DigitalFortress said:
is it just like a standard engineering degree plus you learn about solar energy and stuff...or is it different types like hydro and wind etc.
is it more like an advanced science course, with chemistry and photons etc or like a physics/engineering course???
Do u do much outside of classroom work?
Is there lots of technology involved?
Is it really narrow or broad, what sort of job prospects are there???
The only chemistry we do is a 3 unit subject about chemical processes for RE systems, so its really specific. Its definately an engineering degree, not at all like an advanced science degree.
In the renewable degree you learn a lot of stuff, wind, solar architecture, biomass, stuff on sustainable development, policy. And of course the basics like fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, some elec stuff.
What do you mean by outside classroom work? Like a lot of study, or lab work and stuff?
Our labs look good, but being first year, i havnt done anything to do in them yet. We have done a bit of modelling on computers so far. They do more of this in later years.
Renewable is the broader of the 2 degrees. However the job prospects for both are similar. Those willing to go overseas will get a job quite easily as there is more money and initiative in other countries whereas australia is a bit slow on the uptake, so you will probably have to look harder for a job in australia. Could all change in a few years though, never know!