We offer interesting and thought-provoking online courses, taught by our faculty. University of Minnesota students can fulfill their required liberal education credits completely online.
Online course topics include:
- Renewable energy
- Renewable resources
- Renewable materials
- Food sustainability
- Water sustainability
- Recycling
Registration and list of online courses
You do not need to be a University of Minnesota student to enroll in our online courses. They are available for everyone.
BBE 1002: Biorenewable Resources
Learn the environmental, technological, social, and economic implications of the use of biorenewable, wood- and agriculture-based biomass resources and products.
- Available in fall and spring
- Meets Technology & Society designated liberal education theme
BBE 2201: Renewable Energy and the Environment
Cover elements of renewable energy technologies and policies as well as the social, environmental, and economic effects of using renewable and non-renewable sources.
- Available in fall, spring, summer
- Meets Technology & Society designated liberal education theme
- Go to BBE 2201 course website
BBE 3201: Sustainability of Food Systems: A Life Cycle Perspective
Reviews the consequences and diversity of global food system and current topics in food sustainability.
- Available in fall, spring, summer
- Meets Global Perspective designated liberal education theme
BBE 4001: Chemistry of Biomass and Biomass Conversion to Fuel and Products
Learn the application of chemical principles to sustainable utilization of biomass for renewable materials, chemicals, plastics, energy, and other products.
- Available in fall
- Meets Environment designated liberal education theme
BBE 4305 / 5305: Pulp and Paper Technology
Learn about pulp and paper manufacturing and applications.
- Available in spring
SSM 3301: Global Water Resource Use and Sustainability
Is water a birthright? Explore the many facets of water, Earth’s most abundant resource. Examine the complexities of scarcity, water quality, and protection.
- Available in fall, spring
- Meets Environment designated liberal education theme
SSM 3503/5503: Marketing of Bio-based Products
Intro to marketing function as it relates to current/emerging bio-based products industries (building materials, paper, fuels, etc.).
- Available in fall
ESPM 3601: Sustainable Housing: Community, Environment, and Technology
Learn the role of technology, environment, and community on sustainable housing.
- Available in fall, spring
- Meets Technology & Society designated liberal education theme
ESPM 3605 / 5605: Recycling: Extending Raw Materials
Learn the principles and practice of recycling and the impact of technology, energy, and environment for sustainable material utilization.
- Available in spring
- Meets Technology & Society designated liberal education theme