Study plan - Bachelor's programme in Energy Technology

The programme in Energy Technology provides an education for engineering students that enables them to solve interdisciplinary tasks encompassing the harvesting, distribution and use of energy. The study provides an introduction to various energy carriers and energy conversion in the most important energy systems. The programme aims to provide the engineering knowledge required to design and develop cost-effective and environmentally sound energy solutions for various purposes in society. The education leads to an engineering qualification appropriate for work in the development and introduction of new techno-economic solutions which are adapted to future needs; it complies with the framework stipulated by the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research.

The education has good contact with industry in the region, among other things by giving students the opportunity to carry out projects in collaboration with the industry.

The Bachelor's program in Energy Technology follows regulations on the framework plan for engineering education, laid down by the Ministry of Education and Research on 18 May 2018. Energy technology is a field of study within the field of mechanical engineering.

Learning outcomes

Upon the successful completion of the study programme, a candidate will gain the following.

Knowledge

• has basic knowledge of design and / or production, materials and knowledge in comprehensive systems and product development, energy efficient buildings, thermodynamics, electrical energy technology, and electricity.
• has basic knowledge in mathematics, science and relevant social and / or economic subjects; including how these are integrated into system and product development, design and production.
• has knowledge of the subject's history, development and the engineer's role in society; along with the consequences of the development and use of technology.
• has an appreciation of research and development work, relevant methodologies and working methods within their own field.
• can update their knowledge within the field, both through information gathering and contact with professional environments and practice.

Skills

• can apply knowledge in mathematics, physics, chemistry and technological subjects to formulate, specify, plan and solve technical problems in a well-founded and systematic way.
• can apply knowledge in thermodynamics and energy sciences to develop and apply renewable energy systems and energy-efficient alternatives.
• proficient in methodologies used to develop concepts; can use professionally relevant software, has basic programming skills and good basic digital skills.
• can identify, plan and carry out projects, experiments and simulations, as well as analyse, interpret and use the resulting data; both independently and in teams.
• can find, evaluate and utilise technical knowledge in a critical way within their field, and present this in such a way that it sheds light on an issue; both in writing and orally.
• can contribute to new thinking, innovation, quality management and entrepreneurship in the development and realisation of sustainable and socially beneficial products, systems and / or solutions.

General competence

• has insight into the environmental, health, social and economic consequences of products and solutions within their field; can put these in an ethical perspective and also a life cycle perspective.
• can identify levels of vulnerability, privacy and data security in aspects in ICT products and systems.
• can contribute to the dissemination of engineering knowledge to various target groups both in writing and orally using Norwegian and English, and can help to make the significance and consequences of the technology visible.
• can reflect on their own professional practice, in teams and in an interdisciplinary context, and can adapt this to the current work situation.
• can contribute to the development of good practice by participating in professional discussions within the subject area and sharing their knowledge and experiences with others.

Content

In addition to the basic subjects in mathematics, chemistry, statistics and mechanics, the field of study includes subject areas such as: thermodynamics, process and fluid dynamics, building physics, material science, electrical energy engineering and automation, energy technology and energy supply from classical and renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and tidal energy, hydrogen technology, heating, ventilation and refrigeration (HVAC) technology.

Practice

It is possible to take 10 credits with industrial training (internship) as an engineer in a company as an elective in the 5th semester. The offer of electives is updated each academic year.

Teaching

Theory teaching takes place in classrooms and auditoria. Lectures can also be digital, with both synchronous and asynchronous learning content. In addition to lectures, group work, self-study and problem-based learning, the courses (modules) may include elements of arithmetic exercises, laboratory exercises, and assignments which can take the form of a project. In courses (modules) that have assignments, the assignments will often be assessed in combination with an oral or written exam.

In the course (module) descriptors, it is stated if there are compulsory learning activities; which aim to provide skills training. Such activities emphasise the interplay between the theory taught in lectures and practical exercises, and are a key tool for incorporating work methods. Compulsory learning activities must be approved before the exam can be taken. Attendance is mandatory for the laboratory exercises, but not for the lectures.

Excursions can be included in some courses (modules). The programme has a strong element of computer-assisted learning. Therefore, all students must have their own laptop with an up-to-date operating system; with the recommendation that Microsoft Windows is installed. More information about requirements for students' IT equipment for studies at the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences can be found here. (external link in Norwegian)

Language

The teaching takes place mainly in Norwegian, but some of the courses may have teaching in English.

Assessment

In the study programme, there are various forms of assessment. The scheme for a course (module) can, for example, specify assessment through the use of a formal written examination, be based on a portfolio, use an oral examination, assess a project, or as a home examination. A course can also have an assessment scheme where several forms of assessment are combined, e.g. a written examination and a portfolio. In many of the courses, there are compulsory learning activities that are assignments / activities / work that do not count towards the final grade, but which must be approved as a prerequisite to taking the final examination.

Information about the assessment scheme appears in each course (module) descriptor and is reviewed by its coordinator at the start of a semester. Otherwise see regulations on studies and exams at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (Høgskulen på Vestlandet) for further details.

Required progression

Requirements for starting work on the bachelor thesis are specified: see the course (module) description for the bachelor thesis for details.

Internationalization

Special arrangements have been made for student exchange in the 5th semester. The study program has exchange agreements with educational institutions in the Nordic countries, Europe and other parts of the world, such as Australia, the USA and Canada. Students who plan such stays abroad should contact Division of Research, Internationalisation and Innovation (AFII) at the college and the department in good time (2 semesters before departure) to clarify how the study abroad can fit into the course of study.

Organization

The education is three years and each academic year is divided into two semesters. In each semester, the student normally takes 3 to 4 courses (modules), which together account for 30 credits.

The education forms a full-time programme that is not adapted for part-time study. The teaching usually takes place primarily between 8am and 5pm, but teaching after 5pm may occur. The student must expect to study at least an average of 40 hours of effective working time per week; although some students may require a greater commitment.

The bachelor programme follows the Norwegian Framework Plan for Engineering Education and the courses (modules) are divided into the following categories.

• Engineering base subjects: 30 credits with basic mathematics, engineering systems thinking and introduction to engineering professional practice and working methods. This will mainly be related to the engineering education and lay the foundation for the engineering subject.
• Programme base subjects: 50–70 credits of technical, science and social studies subjects. This should mainly be related to the study programme and lay the foundation for the field.
• Technical specialisation: 50–70 credits that provide a clear direction within your own field, and which are based on an engineering basis and a programme basis. This should mainly be related to the field of study and lay the foundation for the subject area.
• Elective courses: 20–30 credits that contribute to further professional specialisation, either in breadth or depth.

The bachelor thesis is part of technical specialisation with 20 credits. The thesis must be rooted in real issues from society and businesses or research and development work, and contribute as an introduction to scientific theory and methodology.

Elective courses (modules) are usually placed in the 5th semester, and we reserve the right to start elective courses based on the number of registered students and the staffing situation at the department at any given time. Blocks of electives / profile topics can be offered.

For some of the courses (modules), there may be requirements for prior knowledge, as the education is structured so that the curriculum builds throughout the study.