Study plan - Bachelor's programme in Renewable Energy

The utilization and production of energy is crucial for all parts of society. Renewable energy has historically been a central, but relatively marginal source of energy production. However, Norway is in a special position, where electricity production is based almost exclusively on renewable energy sources. At the same time, we are one of the world's largest producers of oil and gas, and we are committed to the UN's sustainability goals. This requires an increasingly stronger focus on sustainable transitions, both for economic and environmental reasons.

The bachelor's degree in Renewable Energy is based on holistic and interdisciplinary approaches which are crucial for understanding energy-related issues, and students learn about theories, concepts, approaches and tools that are central to understanding the complex field of renewable energy. The bachelor's degree thus covers various topics, such as technology, economics, the interplay between technology and nature, planning, regulation, innovation, business development and transition. These themes are also set in context. Which renewable energy technologies are particularly important today and in the future? How can one facilitate the sustainable development of energy technology? What role does management play in the development of renewable energy? What are the natural conditions- and challenges for producing renewable energy? A combination of developing fundamental science and social science understandings are the basis for being able to answer such questions, something that is the core of the bachelor's degree in Renewable Energy.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the bachelor's degree in Renewable Energy, students will:  

Knowledge 

Have knowledge of  

• energy resources, technologies and stakeholders that form Norway's energy system 
• the development of renewable technology and innovation  
• the current economic, political and administrative situation and their impacts/instruments/ processes related to our transition to a low-emission society 
• the most important aspects of spatial planning, and know how to use the Planning and Building Act in spatial planning, e.g. in the case of development related to renewable energy, and how such developments affect the landscape and the environment  
• central qualitative and quantitative scientific  methods used for the analysis and assessment of renewable energy from various disciplines, and academic writing—including critical reference use      

Skills  

The students can  

• calculate various fundamental technical- and energetic parameters related to energy systems 
• assess the economic profitability of renewable energy projects and be able to evaluate some of the socio-economic consequences 
• use taught theories and concepts on real-world issues/cases related to renewable energy 
• assess what assumptions, possibilities and limitations are inherent to data collection, and analyze data using different methods and software 
• gather the data- and document basis for license applications, and planning and zoning plans, as well as analyze existing applications/plans within the context of laws and regulations related to the development of renewable energy projects 
• seek out sources of information of high quality in national and international academic databases, as well as master referencing 

Competence 
 
The student 

• has fundamental interdisciplinary expertise on the role of renewable energy in society and its interaction with the physical world at various levels, and 
•  can tackle isolated- and interdisciplinary tasks related to the current and future use of renewable energy 

Please refer to the study plan and individual course descriptions for more information. 

Content

The bachelor program is three years in duration, comprising a total of 180 ECTS. More information about the individual courses can be found in the study plan. 

The first four semesters focus introduces renewable energy from an interdisciplinary perspective. Approaches from different disciplines (science, technology and social sciences) are taught. The fifth semester consists of elective courses in planning, and in the sixth semester students submit a bachelor thesis (20 ECTS) on a chosen topic. This interdisciplinary form contributes development of holistic and in-depth understandings of renewable energy, emphasizing the role of renewable energy in shaping nature and society. 

Teaching

Lectures, discussions, seminars, guest lectures, group work, assignments, exercises, excursions, lab- and field work. 

A more detailed description of the teaching- and learning methods are presented in the individual course descriptions. 

Assessment

Several courses have compulsory work, either in the form of laboratory exercises, fieldwork, excursions, or written assignments/exercises.  Approved (passed) compulsory work is a requirement for proceeding to the exam in these courses.  

There are several forms of final evaluation: written bachelor-/semester-/project- assignment, written school or home exam, oral exam, and portfolio assessment.  Further information regarding forms of evaluation is presented in the individual course descriptions.

Internationalization

Arrangements for student exchange in the fourth or fifth semester have been made. The Department of Environmental- and Natural Sciences has exchange agreements with several international universities and colleges.  Selection of courses must be approved by HVL in advance.