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    Alternative Energy Engineering: An Introduction
    In-person Program

    Alternative Energy Engineering: An Introduction

    by Brown Pre-College Programs

    Brown’s energy engineering course combines hands-on device construction with the study of renewable energy, efficiency, and the technical trade-offs behind climate solutions.

    Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens

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    Alternative Energy Engineering at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    Students completing grades 9-12

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 14-18

    Location / Region

    Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States

    Cost

    $4,482; $5,786

    Duration

    2 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Next deadline

    Not announced · Next cycle not announced

    Get next-cycle reminder
    EngineeringEnvironmental Science
    Accommodation: Single, double, or triple residence-hall rooms
    Meals: Residential: three daily; commuter: one
    Certificate / Outcome: Digital certificate; Course Performance Report
    Campus facilities: Libraries, fitness center, and pool
    Instructor: Craig Christensen
    Sessions / cadence: Monday-Friday, 12:15-3:05 p.m. Eastern Time
    Independent work: 2-3 hours of homework daily

    Alternative Energy Engineering summary

    This Brown University course explores how engines, motors, and renewable energy technologies turn energy into useful work. It connects engineering principles with environmental questions and the history of energy use.

    Students build devices and compare the benefits and limitations of different energy sources. It suits curious learners who enjoy practical science and want to question claims about climate solutions.

    What is Alternative Energy Engineering: An Introduction?

    Alternative Energy Engineering: An Introduction is a Brown University pre-college course exploring how energy becomes useful work. Students trace technological developments from steam engines to electric motors and turbines, then examine wind, water, solar, and geothermal energy.

    The course combines scientific discussion with laboratory or project work, including construction of energy-conversion devices. Its focus on efficiency and technical limitations helps students evaluate proposed energy solutions alongside their environmental implications.

    Why Succeed highlights Alternative Energy Engineering

    • Building motors and miniature vehicles gives abstract energy concepts a practical anchor.

    • The historical approach connects renewable energy questions with the technologies and fuel choices that shaped modern life.

    • Explicit attention to efficiency and trade-offs encourages students to test claims rather than accept appealing solutions at face value.

    • An instructor-written Course Performance Report offers a concrete record of engagement alongside completion recognition.

    Who is Alternative Energy Engineering for?

    Best for

    Students who enjoy building things and want to understand renewable energy through engineering, history, and environmental trade-offs.

    Not ideal if

    You need college credit or prefer a light-touch summer activity without daily classes and substantial independent work.

    Is Alternative Energy Engineering worth it?

    The strongest value is the combination of practical construction and critical comparison of energy technologies. Students can use that experience to test whether engineering and environmental energy questions hold their interest.

    It is a substantial financial commitment for a non-credit introduction. Brown explicitly states that Pre-College is not a prospecting program for undergraduate admission, so families should judge the learning experience rather than expect an admissions advantage.

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $4,482; $5,786; includes One two-week on-campus course., Residential: housing and three meals daily., Commuter: one dining-hall meal daily., Program activities and excursions., Fitness, athletic, and aquatics center access., Digital completion certificate after successful completion., Instructor-written Course Performance Report..

    Accommodation

    Single, double, or triple residence-hall rooms

    Meals

    Residential: three daily; commuter: one

    Provider details

    Review the Brown Pre-College Programs provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    2 weeks; Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

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    How much preparation does Alternative Energy Engineering need?

    Effort level

    High for a short introductory course.

    Best started

    Allow four to six weeks before a published application deadline for essays, records, testing, and family planning.

    Main challenge

    Balancing unfamiliar engineering concepts with independent study and campus responsibilities.

    Typical preparation

    • Refresh algebra, especially rearranging formulas and interpreting relationships between quantities.

    • Gather academic records and draft an original application essay about your curiosity or a meaningful new experience.

    • Plan transportation, health forms, and any accommodation requests well before the session.

    • Pack closed-toe shoes, long pants, and suitable shirts for laboratory and project work.

    Useful if

    You want to test an interest in energy engineering through practical work.

    What do students do on Alternative Energy Engineering?

    You investigate how energy is generated and converted, then use practical construction to understand devices and their limitations. The course moves from historical technologies toward renewable alternatives and their climate implications.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Identify types of energy and investigate how electricity is generated.

    2. 2

      Trace improvements in steam engines, combustion machines, electric motors, and turbines.

    3. 3

      Examine petroleum’s role in energy use and other modern products.

    4. 4

      Compare wind, water, solar, and geothermal energy approaches.

    5. 5

      Construct devices such as Stirling engines, motors, and miniature vehicles.

    6. 6

      Evaluate technical trade-offs and distinguish scientific analysis from unsupported energy claims.

    Alternative Energy Engineering dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Application deadline

    15 May 2026

    General Brown Pre-College application deadline.

    Reference date

    Alternative Energy Engineering: An Introduction (Course 10090)

    29 June-10 July 2026

    Monday-Friday, 12:15-3:05 p.m. Eastern Time; Sunday check-in precedes instruction.

    Reference date

    Alternative Energy Engineering: An Introduction (Course 10091)

    13-24 July 2026

    Monday-Friday, 12:15-3:05 p.m. Eastern Time; Sunday check-in precedes instruction.

    Reference date

    Applications open

    14 January 2026

    Brown Pre-College application cycle.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Complete grades 9-12 and meet Summer@Brown’s age requirements.

    • Be aged 14-18 by June 14, 2026.

    • Have a strong command of English.

    • Gain Brown Pre-College admission and enroll separately in the course.

    • Meet required in-person immunization and health-form requirements.

    • Follow laboratory/project attire rules.

    • Algebra familiarity is helpful, but not essential.

    How much does Alternative Energy Engineering cost?

    Program fee

    $4,482; $5,786 — Commuter; residential, for one two-week course.

