Graduate Diploma in Energy and Carbon Studies

Program Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Energy and Carbon Studies equips students with expertise in renewable and sustainable energy, carbon management, and energy policy. Taught by industry and academic experts, the program covers practical skills in energy auditing, carbon accounting, and renewable energy system design, preparing graduates for careers in various energy and environmental sectors. Successful completion also provides a pathway to the final year of the Master of Renewable and Sustainable Energy degree.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Graduate Diploma in Energy and Carbon Studies is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to address the challenges of global environmental and social change in the energy and carbon industries. The program focuses on renewable and sustainable energy, carbon and energy management, and the integration of renewable energy into the existing energy supply sector. The program aims to develop critical skills in areas such as:

• Energy auditing
• Carbon accounting
• Designing renewable energy systems
• Preparing energy policy briefs for government
• Developing corporate carbon management strategies
Successful completion of this program provides a clear pathway to the final year of the Master of Renewable and Sustainable Energy degree.

Outline:

The Graduate Diploma in Energy and Carbon Studies consists of 24 credit points, divided into eight core units:

• PEN504 Greenhouse Gas Reporting and Life Cycle Assessment (3 credit points): This unit explores the principles and practices of greenhouse gas reporting and life cycle assessment, covering topics such as GHG accounting standards, methodologies, and reporting frameworks.
• PEN590 Energy Systems (3 credit points): This unit delves into the design, operation, and analysis of various energy systems, including renewable energy technologies, energy storage, and grid integration.
• PEN591 Energy Policy (3 credit points): This unit examines the development, implementation, and evaluation of energy policies at national and international levels, focusing on issues such as energy security, climate change mitigation, and energy efficiency.
• PEN592 Energy in Society (3 credit points): This unit explores the social, economic, and environmental impacts of energy production and consumption, examining topics such as energy poverty, energy justice, and the role of energy in sustainable development.
• PEN594 Energy Auditing and Management (3 credit points): This unit focuses on the practical aspects of energy auditing, including data collection, analysis, and reporting, as well as the development and implementation of energy management systems.
• PEN597 Climate Change Science and Policy (3 credit points): This unit examines the scientific evidence for climate change, its impacts, and the policy responses to address it, including international agreements and national mitigation strategies.
• PEN598 Carbon Management (3 credit points): This unit explores the principles and practices of carbon management, covering topics such as carbon accounting, carbon offsetting, and carbon trading.

Teaching:

The program is taught by industry and academic experts with research expertise in renewable energy system design and performance, energy efficient buildings and transport, sustainable energy development, Smart Cities, climate change risk assessments, carbon neutral strategies, energy storage, and biomass technology. Murdoch University offers a range of teaching and research facilities, including:

• A renewable energy outdoor test area for research and development on solar photovoltaic technology, solar thermal power, wind turbines, hybrid systems, and micro-grid technology.

Careers:

The Graduate Diploma in Energy and Carbon Studies prepares graduates for careers in various industries and organizations, including:

• Power generation
• Renewable energy
• Manufacturing and installation
• Government departments and international aid
• Energy efficiency and environmental consultancies
• University and private industry research organizations
• Local councils

Other:

Students who complete the unit PEN590 Energy Systems as part of this course are eligible for provisional accreditation by the Clean Energy Council for design of stand-alone photovoltaic systems.