Energy Studies Degree Program

Energy Studies is an emerging discipline devoted to finding new methods of sustainable energy production and improving the efficiency of existing systems. It addresses issues such as the social and environmental aspects of energy use, as well as the economic and scientific aspects of conventional and sustainable energy generation and use. Energy is the basis of modern industrial society. However, as concern mounts about limited resources, climate change and pollution due to the burning of fossil fuels, new sustainable sources of energy are being sought to replace those that we currently use. Efforts are also being made to conserve energy through more efficient appliances and processes.

The multi-disciplinary Energy Studies program (BSc in Sustainable Energy Management) will prepare people for a career in this challenging and rapidly expanding field. Graduates can be expected to use their skills in areas such as sustainable energy systems design and planning, energy policy, energy economics, energy management and efficiency, the environmental and social impact of energy systems and their use, as well as sustainable energy research. Graduates can expect to gain employment in energy utilities, international aid agencies, government departments, private companies, energy and environmental consultancies and Universities and research institutions. (See Careers)

The Murdoch University Energy Studies program consists of units in the core areas of energy studies and renewable energy. You are then encouraged to take elective units that enable you to apply the core energy studies knowledge in one or more areas, such as policy, economics, sustainable development, energy management, environmental impact and assessment, systems design and planning, or the scientific and technical aspects of energy production and use. By choosing electives that enable you to complete a minor, double major or double degree with another program within the University, you will be able to develop an area of specialisation in a particular field of Energy Studies. These include areas such as science (Physics), renewable energy engineering, economics, policy, environmental science or sustainable development.

Energy Studies is one of the most flexible programs at Murdoch University and may be studied either part-time or full-time and on campus or externally via the Internet (online) anywhere in the world. Students wishing to study externally or online without coming to the campus will be more restricted in the elective units they can complete.

The Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Energy Management can be completed in three years of full-time study or over a longer period of time on a part-time basis. If you are eligible to proceed to an Honours degree, you can complete a fourth year of study.

What will you study?

A unique feature of Murdoch University is that all first year students must complete a special Foundation Unit as a credited part of their degree studies. Foundation Units introduce students to the skills essential to successful university study. You may choose from several Foundation Units, and while each reflects a particular theme and perspective on a subject of topical significance, all cover the relevant skills which will enable you to adjust to a new learning environment.

All of the Energy Studies units are able to be studied online with web pages including the information in the study guide, as well as lecture notes, internet resources, and even audio recordings of some of the lectures. A demonstration version of these sites is available.

² It is recommended that students complete suitable 200 or 300 level units available from the other programs at the University that will enable them to complete one of the recommended minors or double majors.

Recommended Minors: Accounting; Business Economics; Computer Science; Economics for Sustainability; Environmental Ethics; Environmental Issues; Environmental Policy; Management; Marketing; Mathematical Modelling; Physics and Nanotechnology; Policy Economics; Public Policy and Management; Sustainable Development

Recommended Double Majors or Double Degrees: Accounting, Business Information Systems, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Environmental Science, Law, Management, Marketing Management, Physics and Nanotechnology, Sustainable Development, Renewable Energy Engineering (Double Degree).