The University of Aberdeen has launched four new degree programmes to meet the skills demands of the booming and ever evolving energy, electronic and photonics industries.
Degrees in Electronics and Photonics, Electronic Engineering with Oceanic Instrumentation, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering with Energy Studies and Electrical Engineering with Sustainable Energy have been introduced to the University's portfolio of energy programmes.
Created in direct response to industry demand for skilled professionals within these rapidly growing industry areas, the programmes will receive the first intake of students in September 2009.
Equipping graduates for entry into the substantial UK and Scottish photonics industry, which plays a crucial role in sectors including communications, medical and defence, the Electronics with Photonics degree programme is available as either a five year Master or four year Batchelor degree.
The programme aims to meet the future demands of the sector, where the development of new display technologies such as electronic holography and 3D TV is expected to provide an upsurge in career opportunities for graduates.
The Mechanical and Electrical Engineering with Energy Studies and Electrical with Sustainable Energy degrees will focus on various aspects of the energy industry including current mainstream energy production. Renewable energy technologies will also be a key component of both degree programmes in recognition of the increasing prominence given in the industry to alternative fuel and energy sources.
Focusing on the skills required within the increasingly important area of ocean science, the degree in Electronics and Oceanic Instrumentation has been designed to meet the current and future demands of the oceanology and oil and gas sector where greater emphasis is being placed on subsea exploration. The degree is available as either a five year Master degree or four year Batchelor degree.
The introduction of the programme further complements the development of the National Subsea Research Institute, a joint venture between industry and academia involving Aberdeen, Robert Gordon's and Dundee universities, under the Northern Research Partnership, ITF and Subsea UK.
Dr David Hendry, School of Engineering, University of Aberdeen said: "Creating industry focused degrees which are tailored towards the current and future needs of the energy sector is a core objective for the University of Aberdeen and this is reflected in the introduction of these four new programmes.
"These degrees will breed a fresh generation of talent to meet the requirements of the buoyant energy and electronic sectors, where developments into new technologies are continuing to drive the need for skilled professionals within diverse new areas of expertise.
"For example, as the focus on subsea exploration becomes ever more prominent in the oil and gas industry, the demand for graduates who are trained in oceanic instrumentation is increasing. The development of the Electronics and Oceanic Instrumentation degree is in direct response to this need for talented professionals in a blossoming and innovative Scottish sector which is delivering worldwide."
"In addition to their extreme relevance to the needs of industry, these programmes will also provide graduates with a career of life-long interest, with substantial reward to both themselves and society."
Professor John Watson, School of Engineering, University of Aberdeen adds: "Scotland is a key player within the electronics and photonics industry. The University of Aberdeen in particular is renowned for its strong expertise within this area, hosting one of only three research groups in the world to conduct studies into the use of holographic equipment. The introduction of the new Electronics with Photonics degree further reflects the University's commitment to nurturing talent within this important sector.
"Exciting technological advances including the anticipated introduction of 3D TV within the next decade, and increasing prominence of electronic holography in sectors such as medicine, are expanding business opportunities for employers and therefore career prospects for graduates. The combination of world leading academics and facilities which the University offers will provide a strong influx of skilled professionals equipped to deal with the future demands of the continuously evolving electronics industry."
For more information on these degree programmes and the full portfolio of degree programmes offered by the School of Engineering at the University visit www.eng.abdn.ac.uk