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  • Offer Profile
  • Welcome to the School of Engineering and Energy

    The School of Engineering and Energy provides a high quality environment for teaching, learning and research.

    Our staff are passionate about their specialities and are committed to helping students develop skills and knowledge appropriate for rewarding careers in this twenty first century.

    Our degree programs encompass engineering, physics and nanotechnology, and energy studies. We teach these in new and innovative combinations - emphasising their applicability not only to today's world but to the world of tomorrow.
Product Portfolio

  • Energy Studies

  • Energy Studies is an emerging interdisciplinary area 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.

    Several of the following courses are available for online, part time study, which means they can be studies off-campus, from just about anywhere in the world.

      • Courses

          • Renewable Energy Engineering

          • Change the way we power our future with Renewable Energy Engineering
            Learn about design, uses and implementation of renewable energy technology for a sustainable future.

            Gain cutting-edge skills to confront climate change
            With this course you will focus on systems for electricity generation and learn about the availability and distribution of renewable energy resources, including solar radiation, wind, hydro, tidal, wave and biomass.

            You'll get to use simulation programs, giving you hands-on experience in implementation and design of working systems. You will also get real life industry experience through required work experience as well as having access to the best renewable energy research facilities in Australia.

            Help power a greener future
            With the commercial and industrial sectors all realising the importance of sustainability you will have many career options with our Renewable Energy Engineering degree.

          • Master of Science in Renewable Energy

          • Grow greener, quicker
            Designed to provide suitably trained graduates a fast track, one year qualification, with this course you will expand your knowledge in one of three specialisations:
             - Renewable Energy Systems
             - Renewable Energy Policy
             - Energy Efficiency
            You will also undertake a dissertation where you can explore an area that you're really passionate about.

            Charge up your career
            This course will give you the opportunity to seek specialist roles in the challenging and rapidly expanding field of renewable energy and energy efficiency systems.

            Take your passion to a new level with postgrad study at Murdoch
            Postgrad study is all about developing your passion further, a one-degree-fits-all approach just simply doesn't work for everybody.  We're flexible about what and how you choose to study - and we employ great academic thinkers who care about helping you along your new path.

          • Postgraduate Certificate in Energy Studies

          • Discover how we power our world
            Open to graduates of any discipline, this course will teach you about methods of sustainable energy production and how to improve existing energy systems. You'll also explore social and environmental aspects of energy use, including the economy, policy and technology.

            With training in state of the art research and teaching facilities, you will gain practical experience and learn from experts from areas like the Research Institute for Sustainable Energy RISE.

            Enjoy a range of career opportunities
            Depending on your unit selection, you will develop the skills and knowledge to work within power utilities, renewable energy management and energy installation companies, government, as well as energy efficiency and environmental consultancies.

            Take your passion to a new level with postgrad study at Murdoch
            Postgrad study is all about developing your passion further, a one-degree-fits-all approach just simply doesn't work for everybody. We're flexible about what and how you choose to study - and we employ great academic thinkers who care about helping you along your new path.

          • Postgraduate Diploma in Energy Studies

          • Power up your knowledge and skills
            As an Energy Studies student you will learn about energy systems and management, as well as issues, including energy policy and economics.

            With this course you'll also have the chance to train in our state of the art facilities, working with our industry-leading lecturers who are making electrifying changes to the field.  You'll have the opportunity to undertake a short research project and explore an area you're really passionate about.

            Cutting edge prospects
            You will have various career options within this rapidly growing area, enjoying specialist roles within power generation companies, renewable energy management and energy installation companies, government, as well as energy efficiency and environmental consultancies.

            Take your passion to a new level with postgrad study at Murdoch
            Postgrad study is all about developing your passion further, a one-degree-fits-all approach just simply doesn't work for everybody. We're flexible about what and how you choose to study - and we employ great academic thinkers who care about helping you along your new path.

          • Sustainable Energy Management

          • Drive energy efficiency with Sustainable Energy Management
            Use your Sustainable Energy Management degree to help improve the way we use energy.

