Program Overview

Program Overview

The Energy Sciences Concentration is a unique program that trains students in the science of development and use of sustainable fuels. This concentration accomplishes this training with a solid grounding in basic physics and chemistry, an introductory course in energy systems, independent study courses, and a capstone, group project-based course.

Program Details

The program also offers several courses in specific non-fossil sources of energy such as hydroelectricity, geothermal, nuclear, fuel cells, and solar. As the Energy Sciences Concentration is part of a natural sciences degree, graduates of the concentration also gain expertise in one other field of science.

Graduate Outcomes

Energy sciences graduates are well suited to finding solutions to the multi-faceted energy issues facing our society. They leave the University of Calgary with a thorough understanding of the scientific fundamentals of energy systems (production, storage, distribution, usage/transformation) and of specific sources (oil and gas, nuclear, geothermal, solar, hydroelectric).

Key Skills and Knowledge

• Critical thinking
  • Collaborative teamwork
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills
• The multidisciplinary design of energy sciences allows students to gain the skills, knowledge, and judgment required to deal with some of the world’s most pressing energy issues.

Career Opportunities

Graduates with an Energy Sciences Concentration are capable of providing guidance and leadership in a variety of organizations seeking sustainable energy solutions, including:

• Energy producers and distributors
• Environmental consultants
• Policy developers
• Regulators
• Non-governmental organizations
• Educators

The Challenge

The world’s energy demands are growing and changing. Canada – already a world leader in the development of energy resources, particularly oil and gas, hydroelectricity, coal, and nuclear – stands poised to lead in the development of wind, solar, and geothermal power. Tomorrow’s energy leaders will need to address an array of technological, environmental, and socioeconomic challenges, including the critical issue of global climate change and the associated need for development of low-carbon energy sources. University graduates with a solid background in the science of energy systems and an understanding of alternative sustainable/renewable energy sources will be in great demand as Canada’s industries work toward solutions.