New degree in energy engineering

Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) has launched a new degree programme in energy engineering, commencing in September 2009 at the Institute's Dublin Road campus.

The programme is timely in view of the ambitious targets set out in the Government White Paper on Energy to move Ireland away from fossil fuel-based energy production to investment in renewable energy, and promote the creation of 'green-collar' jobs.

The B. Eng. in Energy Engineering will provide graduates with the core knowledge and skills of an energy engineer together with the fundamental skillsets of a mechanical engineer.

The first two years of the programme cover the fundamentals of mechanical and energy engineering and include a module on Energy Technologies and Installations (wind, biomass, solar-thermal, PV). This module allows students to get approval as certifiers or installers of energy technologies from Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI). Participants
have the option of leaving after two years with an award of Higher Certificate in Energy Engineering.

The third year of the programme expands and deepens the learners' understanding of energy engineering with modules such as Thermofluids, Thermodynamics Systems, Energy Analysis and a Building Energy Rating Module that will allow them to seek registration as Assessors with SEI.

On completion of the B.Eng. in Energy Engineering, graduates can choose to progress to a one-year add-on programme to obtain a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical or Energy Engineering.

Dr. Carine Gachon, School of Engineering, says 'Job prospects for graduates of this programme are very favourable.'

GMIT is offering the possibility for people, who have an Advanced Certificate-Craft in Electrical Installation as well as Ordinary Level Maths in their leaving certificate, to start the course directly from second year, from this September. People with a Higher Certificate in a cognate discipline can also apply.

'GMIT has invested some €1.65m in energy systems including a dedicated undergraduate laboratory, used to enhance students' understanding of the operation of conventional and renewable energy systems,' adds Dr. Gachon.

Entry requirements to this specialist programme are a minimum Leaving Certificate pass (Grade D3 or better) in five subjects including Maths and English or Irish with a minimum of 140 points. FETAC Level 5/6 awards are also accepted. Those who have already applied to the CAO, may gain access through the CAO Change of Mind procedure.

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