Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Energy Systems
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Fossil fuel has been the main source of global energy over the years. However, fossil fuels are being depleted and their use emits greenhouse gases and thus contributing to climate change. Therefore, utilization of sustainable energy as an alternative to fossil fuels is at the top of both socio and economic agendas around the world.
Furthermore, Malawi has not been spared from global energy and climate challenges. For instance, the demand of electricity is more than what is generated as exemplified in 2016 where there was 351 MW installed capacity against a projected growing demand. On the other hand, there is overdependence on firewood and charcoal for cooking, a situation that is accelerating deforestation and hence environmental degradation.
Sustainable energy systems can play a big role. Sustainable energy systems are energy technologies that utilize renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal in addition to technologies designed to improve energy efficiency. Therefore, there is a demand for personnel with technological as well as social expertise in sustainable energy systems and thus, the four year Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Energy Systems programme will equip its graduates with knowledge and skills relevant to sustainable energy industry in Malawi. Unlike other energy programmes offered in Malawi, this one promotes hands-on experience on building and analyzing components of sustainable energy system and inculcates culture of developing new sustainable energy products as well as entrepreneurship. Besides, the programme blends the technological, economics, and social aspects of sustainable energy. In addition, the program will equip the students with knowledge and skills for assessing the resources, storage and transportation of these resources, evaluation of different resources and take an account of the produced energy.
Career Prospects
Sustainable energy is globally becoming popular and with it has come an increased demand for experts in the field. As such, graduates in sustainable energy management can work in solar PV manufacturing, wind power development, green building design services, sustainable bioenergy and smart-grid technologies. These can be done through full time employment, consultancies or entrepreneurship.
DURATION
Four YearsSem
1
-General Chemistry I
-Algebra and Trigonometry
-General Biology
-Mechanics & Thermal Properties of Matter
-Language and Communication Studies
-Introduction to Computer Applications
Sem
2
-General Chemistry II
-Calculus I
-Environmental Biology
-Electricity
-Magnetics
-Vibration and Waves
-Technical and Business Communication
-Computer Programming
Sem
3
-Calculus II
-Material Science
-Electrical and Electronic Science
-Introduction to energy and energy resources
-Thermal Science
-Safety
-Thermal Science Lab
Sem
4
-Health and environment
-Solar Thermal Energy
-Power Electronics
-Computer Aided Visualization and Computation
-Energy storage technology
-Bioenergy
Sem
5
GIS and remote sensing
-Hydropower
-Solar Photovoltaic Systems
-Energy
-Environment and Climate Change
-Wind Energy
Sem
6
-Power Electronics and electrochemistry Lab
-New Product Development
-Geothermal Energy Technology
-EIA and SEIA
-Research Methods
-Energy Audit
-Renewable Energy Lab
Sem
7
-Hybrid Energy Systems
-Power Transmission and Distribution
-Energy Economics
-Project Management
-Research Project I
-Renewable Energy Systems Lab
Sem
8
-Modelling and Simulation of Sustainable Energy Systems
-Industrial Management
-Energy Policy and Law
-Business Management and Entrepreneurship
-Social Issues in sustainable energy systems
-Research Project II
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Malawian undergraduate students on generic intake pay K450,000 per academic year for tuition. However, the students also need K80,000 per annum for accommodation and an estimated K500,000 per annum for upkeep. Economic fee paying students pay K2,200,000 tuition fees per annum and K160,000 per annum for their accommodation. Foreign students from the SADC region pay US$3,000 tuition fees per annum while those from countries outside the SADC pay US$3,500 per academic year. Postgraduate students pay tuition fees of US$5,000 or Malawi Kwacha equivalent per academic year. Other costs include K40,000 per semester residence (depends on availability) fee; living expenses of approximately K250,000 per semester payable on prorate basis; research fee of US$500 or in Malawi Kwacha equivalent; dissertation/thesis binding fee of K25,000 and yet to be advised medical insurance fee. |
The admission of applicants will be at the discretion of the Malawi University of Science and Technology. However, applicants will have to conform to the following criteria:
Entry in Year 1: MSCE, “O” Level, IGCSE, GCE at least strong credits in Mathematics, Physical Science (Chemistry and Physics), English and any three of the following; Computer Studies, Agriculture, Biology and Geography.
Entry in Year 2: A-level with at least C grade in the following subject Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics and a strong credit in English at “O level”.