            Explore from both sides of the fence
            With this course you will discover new methods of sustainable energy production and investigate improving existing energy systems. You'll also explore the social and environmental aspects of energy use, including economy, policy and technology.

            Training in state of the art research and teaching facilities, you will be able to gain practical experience and work with experts from areas like the Research Institute for Sustainable Energy RISE, all on campus.

            Enjoy a range of career opportunities
            As the first course of this kind in Australia, backed by both government and industry, you have the opportunity to work in the challenging and rapidly expanding field of renewable energy and energy efficiency systems.

            You can also specialise by taking a double major with another course such as Renewable Energy Engineering, Economics, Environmental Science, Sustainable Development or Commerce.

          • Sustainable Development

          • Be at the cutting edge of an emerging field with your Sustainable Development degree.
            Discover how to create a sustainable future for us all by learning from both sides of the field and take an environmental or social approach to your study.

            Learn the skills to confront the challenge of our time
            In this course you will learn about the sustainability issues affecting us all, including climate change, scarce resources and the challenge of economic growth versus environmental protection.

            You'll also gain the skills to tackle these problems in creative ways through practical experience and work with industry professionals.

            Work to make the world a better place
            In this cutting-edge Sustainable Development course, you'll have a unique opportunity to take advantage of ever growing career opportunities for finding ways to incorporate sustainability into all areas of life and work.

          • Environmental Science

          • Explore sustainable solutions with Environmental Science
            This is an exciting time in human history. As a species we have finally recognised the need to clean up the environmental harm we've caused and find new ways to protect and nurture our planet - and this course will help you find real solutions.

            Learn how to manage our natural environment
            In this course, you'll discover how to understand the physical and biological environment, how human activity affects the environment, and to create sustainable ecosystems. You'll explore the links between air, land, water, biology and human society - and how these are involved in managing our natural environment.

            Become an expert in an area of your choice
            You'll gain a strong scientific understanding of the environment and how to link this to natural resource management. You can also develop a specialisation in the areas that spark your interest as you progress through your degree.

            You can choose to study a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Environmental Science, which involves three years of full-time study, or the part-time equivalent, or a Bachelor of Environmental Science (BEnvSc) which is four years of full-time study, or the part-time equivalent. In your first year, you can choose either degree and have the flexibility to transfer to the other option after you've completed 12 points of credit.

          • Environmental Engineering

          • Boost your problem-solving skills with Environmental Engineering
            Enjoy a global perspective as you explore how sustainable development is shaping the world today.

            Learn to design systems that can change the world
            Every organisation and government agency in the world needs to consider the way they manage the environmental. In this course, you'll gain the ecological knowledge and engineering skills you need to design systems that manage water, energy, shelter and primary production in an ecological, sustainable and ethical way.

            Explore a wide range of career options
            After completing this degree, you're likely to be high in demand for roles with engineering firms, land developers, utilities, international development organisations, consulting firms and government agencies.

          • Climate Change Management

          • Provide solutions for the world's problems through Climate Change Management
            Join those on the leading edge as society responds to the challenges of climate change.

            Focus on the future
            Climate change is the one of the great environmental and economic challenges of the 21st century. With this cutting-edge degree you'll gain the skills to take a leadership role in strategic planning and managing climate change solutions for business, government and non-profit organisations.

            Discover all about the science, economics, policy and social impacts of climate change from Murdoch's internationally recognised lecturers. Explore how we can address these impacts through solutions that draw on innovations from leading organisations and international best practices. You'll learn about climate science, energy policy, greenhouse accounting and clean technologies. You'll have opportunities to put your knowledge and skills into practice, through work experience and hands-on studying at facilities such as Murdoch's Environmental Technology Centre.

            Turn your passion into an exciting career
            Exciting career opportunities are available in government, industry and community sectors, both within Australia and overseas. As a graduate in Climate Change Management, you'll be well placed to play a leading role in the "green collar revolution". You'll have the skills and experience to pursue an exciting and rewarding career where you can truly make a difference.

