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.
No new enrolments will be accepted for the Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc) from 2024.
The University has developed a proposal to transfer the Energy Management major subject option from the BAppSc to the Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree, as well as the BASc and BComSc combined degrees. This proposal is awaiting final approval, which is expected soon.
AskOtago is available to help with any course advice enquiries:
Contact AskOtago
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.
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.
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.
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 BSc 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 Applied Science (BAppSc) in Energy Management
The three-year BAppSc 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.
Qualifications
Explore your study options further. Refer to enrolment information found on the following qualification pages.
- Bachelor of Applied Science* (BAppSc)
- Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
- Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc)
- Bachelor of Science (BSc)
- Bachelor of Applied Science with Honours (BAppSc(Hons))
- Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science (PGDipAppSc)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)
- Master of Applied Science (MAppSc)
- Master of Science (MSc)
*It is a requirement that every Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc) normally includes an approved minor subject or an approved second major subject. Usually such a minor or second major subject must be selected from the approved combinations of major subjects with minor or second major subjects. Some exceptions may apply. For details see:
Full list of available approved minor and second major subject areas
Programme requirements
Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc) majoring in Energy Management
| Year | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 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 BSNS 114 Financial Decision Making | 18 18 18 18 |
| 200-level | EMAN 201 Thermoprocesses 1 EMAN 204 Energy Resources PHSI 243 Environmental Physics | 18 18 18 |
| 300-level | EMAN 301 Fluids and Heat Transfer EMAN 308 Thermoprocesses 2 One of: One further paper from FINC 302-310, MANT 303, PMAN 401, GEOG 388, GEOG 389, GEOG 392, GEOG 397, PHSI 365, PHSI 381, COMO 303, INFO 304, ENVI 312 | 18 18 18
18 |
162 further points (MATH 203 highly recommended), including either requirements for an approved minor or approved second major subject or other approved papers | 162 | |
| Total | 360 |
Bachelor of Science (BSc) majoring in Energy Science and Technology
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 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 PHSI 243 Environmental Physics | 18 18 18 |
| 300-level | EMAN 301 Fluids and Heat Transfer EMAN 308 Thermoprocesses 2 Two of PHSI 331, PHSI 332, PHSI 336 (or MATH 374), PHSI 365, PHSI 381, CHEM 301, CHEM 302, CHEM 303, CHEM 304, CHEM 305, BIOC 351, MATH 304, COMO 303, INFO 304, GEOL 363, GEOL 376, GEOG 388, GEOG 389, GEOG 392 | 18 18 36 |
| Plus | 180 further points (PHSI 245, PHSI 282 or CHEM 201 recommended; MATH 203 highly recommended) must include 54 points at 200-level or above. Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Science | 180 |
| Total | 360 |
Bachelor of Applied Science with Honours (BAppSc(Hons)) in Energy Management
| Papers |
|---|
Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci) in Energy Science and Technology
| Papers |
|---|
|
Master of Science (MSc) in Energy Science and Technology
| Papers and Thesis |
|---|
|
Minor subject requirements
Energy Management as a minor subject for a BA, MusB, BPA, BTheol, BSc, BAppSc, 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 Applied Science (BAppSc), 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
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 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-level | EMAN 301 Fluids and Heat Transfer, or EMAN 308 Thermoprocesses 2 | 18 |
| Total | 108 |
Papers
| Paper code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMAN201 | 2023 | Thermoprocesses 1 | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| EMAN204 | 2023 | Energy Resources | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| EMAN301 | 2023 | Fluids and Heat Transfer | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| EMAN308 | 2023 | Thermoprocesses 2 | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| EMAN310 | 2023 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2023 |
| EMAN402 | 2023 | Process Optimisation | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| EMAN403 | 2023 | Linear Systems and Control Theory | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| EMAN404 | 2023 | Advanced Energy Resources | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| EMAN405 | 2023 | Energy Practice | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| EMAN410 | 2023 | Energy Policy | 20 points | Not offered in 2023 |
| EMAN490 | 2023 | Dissertation | 40 points | Semester 1, Full Year, 1st Non standard period |
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Key information for future students
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/
otago.ac.nz/sciences/study/applied-science/
