Education in energy engineering based on industry needs

Abstract

There is an increasing demand on education in energy and environmental engineering, following the trend in society towards increasing sustainability including economic, social and environmental aspects. Altogether this field is considered imperative for competitiveness in the future for many companies and at many markets. This paper addresses these issues by an investigation of industry needs prior to and during development of a new energy engineering profile (curriculum) of as a part of a Masters program in Industrial engineering and management. Also student interest and expectations are taken into account, and subsequently the profile is evaluated. In general, both industry and students were positive to the proposed profile, which was therefore started. Students currently following the profile are in general satisfied, including the 30 % studying abroad. Many of the bachelor projects carried out abroad are located in emerging countries which highlights the competence deficiency in countries outside the industrialized parts of the world.