Electrical and Renewable Energy Engineering is a specialization within electrical engineering concerning the generation of electrical power from a wide range of sources, and with a special focus on renewable energy sources. This includes solar, wind, hydro, biomass and geothermal, and the integration of these energy sources into hybrid energy supply and distribution networks. The course provides graduates with strong competencies in the fundamental electrical engineering discipline areas with particular focus on the utilization, generation, management and design of renewable energy resources. As with all of the Schools engineering programs, the Electrical and Renewable Energy Engineering program focuses on the development of knowledge and skills relevant to professional engineering practice and along with a sound theoretical base, includes strong elements of practical problem solving, team work and project development. As a result, as well as having multiple technical and transferable skill competencies, graduates will gain strong analytical skills, and have the ability to lead complex projects. The course provides a sound basis in mechanics, dynamics, mathematics, and the principles of engineering design in the first two years of study, along with a broad basis in engineering science including materials and manufacturing, computer aided design, programming principles, and analogue and digital electronics. In the final two years of study, a range of units are included covering more in-depth electrical power engineering topics alongside specialist studies on sustainable and renewable energy sources and systems and their integration into a mixed energy environment. The first year of this course includes a set of eight units that are common across all engineering honours courses. This allows students the opportunity to develop a better understanding of the various engineering disciplines on offer and the flexibility, if desired, to switch to another engineering discipline/course without penalty after the first year of study. Course structure Students are required to complete 31 Core units, 1 Elective unit and a Practicum unit. Cross-Campus attendance Bunbury applicants please note: There is an option to study up to eight foundation units from this degree at ECU's South West (Bunbury) campus, which may include attending a short set of lab sessions at Joondalup campus by the end of each semester, depending on the units studied. After completing these eight units, Bunbury students will need to attend ECU's Joondalup campus to complete the rest of their course. Work Experience requirement Students are required to undertake a minimum of 12 weeks practical work experience in an engineering industry environment. This will normally be undertaken during a vacation period. Employment opportunities Electrical and Renewable Energy Engineers have a wide range of employment opportunities across the energy generation, conversion, distribution and management sectors, including power utilities, the mining industry, larger manufacturing businesses as well as the domestic markets where renewable energy systems are now quite common. Possible future job titles Electrical Engineer, Power Systems Engineer, Renewable Energy Engineer.