Dundalk Institute of Technology Programmes and Modules - Postgraduate Diploma in Renewable Energy Systems

Postgraduate Diploma in Renewable Energy Systems

Engineering

Programme Code	DK_ERENP_R	Mode of Delivery	Full-time, Part-time, Modular	No. of Semesters	2

Semesters Per Stage	2	NFQ Level	9	Programme Credits	60

Language of Instruction	English

Field of Study	0713 - Electricity and energy

Educational Aim of Programme

The aim of the Postgraduate Diploma in Renewable Energy Systems is to produce graduates with an advanced level of theoretical knowledge and some level of practical knowledge, with a highly developed research capability and innovation skills to enable their professional development in the renewable energy industry.

On completion of the programme, students will:

A. Be regarded by their peers as subject area specialists in the advanced modules taken in the MSc, and leaders in the field covered by their research project, with an advanced understanding of the knowledge base in these areas and an appreciation of how this equips them to offer leadership in the area of renewable energy
B. Have excellent teamwork skills with the ability to take responsibility for the work of individuals and groups, and have developed a high level of competence in initiating, leading and managing technology projects
C. Have the capacity to apply advanced theoretical knowledge to solve complex problems in the field of renewable energy
D. Have the ability to systematically evaluate emerging renewable energy technologies and trends
E. Have the ability to provide competent advice and consultancy to relevant bodies engaged in renewable energy
F. Have a profound respect for intellectual integrity and for the ethics of scholarship
G. Have highly developed research skills including the ability, as listed below:
H. To evaluate and synthesise the academic research and professional literature base
I. To select and apply standard and customised research tools and techniques of enquiry forming a solid foundation for pursuing further industrial or academic research
J. To formulate judgements and synthesise conclusions following the completion of a systematic piece of research
K. To communicate these conclusions to a variety of audiences in an articulate and convincing fashion
L. To reflect on and evaluate his/her own performance, career and professional development

External Code

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Programme Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

On successful completion of this programme the learner should be able to :

#	Description
PLO1	A systematic understanding of knowledge, at, or informed by, the forefront of renewable energy. The learner is expected to have a detailed knowledge and understanding of the facts, concepts, principles, theories and methods associated with this specialisation.
PLO2	A critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, generally informed by the forefront of renewable energy. The learner is expected to have a detailed knowledge, experience and understanding of - the theories, paradigms, defining concepts and underlying principles of the research area. - advanced methods for acquiring, interpreting and analysing current research, with a critical awareness of the appropriate contexts for their use through the study of original papers, reports, journals and data sets. - the identification, definition and resolution of novel, complex, research problems. - relevant legal and regulatory frameworks. - aspects of the defining elements and the inter-relationships of the research area as a result of in-depth study and research. - the current limits of theoretical and applied knowledge of the energy research area.
PLO3	Demonstrate a range of standard and specialised research or equivalent tools and techniques of enquiry. The learner will be able to: - proactively troubleshoot and solve original technical problems. - employ appropriate advanced data analysing, synthesising and summarising skills in a scientific research environment. - source relevant information, critically interpret and apply appropriate referenced literature from a wide range of information sources. - apply relevant numerical and statistical analysis skills. - maintain detailed records of activities - present and defend scientific research findings in a variety of forms to specialists and non-specialists. - formulate a hypothesis and design a relevant programme of investigation. - write accurately and in a manner consistent with scientific publications in the domain of renewable energy.
PLO4	Select from complex and advanced skills across the renewable energy domain; develop new skills to a high level, including novel and emerging techniques. The learner will be able to: - think independently and make informed effective decisions. - select from a range of routine and specialised scientific skills to apply the most appropriate in a range of situations. - make decisions in relation to a complex, or highly regulated work setting. design, develop and test novel hypotheses. - learn new skills with ease, either independently from scientific papers, or with minimal instruction.
PLO5	Act in a wide and often unpredictable variety of professional levels and ill-defined contexts. The learner will be able to: - apply advanced research skills, constructively criticise, draw conclusions and offer recommendations within a sub-field of renewable energy. - act autonomously and think independently. - formulate and communicate judgements, with incomplete or limited information.
PLO6	Take significant responsibility for the work of individuals and groups; lead and initiate activity. The learner will be able to: - lead multidisciplinary teams. - develop novel technical solutions.
PLO7	Learn to self-evaluate and take responsibility for continuing academic/professional development. The learner will be able to: - identify knowledge gaps and source and undertake self-learning to fill the gaps.
PLO8	Scrutinise and reflect on social norms and relationships and act to change them. The learner will be able to: - identify and articulate the key considerations of a problem. - critically comment on the technical, economic, environmental and social implications of own work and work of others. - draw complex information together and extract policy implications.