Tertiary education in the Australian CRC for Renewable Energy - Renewable energy studies “on the ground” and “online”

The Australian Co-operative Research Centre for Renewable Energy (ACRE) through its postgraduate training and undergraduate studies projects is seeking to meet the increasing local and worldwide need for more tertiary trained scientists, engineers and policy makers with the knowledge and skills to develop and implement renewable and efficient energy systems and policies. It is doing this by developing a range of University courses in renewable energy technology, energy policy, energy efficiency and greenhouse issues. This includes coursework in several disciplines at the University undergraduate and postgraduate level as well as postgraduate research training with industry placements within ACRE. This paper will focus specifically on the approach and objectives of ACRE in relation to postgraduate training and undergraduate studies. It includes a description of the courses and research opportunities to be made available and the way these courses are to be offered. Examples are provided of the internationally focused, online (internet/CD ROM) based units Energy in Society, Energy Policy and Energy Systems which were developed and trialed this year.