Physics and Chemistry of Green and Sustainable Energy

"This course provides a fundamental understanding of green energy technology. You will learn key concepts and limitations in energy storage, as well as the principles behind solar and wind power, electrification, and energy storage, with a focus on chemistry and physics.

Throughout the course, we also discuss the difference between public debate and the technical reality of green and sustainable energy.

The course comprises three parts:

• Physics for green energy
• Chemistry for green energy
• Interdisciplinary perspective

The course is offered as a standalone course.

Teaching consists of lectures, seminars and project work. Participation in seminars and project work, including associated activities, is compulsory. Assessment is based on a project report with written and oral presentation, a final exam, and mandatory course components. The course is divided into three parts.

Physics for green energy

We cover principles of energy and power, photon energy, the photoelectric effect and solar cells, as well as thermal and geothermal energy, environmental energy and heat pumps. You will also learn about nuclear energy, including fission, fusion and tokamaks.

Chemistry for green energy

We explore solar energy and the chemistry behind perovskites, silicon-based solar cells and dye-sensitised systems. We cover solar fuels and study water splitting, photocatalysis for hydrogen production and artificial photosynthesis. The course also includes electrochemistry with lithium- and sodium-ion batteries, supercapacitors and fuel cells, as well as circular chemistry focusing on the recycling of solar panels, battery materials and rare earth elements.

Interdisciplinary perspective

We discuss the interplay between politics and technical reality through case studies and address future challenges such as fusion potential, next-generation energy storage and societal barriers to the transition to sustainable energy solutions.

Prerequisites

General requirements and studies equivalent to Swedish Upper Secondary School courses English 6/English level 2, Mathematics 2a or 2b or 2c/Mathematics level 2a or level 2b or level 2c, and one of the following: Science studies 1b or 1a1+1a2/Science studies level 1b or level 1a2, Physics 1a or 1b1+1b2/Physics level 1b or level 1a2, and Chemistry 1/Chemistry level 1

Selection criteria

Priority is given to applicants who have applied before deadline and are registered to a course or a programme at Lunds University the semester before this course starts. After that seats are allocated according to the following: The general average (GPA) of your higher secondary school leaving certificate: 34 %, The Swedish national university aptitude test: 34 %, number of previous ECTS at application deadline (up to 165): 32 %. If students have equal credentials, seats are allocated based on their results on The Swedish National University Aptitude Test. If this too is equal, seats are allocated based on a draw.

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of countries outside:

• The European Union (EU)
• The European Economic Area (EEA) and
• Switzerland

are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 11,333
First payment: SEK 11,333

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Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

Application fee

No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.