Jul 27, 2025  
2026 January Term Course Catalog 
    
2026 January Term Course Catalog
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JAN 105-01 - Energy Sustainability: Build Passive Solar Home


Modality:  In-Person

Level:  100-level

Course Times:  12:00pm - 2:40pm

Course Materials Fee:  $50

 

Instructor(s):  Alexandra LaGatta   

Email:  abl4@stmarys-ca.edu

 

This is a really fun in-person class where you learn all about energy supply and then use that knowledge to build a model of an energy-efficient home! You will learn why energy efficiency is one of the easiest and most powerful tools we have to combat climate change, environmental destruction, and inflation. We investigate the fossil fuel industry, renewables, and learn the tenets of passive solar design. The class then divvies into teams and each team designs and builds a model of their vision of an energy-efficient, passive solar home.

A passive solar home is a comfortable home that gets at least part of its heating, cooling, and lighting energy from the sun. There is no magic formula and success comes in the form of leaving a lighter footprint on the environment through energy efficiency and conservation of resources.

Come be a part of a team, harness your creativity, and build some magic!

 

Prerequisites & Notes
Prerequisites:  Must have completed a mathematics course at Saint Mary’s, or have Placement Level C

Credits: 3



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