Courses in the Energy Systems programme

The Energy Systems postgraduate school has a general 45-credit course package that constitutes a compulsory part of the postgraduate curriculum. Other doctoral courses in the curriculum are determined in consultation between the doctoral candidate in question and his/her advisor. The general courses are:
• Theory of Science, 6 credits
• Systems Analysis with Example Methods From the Energy Field, 12 credits
• Interdisciplinary Energy Systems Project, 15 credits
• Practical Interdisciplinary Research in the Energy Field, 4.5 credits

The courses are read mainly during the second and third terms of the postgraduate programme. However, Practical Interdisciplinary Research in the Energy Field is given mainly in term 4, 5 or 6. See schedule of courses/terms. The 7.5-credit PoES (Perspectives on Energy Systems) course is also included. This course is read along with other doctoral candidates from other universities and postgraduate schools.
The courses are intended to impart the basic knowledge and skills needed to carry out multidisciplinary research projects in cooperation with other divisions within the programme. The courses have been designed so that the scientific perspectives of the various divisions are taken into account in order to promote a holistic approach to energy systems as a subject area.

Curriculum design
Term 1:
During the first term, the doctoral candidate will acquire basic knowledge and skills within his/her “own” division. Joint sessions are conducted under the auspices of the postgraduate school in order to provide the candidates with a holistic view of the field.

Term 2:
The second term is devoted to joint studies in technology and the social sciences, both for the entire group and in the form of groups assembled based on the candidates’ particular orientations, and previous knowledge and qualifications. A syllabus is available from the Programme Management.

During the second term, the doctoral candidates will also take the Perspectives on Energy Systems course, which is offered for all of the candidates funded by the Swedish Energy Agency. This course is not given within the framework of the Energy Systems Programme, but the divisions involved in the programme are also members of the course committee for the course, and participate in its development and conduct.

Term 3:
The third term begins with continued joint studies similar to those in Term 2, after which the study activities focus on interdisciplinary projects conducted on a group basis and reported/discussed in inter-group seminars.

Terms 4-6:
The Practical Interdisciplinary Research in the Energy Field course is given during these terms, during which the doctoral candidates will be able to reflect on and work together in a practical way to author a text that could serve as a conference presentation, article, research grant application or the like.

Terms 6-8:
The doctoral candidates focus on their dissertation projects with support from their advisors. Joint seminars are held continuously to elucidate the dissertation topics in an interdisciplinary manner, and to provide each candidate with insight into the work being done by the others.
Future postgraduate courses
Each course is intended primarily for doctoral candidates within the Energy Systems postgraduate school; however, space permitting, other doctoral candidates are welcome to participate in the courses as well, specifically those who are active in divisions within the programme, even though doctoral candidates from other departments and colleges are also welcome.

Contact:
Director of Graduate Studies Magnus Karlsson, IEI/ Energy Systems, Linköping University Institute of Technology
Tel: (46) 013 - 28 57 39
E-mail Magnus Karlsson