News - The University of Montana

Cycle the Rockies: Energy and Climate Change in Montana is a summer course offered through the Wild Rockies Field Institute for six University of Montana credits: three in RSCN 321 (Field Studies of Energy Systems in Montana) and three in EVST 311 (Field Studies of Climate Change). Students on this course explore Montana’s Great Plains and Rocky Mountains by bicycle while studying the ecological, social, and economicissues associated with energy production and use. Designed to blend academic and experiential learning, students on the course:

• Visit facilities using or producing biodiesel, wind energy, solar power, geothermal heating, and biofuels.
• Examine fossil fuel technologies and impacts at coalfields, power plants, and oil refineries.
• Tour a hydroelectric dam.
• Visit ranchers, land managers, and farmers who are facing the impacts of climate change along with various opportunities for energy production.
• Meet local and state officials working on state energy and climate policy.
• Explore “green” energy-efficient buildings in Billings and Central Montana.
• Talk with Glacier National Park scientists about the regional impacts of global warming.
• Read and discuss a wide selection of current articles on energy issues and climate change.
• Complete academic assignments designed to integrate our experiences and learning.
• Present experiences and learning in open forums using electronic media and public presentations.
• Participate in the filming of a documentary film about the course and energy and climate change.
• Become competent bicycle travelers.

Our choices of energy sources and consumption are some of the most critical decisions we will make as a society over the coming months and years. By course end the students will be armed with the knowledge, experience, and varied perspectives needed to play a positive role in shaping our energy system and future climate. This is our second year running the course. For daily weblogs from 2007 students, visit NewWest.net.   WILD ROCKIES FIELD INSTITUTE  The mission of the Wild Rockies Field Institute is to offer academically rigorous, field-based courses that help to develop engaged, informed citizens and strong leaders capable of addressing our society’s complex social and environmental issues. The University of Montana has partnered with WRFI since 1993 to provide affordable alternatives to traditional classroom academics in some of the most beautiful and interesting landscapes in the world. WRFI classes run from one to nine weeks and fulfill anywhere from 2 to 12 semester credits.