    Funding or discounts

    • Course supplement: $100 — Additional charge for either course section.
    • Application fee: $80 — Non-refundable; eligible applicants may request a waiver.
    • Enrollment deposit: $500 — Non-refundable deposit required before course enrollment.
    • Scholarships: Sibley or PPSD — Separate application and citizenship, immigration, and school-enrollment restrictions apply.
    • Required insurance: $80 — Applies to international students and U.S. students without qualifying health coverage.

    What's included

    One two-week on-campus course., Residential: housing and three meals daily., Commuter: one dining-hall meal daily., Program activities and excursions., Fitness, athletic, and aquatics center access., Digital completion certificate after successful completion., Instructor-written Course Performance Report.

    How to apply to Alternative Energy Engineering

    1. 1

      Create one applicant account through Brown’s Student Portal.

    2. 2

      Complete the application form and write the required 250-500-word essay.

    3. 3

      Upload current and previous academic-year grades and any applicable English-proficiency results.

    4. 4

      Pay the $80 application fee or obtain an approved fee waiver.

    5. 5

      Monitor your portal and supply any requested additional materials.

    6. 6

      After admission, confirm your intended course before paying the $500 non-refundable deposit.

    7. 7

      Enroll separately in the eligible course section through your Student Portal.

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    What does Alternative Energy Engineering cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Energy and electricity

    Study energy types, their manipulation, and how electrical energy is generated.

    Engines, motors, and efficiency

    Trace steam engines, combustion machines, motors, and turbines through improvements in useful work and efficiency.

    Renewable energy

    Compare wind, water, solar, and geothermal approaches to replacing fossil fuels.

    Construction and climate trade-offs

    Build energy-conversion devices and examine their technical limitations alongside climate-related choices.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Alternative Energy Engineering?

    A typical day during the program.

    Course meetings

    Monday-Friday, 12:15-3:05 p.m. Eastern Time.

    Independent study

    Expect 2-3 hours of homework daily, scheduled independently around classes and activities.

    Residential check in

    Face-to-face check-in at 10 p.m.; remain on your floor until 6 a.m.

    Who teaches on Alternative Energy Engineering?

    Craig Christensen is the listed instructor for both course sections. Summer@Brown instructors offer office hours for discussing course content, assignments, and questions.

    Where do students stay on Alternative Energy Engineering?

    Residential plan

    • Residence-hall rooms: Single, double, or triple rooms include furniture, wireless internet, and cooling.
    • Three daily meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in Brown’s all-you-care-to-eat dining halls.
    • Residential support: Trained staff and Resident Assistants provide support, with nightly check-ins and staff on call 24/7.
    • Recreation and activities: Program activities, excursions, and fitness center and pool access are included.

    Non-residential plan

    • Commuter participation: Attend the same course and use campus resources and activities without a campus room assignment.
    • Daily meal access: One dining-hall meal per day is included; additional meals may be purchased.
    • Local transportation: Commuters receive RIPTA transit access with their Brown ID during the course.

    Students may explore Rhode Island independently under program rules; families should agree on a communication plan before arrival.

    What happens after Alternative Energy Engineering?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Build a foundation for further study of energy and environmental impacts.

    Develop practical familiarity with energy-conversion devices.

    Receive a Digital CeCertificate of Completion after successful completion.

    Receive an instructor-written Course Performance Report.

    The course is non-credit, and Brown Pre-College is not a prospecting program for undergraduate admission.

    Where does Alternative Energy Engineering take place?

    The course takes place on Brown University’s campus in Providence, Rhode Island. Families arrange transportation themselves, and check-in takes place at Sayles Hall on the Main Green on the Sunday before instruction begins.

    The published Sunday check-in window is 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Eastern Time.

    Alternative Energy Engineering FAQs

    You will study wind, water, solar, and geothermal energy, alongside fossil fuels and the history of electricity generation, engines, motors, and turbines.

    Algebra is helpful but not essential. It can help you express engineering concepts with formulas and model energy performance.

    The course includes hands-on construction of devices such as Stirling engines, electric motors, and air-powered or fuel-cell-driven miniature vehicles. Laboratory and project attire rules apply.

    No. Summer@Brown courses are non-credit and do not use formal grades. Participation does not produce a university transcript.

    Successful completion earns a Digital CeCertificate of Completion. Students completing this two-week course also receive an instructor-written Course Performance Report.

    Yes. Commuters attend the course in person and receive one meal per day, campus-resource access, activities, and fitness-facility access. They do not receive a campus room assignment.

    Students manage their own study time and may explore Rhode Island independently under program rules. Trained staff provide support, with mandatory class attendance and a nightly 10 p.m. face-to-face residential check-in.

    Dining halls offer vegetarian, kosher, and halal options and can accommodate most dietary needs. Families should record restrictions on the Medical Authorization and Health History Form and arrange individual needs in advance.

    Alternatives to Alternative Energy Engineering

    Compare broader engineering, environmental science, and online physics options to decide which approach best matches your interests.

    Alternatives to Alternative Energy Engineering

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    Sean Stevens

    Content reviewed by

    Sean Stevens

    Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)

    Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Handbook of Pre-College Policies | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Commuter - Summer@Brown On Campus | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Summer@Brown On Campus | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Financial Policies and Payment Information | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Application Checklist | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Apply | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Summer@Brown
    • Program Dates and Costs | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Laboratory/Project Attire
    • 2026 Program Costs — Breakdown of Fees
    • Alternative Energy Engineering: An Introduction - Pre-College Course Catalog"

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 9 Oct 2026)

    • Course content reviewed

    • Section dates checked

    • Application guidance reviewed

    • Residential and commuter fees checked

    • Eligibility reviewed

    • Completion recognition checked

    • Laboratory requirements reviewed

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.