AIR QUALITY & CLIMATE RESEARCH TRAINING (ACT) PROGRAM

Air Quality & Climate Training (ACT) Program

Empowering professionals to address air quality and climate challenges.

The Air Quality and Climate Training (ACT) Program at UC Riverside’s Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT) offers accessible, online professional development courses for those seeking to better understand and address today’s air quality and climate issues. Each course is taught by UCR faculty and research leaders, providing a blend of technical insight and real-world application.

About the Program

ACT courses introduce participants to the fundamentals of air quality, energy, and climate science. Designed for professionals and students with a background in science or engineering, each ten-hour course combines engaging online lectures, interactive quizzes, and flexible scheduling. Participants who complete all course requirements earn a Certificate of Completion and Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through UCR Extension.

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Courses Features

Introductory-Level Learning

Provides a foundational understanding of key topics in air quality and climate change.

Designed for Professionals

Intended for participants with a bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, or equivalent experience.

Fully Online Format

Ten one-hour lectures per course — flexible, self-paced learning from anywhere.

Interactive Learning

Includes automated quizzes after each module and a final quiz to reinforce understanding.

Recognized Achievement

Earn a Certificate of Completion and Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through UCR Extension.

Courses Offered

Researcher in a blue lab coat working with engine testing equipment at CE-CERT.

Emissions and Performance of Mobile Sources

Learn how vehicles, engines, and fuels affect air pollution — and explore emerging clean technologies.

Instructors: Dr. Tom Durbin & Dr. Zisimos Toumasatos

Student in a blue lab coat examining a scientific sample inside a research laboratory at UC Riverside.

Atmospheric Chemistry and Air Quality

Understand how gases and particles shape air quality, health, and climate balance.

Instructor: Dr. Sarah Petters

Sustainable Transportation and Community Impacts

Explore how transportation systems influence energy use, emissions, and community well-being.

Instructor: Dr. Matthew Barth

Electric Grid and Renewable Energy

Gain a working understanding of how renewable energy integrates with modern power systems.

Instructor: Dr. Hamed Mohsenian-Rad

Center for Environmental Research & Technology