          • Environmental Management

          • Be part of the solution with Environmental Management
            Get qualified as an environmental manager as you learn to combine environmental science with practical management.

            Learn to develop the sustainable solutions that organisations need
            In this course, you'll learn to link management decisions with local, regional and global sustainability initiatives. You'll be equipped to develop clear alternatives for professional organisations to secure a sustainable future, in both economic and environmental terms.

            Choose your own area of expertise
            You can combine this course with another major to create your own degree specialisation - e.g. with Environmental Science, Management or Marine Science. Every organisation is facing increasing pressure to factor environmental costs and concerns into its operations, so you could forge a career path as an in-demand environmental manager in any industry.

             

        • What are my career opportunities?

        • The rapid expansion in the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries has led to a global shortage of trained staff, and career opportunities in this area are expected to continue to grow rapidly over the next 20 years. Energy Studies prepares you for this challenging and rapidly expanding field, covering sustainable energy systems design and planning, energy economics and policies, energy management and efficiency, environmental impact of energy systems and their use, the role of energy in aid and development and sustainable energy research. Graduates can expect to gain employment in power utilities, renewable energy manufacturing and installation companies, international aid organisations, Government departments, energy efficiency and environmental consultancies, manufacturing and energy companies as well as university and private industry research organisations.

            • Three reasons why you should study Energy Studies at Murdoch University

            • Opportunity to study a unique, multidisciplinary course that meets today’s rapidly expanding need for a sustainable energy industry. A pioneer in this field, Murdoch University was one of the first Australian universities to develop a multidisciplinary energy studies course, backed by industry and government. It is the only Energy Studies degree that is also available by distance education and can be studied online anywhere around the world.

              Experience state-of-the-art research and teaching facilities that expose you to cutting-edge technology and be the first to experience new breakthroughs in research and development. With its close links to industry, the Research Institute for Sustainable Energy (RISE), housed at the Murdoch University campus, is an example of the many research and training activities you will have the opportunity of being involved with.

              As the Renewable Energy industry is rapidly expanding amidst mounting global concerns of limited energy resources, climate change and air pollution, the Energy Studies degree, with its relevant, flexible, multidisciplinary training maximises your opportunities of gaining of a good career by equipping you with the skills required to work in this exciting field and to adapt easily to a rapidly changing work and global environment.

                • Energy Studies Research

                • All the staff in Energy Studies are active in research. We have well-equipped laboratories and there is strong technical support. Our general fields of major research activity include:

                  - Photovoltaics
                  - Power conditioning / system optimisation
                  - Wind power
                  - Renewable energy education and training
                  - Remote Area Power Supply (RAPS)
                  - Renewable energy policy
                  - Batteries and fuel cells
                  - Alternative Transport Fuels

                    • Amorphous Silicon

                    • What is Amorphous Silicon?
                      In recent times a new field of materials science has opened up based on the special properties of amorphous materials. These are substances like glasses, ceramics and even metals which have no long-range order in their structure. These materials possess special properties which make them suitable for technological applications. They are often inexpensive to prepare and their properties can be engineered to suit particular applications.

                      Amorphous silicon is a glassy form of silicon, one of the most common elements in the Earth's crust. It is easy to prepare and has some special properties, which make it very suitable for use in electronic devices like position-sensitive detectors, field effect transistors and solar cells.

                      How is Amorphous Silicon prepared?
                      Amorphous silicon can be prepared in several different ways. The most common is to decompose silane gas (SiH4) by using a radio frequency discharge in a vacuum chamber. The silicon produced in this process may be deposited in very thin films on substrates such as glass, stainless steel or ceramic. This makes amorphous silicon a promising material for large-scale use in thin film solar cells.

                      Why is more research required?
                      Amorphous silicon is a relatively new material. Although considerable work has been done on it over the past 20 years, there is still a vast amount more required. We need to find better ways of making it, faster ways of depositing it, and ways of fabricating it into electronic devices. One of its main shortcomings at present is that its properties tend to change under illumination or heating and this can reduce the effectiveness of any device that uses it. Ways need to be found to stabilise the material so that it achieves its full potential.

