(approved by the Pro-Vice-President on September 15, 2005. Ref. nr. C2005/1045)
Research at the Graduate School of Energy and Environment
covers a wide variety of fields in energy, as well as the environment
and sustainable development, from a global scale to those of industry,
buildings and products. The range of fields includes the following:
- Experimental and theoretical research in energy technology, and
- Development, application and evaluation of methods and tools for the
analysis of technical systems, with respect to the environment,
sustainable development and energy.
The aim of the research programme coincides with that of Chalmers
in that those awarded an advanced degree shall be (within their
discipline) able to:
- Formulate research problems,
- Conduct research according to scientific methods and contextualize the results,
- Critically assess both one’s own and others’ research,
- Cooperate effectively in interdisciplinary research groups by maintaining an open attitude to other scientific fields,
- Convey knowledge in a pedagogical way,
- Practice professional ethics in research, and
- Lead research work.
2 General Requirements for Admission (Prerequisites)
In general, students admitted to a programme of study for a
doctoral degree should have a university degree, comprising at least
four years of study (240 credits), with a major emphasis on science or
technology; in addition, a degree project (thesis), or the equivalent,
shall be a part of the university work and represent at least one term
of study (30 credits). For applicants with university education outside
Sweden (foreign students), corresponding requirements apply. What
specialization of the undergraduate education qualifies an applicant for
admission is influenced by the competence required for the particular
research project on which the student is to work. In addition, there are
other specific prerequisites for some specializations, see Section 4.
3 Plan and Structure of the course of study
The course of study includes research work, completion of courses
and participation in seminars. Doctoral students are also expected,
during their education, to present their research at national and
international conferences of various types.
The programme of study covers two years (120 credits), for the
Licentiate degree, and two additional years for the doctoral degree, a
total of four years (240 credits) of full time study. Doctoral students
may be required to do departmental work (most often teaching), however
not more than a maximum equivalent of 20%, in which case the total time
for the Ph.D. degree is five years. After the first year of study an
assessment is made, which can result in that the studies are
discontinued.
Course credits from previous university studies can sometimes be
accepted as part of the course work in the graduate studies, to the
extent of up to 30 credits (equivalent to one term), provided such
courses are a part of the research preparatory coursework in a master’s
degree programme. The consideration of whether to accept that credit
should be given for course points from the master’s level is made on an
individual basis, and the decision lies with the examiner.
4 Specializations
The Graduate School of Energy and Environment encompasses the seven specializations described below.
4.1 Electric Power Engineering
Description of specialization
The primary aim of the Electric Power Engineering programme is to
acquire a deepened understanding of the complex systems, components and
equipment, which generate, transmit, distribute and use electrical
energy. Both large scale (GW) and small scale (W) energy conversion are
of interest. The growing global need for electricity makes great demands
on understanding and controlling the existing systems, components and
equipment, as well as on developing and understanding new systems that
use renewable energy resources. The efficient use of electricity is also
an important part of the specialization.
Aim
The Electric Power Engineering graduate study programme offers a
wide knowledge of the major aspects of the field, coupled with
specialization by research in various branches of the subject. The
course of study has strong interdisciplinary connections both within and
outside the basic field. Research on electrical systems, electrical
drive systems, renewable sources of energy, and quality of electricity
is closely linked to fields such as power electronics and signal
analysis, as well as techno-economic, statistical and environmental
assessment.
Prerequisites
Admission as a doctoral student normally requires a Master of
Science degree in electrical engineering. Other possible fields are
engineering physics, mechanical engineering or an equivalent non-Swedish
education at the Master of Science level (or the equivalent of 240
credits, sometimes known as a Bachelor of Science), which requires the
approval of an examiner.
Specific course requirements
This specialization has no specific course requirements beyond
those that apply for the Graduate School of Energy and Environment.
4.2 Energy Conversion
Description of specialization
The specialization of Energy Conversion encompasses technology for
conversion of energy to power or heat, with emphasis on aspects of
combustion. In addition, problems relating to power and heating plants
in connection with thermal energy, combustion and the environment are
studied.
Aim
The aim of graduate study in the specialization of energy
conversion is the same as for the Graduate School of Energy and
Environment, but in application to energy conversion.
