Complete Report - University of New South Wales

The second broader degree in Renewable Energy Engineering was introduced in 2003 and
will see the fi rst students graduate in 2006. At the end of 2005 a total of 42 students were
majoring in this area. In addition to photovoltaic devices, students in this program study solar
architectural technologies, wind energy, biomass, solar thermal, and renewable energy policy
as part of their core curriculum.
Students generally enrol in these programs because they are
interested in working with cutting edge technology, and they are
enthusiastic about making a personal contribution to society and the
environment. Total enrolments increased slightly in 2005 with an
increase in students electing to enrol in combined degree programs.
This can be attributed to the increase in range of combined degree
programs offered by the Centre which, from 2005, includes a
Bachelor of Engineering / Bachelor of Commerce, and a Renewable
Energy Engineering / Bachelor of Science program. The new
combined Commerce program aims to enhance the technical and
scientifi c expertise of Engineering graduates with an understanding
of commercial and fi nancial principles which will assist engineers to
manage projects, obtain fi nance for the commercialisation of new
products, create and manage companies, manage the manufacturing
and marketing of products, and accurately predict and monitor
market and economic trends. The Renewable Energy / Science
combined program allows students to expand their understanding
of scientifi c concepts which form the basis of engineering principles.
Students installing a
solar-powered clean water
system in Sri Lanka
At the end of 2005, 27% of enrolled students were women. This is
unusual when compared to other Engineering programs which typically
have a participation rate by women, of about half this. The women
enrolled in our undergraduate degree programs are more inclined to
enrol in a single degree program, and in particular the Photovoltaics and
Solar Energy program. Women who elect to enrol in a combined degree,
are more likely to choose a combined Photovoltaics and Solar Energy /
Arts program.
Students using a
computer lab
Graduates of our undergraduate programs are gaining employment
within a variety of organisations, and increasingly in the area of energy
effi ciency and sustainable design. Each year a number of graduates elect
to expand upon their undergraduate degree by undertaking a research
program with our internationally recognised research groups, whilst
others are employed in industry by solar cell and equipment manufacturers, system
design and integration companies, electricity utilities and major end users of products
(such as sustainable design organisations).
5.1.1 The Strand
The strand is unique to the Photovoltaics and Solar
Energy program, and is essentially a second area of
specialisation which complements a student’s study
of photovoltaics. Students can take strands covering
a variety of areas including computing, electronics,
mathematics, physics, mechanical engineering,
civil engineering, and architecture. The aim of the
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