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Study Energy Science and Technology / Energy Management at Otago

Be part of the sustainable energy transition.

New technologies are driving dramatic transitions in energy systems for heat, electricity and transport. These future energy systems will have much lower carbon emissions; be more renewable, efficient, flexible and intelligent; and more geographically distributed. Our unique programme aims to create energy professionals with the scientific knowledge, real-world skills, and flexible problem-solving capability to reduce carbon and drive this transition in New Zealand and globally.

Otago offers a unique energy and carbon-focused undergraduate programme – the only one of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. This programme equips students with the technical knowledge and problem- solving skills to pursue successful careers driving the energy transition and reducing carbon emissions.

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Why study Energy Science and Technology / Energy Management?

Learn the science behind renewable energy, energy efficiency and carbon reduction.

Develop the technical expertise and problem-solving ability critical to helping industry and government reduce energy-related carbon emissions.

Career opportunities

Our graduates are in high demand! They get exciting, high-paying, meaningful and future-proof jobs. They have the skills and knowledge to reduce carbon emissions and save companies money.

Our graduates  find successful and fulfilling careers in a diverse range of energy and carbon areas, including:

  • Designing and implementing renewable energy technologies
  • Identifying and implementing energy efficiency and carbon reduction measures at industrial sites or in commercial buildings
  • Developing energy and sustainability plans for national or local government.

Energy Science and Technology / Energy Management at Otago

What will I study?

Core first-year papers are MATH 130/140 and PHSI 131/132. This provides a flexible foundation year for a range of possible courses.

From second year onwards, you'll study engineering thermodynamics and applied science papers covering climate change, renewable energy resources and technologies, and energy efficiency.

The programme is very flexible and can cater for a range of student interests, including combining an Energy major or minor with Science, Finance or Environmental Management.

How will I study?

The high lecturer to student ratio provides a rich and effective learning environment. In addition to learning theory in lectures and tutorials, you'll gain hands-on experience in practical classes, enabling you to work with energy conversion equipment and directly experience how the principles you have learned work in the real world. Class discussions and assignments will explore energy and carbon problems and opportunities facing New Zealand and the world.

Degree options

There are two degree options:

Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Energy Science and Technology
The three-year Energy Science and Technology degree is a flexible science degree for students wanting to develop an understanding of the science and technology behind energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Energy Management
The three-year Energy Management degree is appropriate for students aiming for a career as an energy professional and encourages real-world business awareness.

Transitions between the two degrees are possible in second and third years. An industry-focused honours year is possible at the end of the undergraduate degree.

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Background required

A typical Energy student is passionate about the environment and climate change, interested in the application of science to real-world problems, and has a solid grounding in maths and physics.

Requirements

Energy Management as a minor subject for a BA, MusB, BPA, BTheol, BSc, BCom, BEntr, BHealSc, BACom, BASc or BComSc degree

Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree

LevelPapersPoints
100-level

One 100-level PHSI paper (PHSI 132 Fundamentals of Physics II recommended)

MATH 130 Fundamentals of Modern Mathematics 1

MATH 140 Fundamentals of Modern Mathematics 2

18

18

18

200-level

EMAN 201 Thermoprocesses 1

EMAN 204 Energy Resources

18

18

300-levelEMAN 301 Fluids and Heat Transfer, or EMAN 308 Thermoprocesses 218
Total 108

EMAN papers

Paper Code Year Title Points Teaching period
EMAN201 2024 Thermoprocesses 1 18 Semester 1
EMAN204 2024 Renewable Energy Technologies 18 Semester 2
EMAN301 2024 Fluids and Heat Transfer 18 Semester 1
EMAN308 2024 Thermoprocesses 2 18 Semester 2
EMAN310 2024 Special Topic 18 Not offered in 2024
EMAN402 2024 Process Optimisation 20 Semester 1
EMAN403 2024 Linear Systems and Control Theory 20 Semester 2
EMAN404 2024 Advanced Energy Resources 20 Semester 2
EMAN405 2024 Energy Practice 20 Semester 1
EMAN410 2024 Energy Policy 20 Not offered in 2024
EMAN490 2024 Dissertation 60 Semester 1, Full Year, 1st Non standard period

More information

Contact us

Associate Professor Michael Jack
Department of Physics
Tel +64 3 479 7753
Fax +64 3 479 0964
Email  michael.jack@otago.ac.nz

Web otago.ac.nz/physics/energy-studies/

Studying at Otago

This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.

Regulations on this page are taken from the 2024 Calendar and supplementary material.

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