Prerequisites
Admission as a doctoral student normally requires a M.Sc. degree in
mechanical engineering, engineering physics, chemical engineering (with
or without physics), or the equivalent. However, applicants who have
completed degrees in other fields can sometimes be admitted after an
individual evaluation.
Course requirements
This specialization has no specific course requirements besides
those applicable to the Graduate School of Energy and Environment.
4.3 Energy and Material systems
Specialization
The specialization of Energy and Material Systems includes the
structure of technical systems, taking into consideration all relevant
factors, such as economic aspects, provision of primary sources of
energy, development of energy demand, environmental consequences, and
reliability. Particular attention is given, with the help of computer
based system models for techno-economic analysis or optimization, to
complete energy systems on global, national and municipality levels, or
to material handling systems, predominantly waste disposal systems.
Aim
The aim of the Energy and Material Systems specialization is the
same as for the Graduate School of Energy and Environment in general,
but in application to energy and material systems. The research methods
applied are mainly those of systems analysis.
Prerequisites
Admission as a doctoral student normally requires a Master of
Science degree in mechanical engineering, engineering physics, chemical
engineering (with or without physics), or the equivalent; however,
applicants who have completed degrees in other subjects may be admitted
after an individual evaluation.
Course requirements
This specialization has no specific course requirements besides
those applicable to the Graduate School of Energy and Environment.
4.4 Physical Resource Theory
Description of specialization
Physical resource theory comprises theories, models and methods to
describe, in physical and economic terms, energy and material conversion
in societal and natural systems. For example, models are generated to
describe how present and future energy and material use can be developed
to achieve lower environmental impact.
Aim
In addition to the goals of the graduate school, this
specialization aims to familiarize students with concepts and theories
in the fields of natural science, economics and systems science, and
based on these, with research methodology in the field of physical
resource theory.
Prerequisites
This specialization has no specific prerequisites besides those that apply to the Graduate School of Energy and Environment.
Specific course requirements
Specific course requirements are decided in consultation with the
student’s supervisor and examiner. It is strongly recommended that the
programme of study should include courses in the following subjects:
industrial ecology, energy systems, microeconomics and policy
instruments, global environmental change, optimization theory, systems
analysis, energy physics, and technical development.
4.5 Industrial Energy Systems
Description of specialization and aim
Doctoral studies with the specialization in Industrial Energy
Systems aims to deepen knowledge in the following branches of study:
- Industrial energy systems and process integration: Development
and use of process integration methods and tools for studying rational
usage of energy in industrial energy systems, and how energy
improvements to such systems can be made. Examples of considered energy
system improvements include fuel switching, heat recovery through
optimal design and retrofit of heat exchanger networks, and process
integration of both key unit operations (e.g. distillation and
evaporation) and efficient energy conversion technologies (such as heat
pumps, combined heat and power, and energyplexes for polygeneration).
Special attention is paid to process integration aspects of retrofitting
existing industrial systems. Process integration is also studied in
relation to major changes in the pulp and paper industry, such as black
liquor gasification and closure of bleaching plants.
- Impact of alternative energy system configurations on global
warming: Development and use of methods to identify the optimal use of
different energy technologies to reduce global warming. Special emphasis
is placed on studying the way future energy policy instruments will
influence these optimal solutions.
- Future potential of alternative technologies in district heating and
cooling networks. Particular emphasis is placed on combined heat and
power plants and heat pumping.
- Experimental investigation of critical components of energy systems:
special emphasis is placed for example on black liquor evaporation as
well as the evaporation and condensation of cooling media (especially
mixtures).
Prerequisites
Admission as a doctoral student requires a M.Sc. in chemical
engineering, chemical engineering with physics, mechanical engineering
or other equivalent qualification.
Course requirements
This specialization has no specific course requirements besides
those applicable to the Graduate School of Energy and Environment.
