Presentation

Educational aims

Specific Objectives: The specific objective of the Bachelor’s Degree in Energy and Renewable Energy Engineering at the University of Palermo is to train engineers equipped with the skills required to operate effectively in the fields of electrical, energy, and nuclear engineering. Graduates will possess an in-depth understanding of the principles underlying the conversion, distribution, management, and use of energy in its various forms (electrical, thermal, nuclear, and from alternative and renewable sources), as well as knowledge of the components and systems involved in these processes. Furthermore, they will be aware of the environmental, economic, regulatory, and safety implications associated with such systems. To achieve these objectives, the programme offers a multidisciplinary training pathway inspired by current trends towards the decarbonisation of energy systems and the development and adoption of sustainable, low-impact technologies. The degree course is structured around three main tracks: Electrical, Energy, and Technological/Industrial. The programme shares with other Industrial Engineering degrees offered at the University the same foundational and some core subjects, while placing greater emphasis on disciplines characterising electrical, energy, nuclear, and safety engineering. To ensure the specific focus of each track, the curriculum integrates additional courses tailored to the applied contexts of each specialisation, complemented by related subjects that complete the overall educational framework. The study plan includes: Common training activities for all Industrial Engineering degrees offered at the University, including basic subjects in mathematics, physics, and chemistry, and core subjects such as technical drawing, applied physics, principles of electrical engineering, and structural mechanics. Specific training activities, common to all three tracks, covering topics such as numerical analysis, materials technology, energy engineering, components for electrical power systems, renewable energy fundamentals, thermomechanics, industrial applications of renewables, and distributed generation from renewable sources. Track-specific training activities, aimed at deepening knowledge in the relevant areas of specialisation: Electrical track: electrical systems, electrical machines, electrical instrumentation and measurements, electronics and home automation applications, smart grids. Energy track: energy planning and management, energy assessment and certification, thermal measurement systems, mechanical systems, building thermophysics, environmental comfort control. Technological/Industrial track: principles of nuclear engineering, thermohydraulics, safety and risk analysis, machinery, fossil fuels. Training is complemented, within the relevant courses or through seminars, by elements of statistics, computer science, business and industrial management, and mechanical technologies, with particular reference to applied contexts. Graduates will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary either to continue their education in postgraduate studies or to pursue professional careers in the energy and industrial engineering sectors. They will be capable of performing tasks such as design, production, management and organisation, technical and commercial support, risk analysis, and safety management, whether as self-employed professionals or within private manufacturing and service companies, as well as in public administrations. The educational pathway combines lectures, theoretical and practical exercises, laboratory work, seminars, and internships in companies. Learning activities are supported by teaching materials indicated or provided by instructors (in print and/or digital format) and made available on the University portal.

work perspectives

Profile: Bachelor’s Degree in Energy and Renewable Energy Engineering Functions: Graduates in Energy and Renewable Energy Engineering, depending on the chosen specialisation, are trained to address the most current technical needs in the fields of electrical, energy, and nuclear engineering. They acquire in-depth knowledge of the principles underlying the conversion, distribution, management, and use of energy in its various forms (electrical, nuclear, and thermal), from both conventional and renewable sources. This professional profile combines a solid foundation in industrial engineering with a thorough understanding of electrical, thermodynamic, and thermofluid-dynamic phenomena. Depending on the selected specialisation, graduates gain advanced expertise in the management of distributed generation systems, the application of ICT technologies to energy systems at different scales, the conversion of conventional and renewable energy sources — including nuclear fission and/or fusion — for diverse end uses (electrical and thermal, civil and industrial), the energy analysis of high-performance buildings, and the fundamentals of thermoeconomics and energy management. In addition to these technical and specialised aspects, the programme also provides knowledge of the environmental, economic, regulatory, and safety dimensions of energy systems and processes. Consequently, graduates are qualified to work as designers, analysts, and managers of traditional and innovative energy systems, to prepare energy performance certifications in compliance with national standards, and to serve as Energy Managers in public administration or private companies. Skills: Graduates acquire expertise primarily in the design, management, control, and maintenance of energy systems and facilities across various sectors, such as: - the energy sector, including energy distribution systems and machinery (hydraulic, thermal, electrical, refrigeration, and HVAC systems), high-energy-intensity plants (thermoelectric and nuclear), photovoltaic and wind installations, smart grids, home automation systems, energy dispatching and trading, the development and authorisation of renewable energy projects, and energy planning at different territorial scales (e.g. SEAP, PEARS); - the field of safety and environmental impact assessment for industrial — including high-risk — and civil activities; - the sector of energy certification, environmental assessment, energy efficiency, and energy management, as well as compliance with and access to national incentive schemes (e.g. Green Certificates, White Certificates). Career Opportunities: Graduates in Energy and Renewable Energy Engineering possess the knowledge and skills required both to continue their studies in Master’s Degree programmes—particularly in Electrical Engineering and Energy and Nuclear Engineering, for which no additional academic requirements are imposed—and to enter the job market directly. In particular, employment opportunities include positions within: - public and private companies providing comprehensive energy services, not limited to the supply of electricity but also including gas, heat, financial servicing, and turnkey plant solutions; - public administration (technical departments, Energy Manager positions, regulatory authorities); - manufacturing companies operating in the energy and machinery sectors (hydraulic and thermal machines, engines, boilers, heat exchangers, refrigeration and air-conditioning systems, oil industry, solar and wind power plant engineering); - private practice, either independently or within professional firms or companies involved in the design, management, and/or installation of energy and electrical systems, as well as in energy certification and environmental impact assessment. Graduates in Energy and Renewable Energy Engineering, upon passing the State Examination, may register with the Italian Order of Engineers (Albo dell’Ordine degli Ingegneri) as Junior Engineers (Ingegnere iunior). They can work in a wide range of activities, including the design, implementation, testing, and management of thermal, electrical, cogeneration and trigeneration systems, as well as air-conditioning systems for environmental control in civil, tertiary, and industrial buildings. Additionally, they may engage in the preparation of technical and environmental authorisations for the construction and management of plants powered by renewable energy sources (RES).

Characteristics of the final exam

To obtain the Bachelor’s Degree in Energy and Renewable Energy Engineering, students must earn the 180 credits required by the programme, including those allocated to the final examination. The final examination is intended to assess the student’s level of maturity, critical thinking, and communication skills, with reference to the knowledge and competencies acquired throughout the course of study. It represents the completion of the learning activities provided for in the programme structure. The examination consists of an oral assessment, conducted according to the procedures defined each academic year in the Final Examination Regulations of the Degree Programme, in compliance with the ministerial requirements, institutional timelines, and the relevant University Guidelines. Each year, a list of topics and corresponding academic tutors is published. Students may choose the topic on which to focus their final examination. The assigned tutor provides guidance on the relevant texts and bibliography to be consulted, as well as academic and scientific supervision throughout the preparation process.