has been impacted by gender-based violence, including dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, harassment, and sexual assault, deserves access to resources so that they are supported personally and academically.
The University of Oklahoma is committed to offering resources to those impacted, including: speaking with someone confidentially about your options, medical attention, counseling, reporting, academic support, and safety plans. If you would like to speak with someone confidentially, please contact OU Advocates (available 24/7 at 405-615-0013) or another confidential resource (see "Can I make an anonymous report?").
You may also choose to report gender-based violence and discrimination through other means, including by contacting the Institutional Equity Office (ieo@ou.edu, 405-325-3546) or the police (911).
Because the University of Oklahoma is committed to the safety of you and other students, I, as well as other faculty, Graduate Assistants, and Teaching Assistants, are mandatory reporters. This means that we are obligated to report gender-based violence that has been disclosed to us to the Institutional Equity Office. This includes disclosures that occur in class discussions, writing assignments, discussion boards, emails, and during Student/Office Hours.
For more information, please visit the Institutional Equity Office.
Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth Related Issues
Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss your options. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability. Learn more about the rights of pregnant and parenting students by consulting the FAQ sheets provided by the Institutional Equity Office.
Mental Health Support Services
If you are experiencing any mental health issues that are impacting your academic performance, counseling is available at the University Counseling Center (UCC). The Center is located on the second floor of the Goddard Health Center, at 620 Elm Rm. 201, Norman, OK 73019. To schedule an appointment, call 405-325-2911. For more information, please visit the University Counseling Center.
Final Exam Preparation Period
Pre-finals week will be defined as the seven calendar days before the first day of finals. Faculty may cover new course material throughout this week. For specific provisions of the policy please refer to OU's Final Exam Preparation Period policy.
Required Policies for Students On Campus
Emergency Protocol
During an emergency, there are official university procedures that will maximize your safety.
Severe Weather: If you receive an OU Alert to seek refuge or hear a tornado siren that signals severe weather:
- Look for severe weather refuge location maps located inside most OU buildings near the entrances
- Seek refuge inside a building. Do not leave one building to seek shelter in another building that you deem safer. If outside, get into the nearest building.
- Go to the building’s severe weather refuge location. If you do not know where that is, go to the lowest level possible and seek refuge in an innermost room. Avoid outside doors and windows.
- Get in, Get Down, Cover Up.
- Wait for official notice to resume normal activities.
Additional Weather Safety Information is available through the Department of Campus Safety.
Severe Weather Preparedness Video
Armed Subject/Campus Intruder
If you receive an OU Alert to shelter-in-place due to an active shooter or armed intruder situation or you hear what you perceive to be gunshots:
- Avoid: If you believe you can get out of the area without encountering the armed individual, move quickly towards the nearest building exit, move away from the building, and call 911.
- Deny: If you cannot flee, move to an area that can be locked or barricaded, turn off lights, silence devices, spread out, and formulate a plan of attack if the shooter enters the room.
- Defend: As a last resort fight to defend yourself. For more information, visit:
OU's Emergency Preparedness site
Shots Fire on Campus Procedure
Fire Alarm/General Emergency
If you receive an OU Alert that there is danger inside or near the building, or the fire alarm inside the building activates:
- Leave the building. Do not use the elevators.
- Know at least two building exits
- Assist those that may need help
- Proceed to the emergency assembly area
- Once safely outside, Notify first responders of anyone that may still be inside the building due to mobility issues.
- Wait for official notice before attempting to re-enter the building.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|