Framework for Interdisciplinary Power Systems Education for Engineering and Environment Students

A new cross-faculty course was developed for engineering and environment students at the University of Waterloo. This offers an interdisciplinary learning experience in line with the institution’s vision for collaboration in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges, including the climate catastrophe. The course aimed to equip students to better appreciate the interconnectedness and complexity of real-world energy projects. The STEEP framework was created to aid students to systematically consider social, technical, environmental, economic, and policy factors. A case study in using the STEEP model for wind power is presented. Overall, students responded with positive feedback and appreciated the structure that the STEEP framework provided. Students applied the STEEP framework in a couple of group assignments. Planned improvements for future course offerings include: more technical content; streamlined readings; short reflection papers; soft skill training; and increased interaction between engineering and environment students.