certificate in renewable energy development
Certificate in Renewable Energy Development
Target Groups:
Renewable energy sources such as wind, bioenergy, hydro and solar are attracting much interest due to increased energy prices, increasing concern about the environmental impacts of fossil fuel use, and recognition of the vulnerability of Ireland’s 90% energy import dependence.
Tipperary Institute’s highly successful Renewable Energy programme was first offered in 2001. 2010/2011 will be the tenth cycle. The programme is designed for the following target groups:
- - People working in organisations that are developing renewable energy projects or servicing the renewable energy sector.
- - People wishing to gain an understanding of renewable energy to enhance their prospects of gaining employment in the sector.
- - Potential project developers - people with an idea for a renewable energy project (e.g. landowners).
- - People working at a strategic level (e.g. in central and local government or state agencies).
- - Potential suppliers of products or services to the renewable energy industry or market (e.g. equipment suppliers, consultants).
- Obviously, the renewable energy sector also requires technical people (engineers, technicians etc.) to design, build and operate projects. However, potential applicants should note that this programme is more about the business development of renewable energy than about the detailed technical aspects. It should also be noted that the focus is on medium and large scale renewable energy projects. People with an interest in renewable energy for application in their homes are referred to our Certificate in Domestic Sustainable Energy.
Programme Structure and Assessment:
- - The programme is offered on a part-time basis, commencing in late September and concluding at the end of April. There is a total of 120 ‘contact’ hours.
- -The contact hours are made up of:
- lectures and tutorials (from 6.30pm to 9.30pm one night per week, with 25 nights in total),
- field trips (generally 9am to 5pm, on four or five Saturdays and one or two weekdays). Students need to attend a minimum of four field trips.
- -It is expected that lectures will take place on Wednesday evenings, as in the past (subject to confirmation)
- - Please note that applicants awarded a place on the programme will have to come to TI Thurles for registration in advance of the commencement of the programme.
- - While the programme is practically-oriented, it does involve formal academic assessment, supported by an External Examiner from the Dundalk Institute of Technology. Programme participants are assessed through four written assignments (including a mini business plan), four field trip reports and six in-class tests. There is no end-of-programme examination. The assignments require a significant time input. The total time commitment to the programme is estimated at 360 hours (contact time, assignment work, and study). Potential applicants should also consider their travel time to and from TI Thurles, and their other commitments, in assessing their capability to successfully complete the programme.
- - The programme is distinctive in that about half of the content is delivered by expert external guest speakers. Field trips allow participants to see renewable energy projects in operation and to talk to experienced project developers. Tipperary Institute expresses its gratitude to our guest speakers and site visit hosts for their invaluable contribution.
Entry Requirements:
Minimum requirements will normally be a pass in six Leaving Certificate subjects including mathematics or equivalent. The Institute’s procedures for recognition of prior learning will be used to assess equivalence. Applicants who meet the minimum entry requirements will be selected on the basis of a written application and if appropriate, interview. The selection process will follow the Institute’s mature student entry procedures.
The ability to use a computer to access information online is an advantage, as the delivery of the programme is supported though the use of TI’s online learning environment, Moodle. Demand for the 25 places on the programme has generally exceeded supply on previous cycles.
Please note that the closing date for applications for the 2010/2011 cycle is 5pm 20th August 2010.
| Module 1 - Renewable Energy Technologies |
Introduction to Renewable Energy (25%) |
Renewable Energy Technologies (75%) |
| Module 2 - Renewable Energy Project Development |
Policy and Legislation (15%) |
Planning and Consultation (15%) |
Project Finance and Organisation (40%) |
Project Management (30%) |
Award:
The Certificate in Renewable Energy Development has received provisional approval as a HETAC (Higher Education and Training Awards Council) Special Purpose Award. It is offered at NQF (National Qualifications Framework) Level 6 and carries 20 ECTS credits
Programme Fee:
The programme fee is currently under review. The fee will include a renewable energy textbook and a Tipperary Institute course reader in renewable energy.
To facilitate widespread participation a fee reduction may be offered to a limited number of participants in certain circumstances. Please contact the Rural Development Department for further information.
Programme Location:
Tipperary Institute - Thurles Campus
Information:
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