2007 Press Releases
18.09.2007
UCC today (September 18th 2007) became the first Irish university to offer a specialised course in Energy Engineering when Mr Eamon Ryan, Minister for Communications, Energy & Natural Resources launched the new BE Degree in Energy Engineering.
This new energy engineering degree programme will commence in 2008 thereby becoming available to students now entering their Leaving Certificate year.
In welcoming UCC's initiative, the Minister said: "UCC's new undergraduate degree programme in energy engineering is an exciting new development that will place the university in an important position in energy engineering not only in Ireland, but internationally. The timing couldn't be more appropriate due to the urgency attached to the dual problems we face, namely climate change and energy security. This programme complements UCC's impressive track record in energy research and the successful taught Master's Programme in Sustainable Energy and I am delighted to launch it."
Professor Patrick Fitzpatrick, Head of UCC's College of Science, Engineering and Food Science, said: "UCC already offers a one-year taught Master's Programme (MEngSc) in Sustainable Energy now entering its third year. One hundred and twenty two applications have been received to date competing for 25 places. Our new undergraduate energy engineering degree builds on this success and brings an exciting new dimension to UCC's strategic focus in energy research and education."
Dr Richard Kavanagh, Dean of UCC's Engineering Faculty and coordinator of the new programme, pointed to the career prospects of students who will graduate from this programme. "Energy engineers are needed to address some of the most challenging issues facing the world today. Careers for energy engineers include the design of renewable energy devices, construction of power plants, design of energy systems for buildings, project management, formation of future energy policy, energy technology transfer and energy engineering consultancy. The planned ramp-up in investment in energy, both here and abroad, points to a long-term demand for energy engineers", he said.
Dr Brian Ó Gallachóir, Co-ordinator of UCC's Sustainable Energy Research Network spoke of the research-led nature of teaching in the new degree programme: "The programme will draw on the expertise of some 14 permanent academic staff currently involved in energy research. These academics, who have secured €11 million in research funding since 2004, will contribute from their expertise in wave energy, wind energy, energy policy, energy systems in buildings, biofuels for transport and power conversion", he said.
Pictured at the launch of the BE Degree in Energy Engineering at the Glucksman Gallery, UCC were: Dr Richard Kavanagh, Dean of UCC’s Engineering Faculty, Mr Eamon Ryan, Minister for Communications, Energy & Natural Resources, Professor Patrick Fitzpatrick, Head of UCC’s College of Science, Engineering & Food Science and Dr Brian O Gallachoir, Co-ordinator of UCC’s Sustainable Energy Research Network.
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