4.6 Environmental Systems Analysis
Description of specialization
Environmental Systems Analysis comprises the development of systems
analysis methods for environmental assessment of a variety of technical
systems, the application and evaluation of such methods, and studies of
how the methods are used, for example in decision making, management
and communication, by the various actors in society. Examples of
environmental systems analysis methods include life cycle assessment,
sustainable development indicators, environmental risk assessment,
environmental assessment of technical change, and environmental
assessment of organizing. Environmental systems analysis methods are
general in the sense that they can be applied to a wide range of
technical fields. The methods are distinguished from each other by their
investigation of dissimilar aspects of technology and its environmental
impact.
Aim
In addition to the aims of the Graduate School of Energy and
Environment in general, this doctoral programme of study aims to deepen
understanding of the field, with significant depth in a selected aspect
of environmental systems analysis, as well as breadth in the sense of
knowledge of the field as a whole and its relationship to other fields
of study.
Prerequisites
This specialization has no specific prerequisites besides those applicable to the Graduate School of Energy and Environment.
Course requirements
This specialization has no specific course requirements beyond
those applicable to the Graduate School of Energy and Environment.
5 Courses
Different categories of compulsory courses exist at Energy and
Environment: courses that are required for the specific specialization
(see previous Section) and courses taken from the area of Generic and
Transferable skills (GTS).
GTS aims to give doctoral students at Chalmers professional and
individual development, and is a program of activities/courses not
directly linked to the respective areas of research. The graduate
student is required to take at least 15 credit points out of the GTS
program before receiving a PhD degree. Chalmers offers a range of
activities/courses as part of the program.
9 credit points in the area of GTS are expected to be obtained
before the licentiate degree examination. Another 6 credit points are
expected to be obtained before PhD degree examination. Mandatory courses
for the licentiate degree are: "Teaching, Learning & Evaluation”,
”Research Ethics & Sustainable Development” and ”Career planning –
Your Personal Leadership”. 1,5 credit points are optional (from GTS
activities/courses). The 6 credit points after licentiate degree are
also optional and selected according to the student´s need.
The optional activities within GTS do not necessarily have to be
taken from Chalmers’ central activities or courses. The activities can
be obtained from other providers, after suggestion from the examiner or
supervisor, and approval by the deputy head of department in
consultation with the director of studies of the research school. As an
example, GTS could include related activities or courses given at the
department.
In addition to the courses within Generic and Transferable Skills,
the student is also required to participate in the introduction day for
doctoral students (before the licentiate examination, at latest).
Further requirements are an oral popular science presentation to be
performed prior to the PhD thesis defence and a written popular science
presentation to be published on the back of the PhD thesis.
The 15 credit points in GTS are mandatory for doctoral students admitted after September 1, 2012.
6 Licentiate thesis and Doctoral thesis
6.1 Licentiate thesis
Research work equivalent to three full terms (90 credits) shall be
reported in a thesis. The Licentiate thesis is presented and evaluated
at a seminar.
6.2 Doctoral thesis
The Doctoral thesis shall summarize research work equivalent to
three years (180 credits). The thesis normally comprises an introduction
and summary of appended articles which have been published in
international scientific journals or are of equivalent quality. The
doctoral thesis may also take the form of a monograph. The monograph
shall be of the same quality as that necessary for publication in
international, peer reviewed journals. The research reported in the
Doctoral thesis is reviewed and assessed at a public defence.
7 Requirements for degrees
7.1 Licentiate degree
Requirements for the Licentiate degree include two years of
full-time study (120 credits), of which 30 credits (equivalent to one
term) is devoted to graduate level courses and 90 credits (equivalent to
three terms) are devoted to research and writing the Licentiate thesis.
7.2 Doctoral degree
The requirements for the Doctoral degree include 240 credits,
equivalent to four years of full-time study, of which 60 credits
(equivalent to one year) is devoted to graduate level courses and 180
credits (three years) to research and writing the Doctoral thesis.
(These totals include the credits acquired for the Licentiate degree.)
8 Supervision
A graduate student shall have a head supervisor and an examiner. In
addition, the student shall receive guidance from one or more assistant
supervisors. The assistant supervisors shall have completed a Ph.D. or
have equivalent qualification. The group guiding a doctoral student also
includes the director of studies for the research school as well as
other people with an appropriate background supporting the student.
In addition to advice on the scientific work, the supervision shall
include planning and follow-up of research work, course work and other
activities, support in publishing, and follow-up discussions.