University of Botswana

This course familiarizes students with renewable energy resources and technologies for their utilization. The topic covered include, renewable energy resources, their advantages and limitations; the solar energy potential of Botswana; the utilization of solar energy for power generation: photovoltaic and solar thermal electric plants; solar cells, modules, arrays, and storage batteries; stand-alone and grid-connected photovoltaic plants; solar collectors; solar plants for thermal applications such as water heating, space heating and cooling, and refrigeration; technologies for the utilization of wind, biomass and geothermal energy, hydro-power, ocean and tidal energy; renewable energy system design and economics; and socio-economic and environmental aspects f renewable energy.

This course offers an l introduction to public and environmental health practices in Botswana. The course covers local issues with a focus on the Primary Health Care (PHC) approaches. The PHC aspects include infectious diseases, health promotion, safe drinking water supply, food safety, and basic environmental sanitation. These topics focus on the different health challenges facing Botswana, its population, and the root social and biological causes of these challenges. Historical examples of important health challenges are used to illustrate the nature, role, and organization of public and environmental health. The course also covers aspects of sustainable development regarding health issues/concerns in Botswana.

The course provides a theoretical and practical inquiry into the interface between society and politics in both developed and developing countries. Special emphasis will be on African states.  The issues addressed include the nature of power and the state, relations between the state and society, social movements, political organization and civic participation, political culture, voting behavior, democracy and economic development, nationalism, citizenship, and globalization. 

This course is designed to help students practice and interact in Setswana during visits to local historical and cultural sites, while engaged in various community-based learning projects. This is a task-based course and requires students to take the lead to complete tasks or research projects of personal interest. This course also serves as a language clinic, so that students can have all of their questions related to Setswana learning answered. Assessment: attendance and participation in discussions and exercises, focus questions, group research project, midterm and final exams, scavenger hunt.