Renewable Energy Systems and the Environment

The Faculty of Engineering comprises several Departments covering such subjects as Architecture, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. It is from this diverse, but complementary, base that the Renewable Energy Systems and the Environment course has sprung. The course is part of the Faculty's Masters Training Package in Sustainable Engineering. Until 2009, the course title was Energy Systems and the Environment, but this was updated to reflect the emphasis of the course and the nature of the project work undertaken.

The course is concerned with the design and operation of the systems that control the environments in which people live and work. In today's society there is a growing awareness that the quality of life must be balanced by the need for conservation of world resources, especially energy, and the protection of the environment. Society therefore needs professionals who understand this balance and seek to harness energy resources in an environmentally friendly manner.

On the course you will learn about energy efficiency techniques, about the different energy resources, and about the many systems that can be employed to harness and make use of these resources, such as wind turbines, fuel cells, photovoltaic components, heat pumps and solar collection devices. Conventional and nuclear energy supply technologies are also covered. You will also learn about the impact energy has on the environment and the ways in which this impact can be reduced. In particular you will come to understand the technical relationships between energy systems and the environment and feel confident about using modern computer-based methods to address the complexities that underly this relationship.

The programme consists of instructional classes covering key energy themes (first semester), group projects tackling a topical and demanding issue (second semester), and an individual project with industrial attachment leading to the submission of a dissertation. Teaching methods include lectures, discussions, group working, informal crits, debating and computer-aided learning.

The course leads, at its final level, to a MSc degree by instruction while offering Diploma and Certificate qualifications for students completing selected parts, either on a full- or part-time basis. There are three course parts, progressive in their rigour, corresponding to the three possible qualifications: instructional classes, group project and dissertation.

Find out what previous students have said about the course.

Curriculum

Part A: Instructional Classes

Offered in the first semester, specialist instructional modules address the principles, concepts and issues that underpin all energy systems, while generic modules address work skills. The objective is to inform students about the different supply and utilisation technologies and to prepare those who will progress to Part B. Part A is credit based with classes offered on a part- and full-time basis. Successful completion of five instructional modules will lead to the award of a Postgraduate Certificate.

Specialist Modules
Generic Modules

Part B: Group Project

In the second semester students undertake a group project selected from an approved list (valued at 36 credits). Working in groups, students undertake a design project, normally within an industrial test bed or in association with a design or energy management organisation. While the projects will change over time, they typically involve the evolution of an energy system from inception to completion, including an assessment of its cost-effectiveness and environmental impact. For example, this might involve the design of a wind farm, a solar photovoltaic facility or an energy conscious building. Industry attachment is encouraged and, where possible, the project is undertaken within an industrial context. On completion of Part B, students can either graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma or continue towards the MSc.

Content
Past Projects

Part C: Dissertation

In this part students undertake supervised, individual project work, which typically entails an in-depth study of specific issues (perhaps identified from the Part B activities).

Past Theses

Throughout the course there is a guest lecture programme which focuses on design practice, environmental issues and safety aspects of energy systems.

Duration of Study

Admission and Fees

Funding

A number of fees-only scholarships from the Students Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) are available to Scottish, UK and EU students. More details can be found here. The Panasonic Trust also welcomes applications for funding from British students.

We are indebted to the following organisations for their continuing support and the provision of much appreciated studentships: Students Awards Agency for Scotland, British Gas, The Panasonic Trust (administered by The Royal Academy of Engineering), UK Department for International Development and University of Strathclyde. Follow this link for information on these and other funding sources.

Further Information