Master of Science in Renewable Energy

Introduction

The Master of Science in Renewable Energy program is offered by Murdoch University and the Research Institute for Sustainable Energy. The Master of Science in Renewable Energy is a 24-point one year qualification.

Some of the units taken assume some prior knowledge, details of which are given in the description of each unit in the Handbook. Some students may therefore need to complete additional prerequisite units.

The Master of Science in Renewable Energy program offers advanced training in the area of renewable energy systems or policy. The renewable energy systems specialisation is designed to provide scientists and engineers with specific training in advanced areas of renewable energy technology. The emphasis is on the design, analysis and implementation of energy systems, with particular emphasis on renewable energy systems. The renewable energy policy specialisation is designed to provide environmental scientists and policy analysts with training in advanced areas of renewable energy technology and policy. The emphasis is on policy analysis, environmental monitoring and resource assessment related to renewable energy systems.

Program Objectives

The objectives of the program are:

• to provide a thorough training in the principles of renewable energy systems;
• to introduce students to practical aspects of system design, monitoring and development (renewable energy systems stream);
• to train engineers, scientists, environmental scientists and policy analysts to participate in the development of the renewable energy industry in Australia and overseas;
• to address the social, economic and environmental issues involved with renewable energy systems.

Program Prerequisites

Applicants for the Master of Science in Renewable Energy must have completed a degree in any discipline from a recognised tertiary institution. You must also have a Recognised Honours degree or higher, or equivalent training, in Sustainable Energy Management or Renewable Energy Engineering or Postgraduate Diploma in Energy Studies or the Postgraduate Diploma in Energy and the Environment or the Bachelor of Applied Science (Energy Studies) if you already have this (the latter is no longer offered at Murdoch).

Some of the units taken assume some prior knowledge, details of which are given in the description of each unit in the Handbook. Some students may be required to complete additional units beyond the normal 24 credit points.The MSc is not subject to HECS and is available on a full-fee paying basis only.

Previously this was available as a two-year degree, but since 2008 anyone wishing to enrol must enter via the Postgraduate diploma or equivalent as above, which acts as the previous first year. If you do not have a Postgraduate Diploma as specified then contact the Program Chair before applying to determine if you are qualified.

All units necessary for the completion of the degree are available as on-line units and can be completed with no requirement for campus attendance.

Refer to the University Handbook for detailed course information:

• Master of Science in Renewable Energy Course Detail

Students will need to complete the Core Units PEC620 Case Studies of Renewable Energy Systems, and PEC624 Renewable Energy Dissertation.

Students who wish to focus on renewable energy systems should select 12 points from the following: PEC622 Renewable Energy Resources, PEC621 Renewable Energy Devices, PEC623 Renewable Energy Systems Design, PEC587 Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development

Students who wish to focus on renewable energy policy should select 12 points from the following: PEC632 Greenhouse Science and Policy, STP612 Sustainability, Ecology and Communities , PEC587 Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development, PEC627 Advanced Energy Policy: Electricity Market Reform, PEC611 Life Cycle Analysis and Greenhouse Accounting

Students who wish to focus on energy efficiency should select 12 points from: PEC632 Greenhouse Science and Policy, PEC625 Energy Efficiency, Systems Analysis and Auditing, PEC626 Industrial and Commercial Energy Efficiency Technologies, PEC670 Energy Efficient Building Design.

However students may select any 12 points from the units listed above. (Students must select at least one 600-level elective to fulfil the minimum requirements of 16 points at 600-level for the MSc.) Students who wish to complete another appropriate elective unit from those that are available at the University may do so with the permission of the Program Chair. Online students may be more restricted in the electives they can take.

The dissertation involves a project report of about 12,000 words which details a piece of research which has been approved by the Program Chair. A list of suitable topics for the dissertation is available from the Unit Coordinator or the unit web site, but students are encouraged to propose their own topic relevant to their interest or proposed area of employment.

Further information on application details, fees and deadlines are available by clicking here.

Online Demonstrations

A demonstration of the online learning experience is available, as well as a list of topics covered for most of the energy studies units.