                      What does the future hold?
                      There are almost unlimited potential applications for amorphous thin film semiconductors like hydrogenated amorphous silicon. However, there are still many materials science problems that must be overcome before amorphous semiconductors achieve their full potential. One possibility is that amorphous silicon, because of its special attributes of low-cost and ease of preparation, could become the mainstay of the solar cell industry. In the future we could see huge arrays of solar cells collecting sunlight and converting it into electricity. This is not science fiction - the costs of doing this are falling rapidly and within a decade, large-scale electricity production from solar cells may be a reality. Amorphous silicon is one of the leading contenders for this role.

                        • Centre for Research into Energy for Sustainable Transport (CREST

                        • CREST is a WA state-funded Murdoch University and Curtin University of Technology Centre of Excellence based at Murdoch University in Perth, WA.

                          CREST is a national centre of expertise for integrated research, education, testing and standards, demonstration and commercialisation services for new transport fuels/systems that meet sustainability criteria. The centre was developed in order to assist the WA Government and industry make the transition to a new sustainable transport system based on a mixture of conventional and alternative fuels and technologies.

                          It brings together the State’s leading researchers in transport fuels and technologies and draws upon expertise in industry and the public service. CREST aims to increase the State’s capacity to respond to the challenges facing the transport sector and the economy upon which it depends.
                          What We Do

                          The successful implementation of any sustainable transport strategy will require a capacity to undertake research and development on the production of alternative fuels, perform fuel testing and trials, analyse economic and social costs and benefits of various alternative fuel options, and understand life cycle emissions and costs associated with the various transport technology and fuel options.

                          CREST assembles nationally-recognised local expertise and research excellence from universities, TAFE, and local industry. CREST integrates this expertise in the development, testing and commercialisation of new transport fuels that meet sustainability criteria. CREST houses both capital and intellectual infrastructure that is unique, not only to Western Australian, but within Australia.

                          By targeting local pockets of research excellence and gaining synergies from a coordinated and resource sharing approach, CREST delivers long-term benefits to the State at an internationally competitive level.

                          CREST’s particular strengths lie in the following areas:
                          - Coal science and technology such as pyrolysis, gasification, liquefaction and combustion of coal, as well as the structure and properties of coal.
                          - Pyrolysis and bio refinery for the production of liquid transport fuels from biomass.
                          - Catalytic conversion of light hydrocarbons, including natural gas.
                          - Battery research.
                          - Nanotechnology for advances in battery research and hydrogen storage.
                          - Production of bio oils and ethanol from microalgae.
                          - Economic cost and benefit analyses of various alternative fuels, as well as life cycle and greenhouse emission assessments.
                          - Process engineering and the optimisation of alternative fuel production processes.
                          - Trial and demonstration programs.
                          - Education and training – trade training, postgraduate education and professional development courses.

                            • Institute for Sustainability and Technology Policy

                            • The Institute for Sustainability and Technology Policy (ISTP) at Murdoch University was established in 1988 to foster critical understanding of the roles and effects of science and technology for the benefit of all sectors of society. The ISTP has always been dedicated to interdisciplinary and collaborative research to develop innovative solutions to a range of global, national and local sustainability challenges. An international research reputation was built mainly around the topics of sustainability, urbanization and cities.

                              After restructuring in 2008, the ISTP sat within the School of Sustainability until January 2011- when it was moved into the School of Social Sciences and Humanities. Since the appointment the current Director, Professor Glenn Albrecht in early 2009, the ISTP has focused its research profile around key themes in ethics, politics, futures and policy that are aimed at creating a genuinely sustainable society. With powerful waves of interconnected economic, ecosystem, climatic and political change now running through a globalised human society, the challenge for research relevance has never been greater. The ISTP is now conducting competitively funded leading-edge research that will help create and maintain, at all scales, healthy, resilient and equitable human communities.