Term Paper Projects and Oral Presentations
In the interest of students becoming knowledgeable and conversant in an area outside of their field of thesis or other prior research, term papers have been incorporated as part of the Sustainable Energy curriculum. Term papers are intended to be an enjoyable learning experience in which students become familiar with the technical, economic, political, and environmental issues associated with the topic that they are exploring. This is a semester long, individual effort, culminating in the submission and presentation of the student's term paper topic at the end of the semester. As stated in the general information sheet, the term paper and accompanying presentation represent 40% of the final grade for this course. Guidelines for this part of the course are as follows:
Students will pick a topic and submit it to the faculty for review using the Term Paper selection form: (PDF)
Topics should be outside of the student's own area of thesis or prior research.
A list of example topics is attached. (PDF)
Students will work on researching the topic over the course of the semester.
Students will submit a term paper on their topic
20-30 pages in length with short abstract and in referenced research paper format
Explore the technical, economic, political, and environmental issues
Students will give a presentation on their topic
30 minutes (including 10 minutes for questions) and should be of professional quality
Computer or xerox generated overhead projection viewgraphs should be used
Students should display good public speaking and presentation skills
Students will be dressed professionally, e.g. coat and tie/dress
Timelines
Projects Table.| SES # | ACTIVITY DUE |
|---|
| R1 | Students begin thinking about term paper projects; term paper topic selection sheets are handed out. |
| TBL4 | Last day for students to submit term paper topic selection sheets; students may submit sheets earlier if they have a good idea about what they would like their topic to be. Can submit by e-mail. |
| L9 | Feedback from faculty on term paper topics; students with approved topic begin research; students requiring revision of their topics work with faculty members to suitably define a topic. |
| L12-L13 | 1 page outline of term paper/presentation due (meet with advisor prior to one day before) |
| L31 | Term Paper due (1 paper copy + electronic version) |
| Final Exam Week | Term Paper Presentations |
Final Presentation and Paper Revision Guidelines
Final presentations for 10.391 will take place during final exam week. You are welcome to attend any presentation that interests you.
The final oral presentation component of the semester is worth 15% of the final grade in the course. Presentation slots are 30 minutes long. Presentations are expected to be
- 20 minutes total, leaving 10 minutes for questions and set-up/takedown
- Of professional quality:
- Computer or overhead projection viewgraphs will be used
- Students will display good public speaking and presentation skills
- Students will be dressed professionally, e.g. coat and tie/dress/suit
If you plan to use a computer presentation, please plan to bring your own laptop or borrow one from the libraries.
The version of your paper submitted on L31 will be returned to you in class on 34. You should address the feedback in your presentation.
Presentations will be graded as follows
Presentations table.| ACTIVITIES | PERCENTAGES |
|---|
| Clarity and Organization of Presentation | 30% |
| Presentation Materials (Slides, Transparencies, Handouts) | 30% |
| Analysis and Conclusions/Recommendations | 30% |
| Professional Appearance and Manner | 10% |
Sample Student Presentation Topics
Carbon Sequestration Technologies
Wind Power in France
Diagnostics of Blackouts - Implications for More Robust Grids in the Future
Non-proliferation and Growth of Nuclear Fuels: Iran
Sustainability of Ethanol and Other Biofuels
Sustainable H2 Production from Next Generation Nuclear Plants
Hydrogen - Fuel for the Future?
Role of Microfinancing in Off-grid Development in Poor Areas
Universal Heat Mining
Thermophotovoltaics
LNG Terminal Siting
Solar Power Satellites
Future Sustainable Suburban Lifestyle?
Wind Projects: Lessons Learned
Concentrating Solar Power
Coal Bed Methane as NG Source
Eco-concrete? Opportunities and Challenges
Turbine Selection Issues for Wind
Sequestration and Impacts on Carbon Trading Markets
Tidal Energy
Future for Next Generation of Nuclear Power Plants
Biomass for Carbon Sequestration
Ethanol Experience in Brazil, US
Green Buildings Unplugged, Ultimate Frontier of Sustainability
Biodiesel as a Commodity
Ethanol Experience in Brazil and US
Tidal Energy Harvesting
Distributed Energy Generation
PURPA and Lessons for the Future
How Much Oil is there?
Future of the Yucca Mountain Repository
Future of Breeder Reactors
Geothermal in Ireland
Opportunities and Barriers for Electric Vehicles
Push-Pull Policies to Promote Renewable Energy
Implementation of co-gen/CHP