Subject Listings

Provides a technical introduction to decarbonizing building energy systems via the fundamentals of thermal energy networks. Introductory lectures with required field trips to three Net Zero sites in the Boston area provide first-hand experience with the technologies and systems involved in building decarbonization (transportation is arranged and free). All field trips take place during class sessions.

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Opportunity for independent study under regular supervision by a staff member. Projects require prior approval, as well as a written proposal and final report. Students work with international community partners to continue developing projects, focusing on one or more issues in education, design, or public service. Final presentations and written reflection required. May be repeated for credit for a maximum of 12 units.

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Explores gender roles, illuminates the power dynamics and root causes of inequality, and provides a framework for understanding gender dynamics. Develops skills to conduct a gender analysis and integrate gender-sensitive strategies into large- and small-scale development solutions. Prompts critical discussion about social, economic, and political conditions that shape gender in development (particularly design and implementation of appropriate technology) as well as agricultural and job creation initiatives. In project development workshops students apply key tools to real-life situations, e.g., providing a gender analysis and making recommendations on how to incorporate gender considerations into an existing organization; developing programs in low-income communities; or building a gender component to be incorporated in a new initiative. Opportunities may be available for international fieldwork over IAP. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. Limited to 12; must attend first class session. (Meets with EC.718J/ WGS.277J)

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Provides the opportunity to gain direct fieldwork experience in a global context. Subject spans three-four weeks in which students continue work from a prior D-Lab subject. Students work directly with international community partners to find solutions to real world problems, focusing on one or more issues in education, design, or public service. Group presentations and written reflection required.

Prereq: One D-Lab subject and permission of instructor

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Explores the role innovation can and does play in how humanitarian aid is provided, and how it can impact people, products, and processes. Provides a fundamental background in the history and practice of humanitarian aid. Considers the various ways that design can be used to enhance aid, such as product and system design for affected populations, co-creation with affected populations, and capacity building to promote design by refugees and the displaced. Case studies and projects examine protracted displacement as well as recovery and resettlement, including efforts in Colombia, Lebanon, Nepal, Sudan, and Uganda. Potential for students to travel over the summer to partner communities.

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This course explores Thermal Energy Networks (TEN) drawing inspiration from local and North American expertise, with lectures based on leading professional association trainings (IDEA, California Geo, ASHRAE) including the IGSHPA Certified GeoExchange Designer (CGD) course. It will cover both fundamental topics (air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, geo-exchange, thermal energy storage, waste heat recovery), and advanced topics including TEN case studies of several leading campuses.

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Opportunity for independent study under regular supervision by a staff member. Projects require prior approval, as well as a written proposal and final report.

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Issues in international development, appropriate technology and project implementation addressed through lectures, case studies, guest speakers and laboratory exercises. Students form project teams to partner with community organizations in developing countries, and formulate plans for an optional IAP site visit. (Previous field sites include Ghana, Brazil, Honduras and India.) Recitation sections focus on specific project implementation, and include cultural, social, political, environmental and economic overviews of the target countries as well as an introduction to the local languages. Enrollment limited by lottery; must attend first class session. In-person not required. (Meets with Undergrad level EC.701J/ 11.025J)

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Look at the world with open eyes. Wonder. Question. Explore. Reflect.

Watch for the night sky, again and again, with your own eyes.  Catch a shadow; where is it next?  Spot something, move, view again.  Share observing activities with classmates, people in history and indigenous practices.  Construct geometry together.  Discover geometrical and human relations through diverse perspectives. Explore hands-on with instruments and methods from historical times. Listen to voices of others, now and in the past.   Examine injustice; question what produces and perpetuates it.  Build community that is relational, accepting, and antiracist.  Encourage each other’s curiosity, vulnerability and growth. 

Readings, journal, observations, collaborations, and a final reflective paper. Past projects include: following shadows; watching the sky; art projects with historical methods; making educational videos; collaborative experiments; conference presentations; enacting historical and feminist drama; MIT History… Whatever your interests, this is a place to explore them.

Your own story uncovers insights for educational research.

What will you notice and question, explore and express?

Contact: Elizabeth Cavicchi ecavicch@mit.edu

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An opportunity for undergraduates to participate in teaching and tutoring Center subjects and seminars. Students develop one-on-one teaching skills under the supervision of an Edgerton Center instructor.

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A hands-on, project-focused class that engages students through community-based approaches to advance the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 7, which seeks to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy. Teams work on off-grid energy projects related to lighting, cooking, agricultural productivity, or other solutions with pre-selected community partners. Project work includes assessment of user needs, technology identification, product design, prototyping, and implementation strategies for ongoing projects. Optional January site visits may be available to test and implement the solutions developed during the semester. In-person not required. (Meets with EC.712/ 2.652J  Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.)

Prerequisites: None, but students who have taken 2.651/EC.711/EC.791 D-Lab: Energy Fundamentals will be given preference. Enrollment limited to 20 students.

https://d-lab.mit.edu/courses/energy-applications

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Focuses on product development of technologies for people in less industrialized markets. Students work in interdisciplinary teams to develop previously established prototypes or technologies towards manufacturing-ready product designs. Topics are presented within the context of the developing world and include technology feasibility and scalability assessment; value chain analysis; product specification; design for affordability, manufacturability, usability, and desirability; and product testing and manufacturing at various scales. Lessons are experiential and case study-based; taught by instructors with field experience and by industry experts from product development consulting firms and the consumer electronics industry. In-person not required. (Meets with EC.729)

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