Transmission, Distribution, and Smart City Fundamentals
EXERM 4311 is offered this spring:
Course at a glance
- Fully online asynchronous course.
- Aimed at industry executives, environmental professionals, project managers, power producers and regulators, those working in government agencies, utility companies and energy agencies, as well as developers and investors interested in expanding their career or business with renewable energy.
- Course is applicable in the Renewable Energy Technology Certificate Program and Renewable Energy Essentials Series.
- Credentialed by the Foundational Technologies Institute (FTI), an independent organization, to meet standards of quality, practicality, and alignment to business needs.
What you will learn
By the end of this course, you should be able to:
- Describe the differences between major forms of thermal and renewable generation.
- Outline the basic process behind generators and the process of magnetic induction.
- Describe the different ways that geothermal, hydro, wind, and solar power is captured, converted, and utilized.
- Describe the differences between electricity transmission and distribution and what purpose these systems serve.
- Outline differences between alternating current transmission lines and high voltage direct current.
- Explain the impact of transmission losses and what stages of electricity transport result in the greatest efficiency losses.
- Detail the pros and cons of Smart Meters and provide an overview of how they can optimize smart grids.
Offered:
Take note:
- Assessment activities include discussions, assignments, and quizzes.
Apr 29, 2024May 12, 2024
Asynchronous online learning, eClass
14 hours of instruction
In asynchronous online courses, students are expected to move through the course material at the same pace as their peers, but there are no real-time virtual classroom sessions to attend. All components of this type of course are accessible through eClass, the University of Alberta’s eLearning management tool. format details

Your Instructor
Gabriel JohnID: gabriel-john
Gabriel John is a professional agrologist with extensive experience in program design and implementation in the areas of climate change, emissions management, clean energy, and emerging technologies. His government and academic work in the past decade has focused on developing strategic policies and innovative programs in the complex energy-environment nexus. Gabriel currently works on strategic environmental and sustainable energy policies and programs, including leading the development of policies relating to renewable development and the de-carbonization of the electricity sector.
Your Instructor
Jorge Osorio PinaID: jorge-osorio-pina
Class info
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This is an asynchronous online class.
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14 course hours in total
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Cost assistance: may be eligible for the Canada-Alberta Job Grant, the Canada Training Benefit, and the Skilled Immigrant Micro-Loan.
— view all 28 funding opportunities -
Please be advised that some of our courses fill quickly, early registration is encouraged to secure your spot. See our refunds, withdrawals & transfers policies for detailed information.
This course has no prerequisites
Students from all educational backgrounds welcome. You can register for this course without applying and enrolling in a program.
Take note:
- Assessment activities include discussions, assignments, and quizzes.
Currently counts towards:
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└ core course
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└ course option
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└14-hour course option
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└14-hour course option
Applicants intending to enrol in a program are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to lock in their course requirements since they are prone to change.
*If you are already enroled in this program, please refer to your specific program requirements as outlined at the time of your admission: Bear Tracks > Academic Advisement.
Looking for different course dates?
New course schedules are released each June and November.