Energy Studies

Energy Studies is offered as a major field of study in the Master of Environment degree.

The amount of energy we consume as a global society is immediately impacted by the technologies we use to consume that energy, and how that energy is produced.

The Energy Studies major is concerned with the theoretical and practical needs of professionals working in energy use and planning. A range of technologies, both mainstream and non-conventional, can be used for energy supply. We study these technologies and how they can be applied in energy planning and energy end use. We also examine the social and political factors influencing the acceptance of energy technologies.

The Energy Studies major is a great way of accessing elements of an engineering education for students with an undergraduate degree in other disciplines. Graduates can expect to find employment in energy agencies, utility companies, industry, education, and consultancy.

Students who complete the Master of Environment will have:

• Knowledge to undertake professional practice in environment or sustainability, including:
  • Specialised knowledge in an environmental discipline or field of practice, including knowledge of recent developments in this field
  • Knowledge of the cross-disciplinary nature of environmental issues and professional practice to promote sustainable futures
  • Knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to specialist field of environmental inquiry
• Skills for collaborative and creative problem solving in environmental practice, including:
  • Ability to critically analyse and synthesise environmental knowledge
  • Ability to envision environmental change and propose pathways to realise this change
  • Ability to communicate complex environmental knowledge and research effectively to a range of audiences
  • Ability to work effectively in cross-disciplinary teams
  • Technical skills for professional practice and research in field of specialisation
• Demonstrated capacity to:
• Exercise well developed judgement, adaptability and responsibility as a practitioner in an environmental discipline or professional field
• Plan and execute a substantial project in an area of environmental research or practice

Upon successful completion of the Energy Studies specialisation, students will be able to:

• Analyse technological, social and political factors influencing the success of energy systems;
• Explain the advantages and limitations of energy technologies to a range of audiences;
• Propose strategies for application of mainstream and non-conventional technologies for effective energy planning; and
• Collaborate with engineers, policy makers and other stakeholders in the application of energy technologies.

Students will be required to complete the two core subjects, plus choose three subjects from the compulsory specialisation subject list. Students must also take at least 25 points of subjects from the compulsory capstone subjects – these subjects enable students to complete an independent project related to professional practice or scholarship in energy studies. Students must also undertake electives to make up the balance of the award. The selection of electives is made in consultation with the Energy Studies major coordinator. A list of subjects with special requirements within this specialisation can be found at http://environment.unimelb.edu.au/courses/streams/energy_studies

Core Subjects

Students must complete the following core subjects:

Compulsory Specialisation

Students must complete at least three of the following compulsory specialisation subjects:

Compulsory Capstone Experience

Students must complete at least 25 points from the following compulsory capstone experience subjects:

Elective Subjects

Students should make up the balance of their award from the elective subject choices below: