Study and examination regulations for the postgraduate study ......Study and examination regulations for the postgraduate study programme “Especialización en Energías Renovables”

Study and examination regulations for the postgraduate study programme “Especialización en Energías Renovables” [Specialization in Renewable Energies]

Study and examination regulations for the postgraduate study programme

“Especialización en Energías Renovables”

Table of Contents

1 Part A: Study Regulations ...................................................................................................... 2

1.1 Scope ....................................................................................................................................... 2

1.2 Validity of Framework Regulations and the Plan for the Advancement of Students in

Particular Life Situations ...................................................................................................................... 2

1.3 Programme core learning outcomes ....................................................................................... 2

1.4 Admission requirements ........................................................................................................ 4

1.5 Student workload and credit points ........................................................................................ 5

1.6 Course outline and contents ................................................................................................... 5

1.7 Realisation of the online study programme ........................................................................... 6

Self-Studies ...................................................................................................................................... 6

Self-test exercises ............................................................................................................................ 6

Course videos and animations ........................................................................................................ 6

Live virtual classrooms .................................................................................................................... 7

Online forum ................................................................................................................................... 7

2 Part B: Examination Regulations ............................................................................................ 8

2.1 Assessment/examination methods ......................................................................................... 8

2.1.1 Coursework...................................................................................................................... 8

2.1.2 Examinations ................................................................................................................... 8

2.1.3 Individual final project and project presentation ............................................................ 9

2.2 Penalty for late submission or failure to attend ..................................................................... 9

2.3 Weighting of assessment methods ......................................................................................... 9

2.4 Marking and grading of assessments .................................................................................... 10

2.5 Special consideration for students in particular life situations ............................................. 10

2.6 Assessment language ............................................................................................................ 11

2.7 Qualificaiton .......................................................................................................................... 11

2.8 Graduation certificate & academic record ............................................................................ 11

1 Appendix: Curriculum summary

2 Appendix: Sample mark sheet

3 Appendix: Sample examination question1

4 Appendix: Sample graduation certificate & academic record0



1 Part A: Study Regulations

1.1 Scope

These regulations apply to all students in the postgraduate study programme “Especialización en Energías Renovables”.

1.2 Validity of Framework Regulations and the Plan for the Advancement of Students in Particular Life Situations

Upon written application with stated reasons students who, due to a documented disability or a chronic illness, have a disadvantage compared to their fellow students are granted adequate facilitations in their application process, their studies and/or their exams.

The effective action plans for the advancement of women are observed.

1.3 Programme core learning outcomes

Graduates of this programme are able to apply methods and tools relating to planning and developing renewable energy projects. Upon completion of the programme, it is expected that students will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

▪ describe, compare and contrast the main renewable energy technologies currently used

▪ explain renewable energy systems from power generation to consumption

▪ list and describe the different phases of renewable energy project development

▪ describe and evaluate the different policy mechanisms available for supporting renewable technologies

▪ identify the main components of different renewable energy systems, their purpose and basic principles of operation

▪ identify the key considerations for, and tasks in, commissioning, operation and maintenance of these systems

▪ describe and compare the financial indicators used to assess financial performance of renewable energy projects

Intellectual skills

▪ derive and apply solutions to specific renewable energy problems from knowledge of science, technology and mathematics

▪ identify, formulate, analyse and solve problems associated with renewable energy project development and system design

▪ design renewable energy systems to meet specified needs

▪ perform financial calculations to assess the financial performance of renewable energy projects

▪ organise and pursue a practical, renewable energy design project



Practical skills

▪ use software tools as appropriate to record and analyse data

▪ build and use spreadsheets to perform technical and financial calculations

▪ use a full range of IT skills

▪ use an online learning platform

Transferable skills and personal qualities

▪ demonstrate creativity and problem-solving skills

▪ write project reports to a professional standard, equivalent in presentational qualities to that of publishable papers

▪ prepare and deliver presentations to a professional standard

Competencies (described in terms of responsibility and autonomy)

▪ work effectively as an individual and as a member of a student community

▪ communicate effectively with others working in the field of renewable energy

▪ perform independent and efficient time management

The distance learning Especialización programme imparts advanced interdisciplinary knowledge on renewable energy project planning and development to graduates or persons with equivalent qualifications in the Latin America region. The courses covered in the programme are:

▪ Introduction to energy

▪ Introduction to the solar resource

▪ Introduction to electricity and electricity grids

▪ PV applications

▪ PV technology

▪ Solar thermal fundamentals

▪ PV-diesel fundamentals

▪ Wind fundamentals

▪ Biogas fundamentals

▪ Introduction to renewable energy projects

▪ Methodology of project valuation

▪ Support mechanisms for renewable energy projects

▪ Small hydro fundamentals

▪ Small hydro project development

▪ Solar thermal project development

▪ Medium biogas project development



▪ PV off-grid project development

▪ PV-diesel hybrid project development

▪ Small-scale PV grid-connected systems

Typical positions for graduates of the Especialización programme include:

▪ public sector employment (e.g. in ministries or energy agencies) in fields relating to

renewable energy and sustainable energy development

▪ private sector employment (e.g. own business or energy supply companies) in fields

relating to renewable energy and sustainable energy development

▪ working in the practical implementation of renewable energy projects

▪ renewable energy system design in an engineering company

▪ renewable energy advisor in public institutions or private companies

▪ renewable energy specialist in an energy supply company

▪ renewable energy project manager in funding institutions, banks or NGOs

▪ economics or business professional with specialism in renewable energy

▪ renewable energy technical consultant

▪ technical sales professional with specialisation in renewable energy

1.4 Admission requirements

Applicants should already have completed a higher-education degree. The programme is set at Level 7 of the European Qualifictions Framework for Lifelong Learning. As such, participants are required to have completed an undergraduate degree (or provide proof of an equivalent level of knowledge, skills and competence).

If applicants have completed another form of qualification such as vocational training, their eligibility credentials will be assessed on a case-by-case basis (e.g. depth/suitability/length of professional experience).

Applicants should have at least one year of professional work experience. Prior experience specific to renewable energy is not required.

Applicants should have a high level of proficiency in the language of the programme which is Spanish. Spanish language skills are recognised when Spanish is the mother tongue of the applicant or is the official language in the home country of the applicant. If requested, proof of language skills must be provided prior to the deadline for enrollment. In this case, the student should provide documentation of language skill which corresponds to the level "Independent User B2" based on the "Common European Framework of Reference for Languages".

The programme covers technical subjects as well as policy, financial and project development subjects. Therefore, it can be advantageous (but not essential) for participants to have a background in these areas.

Registration takes place via the EARTH University. All applicants are required to submit the following documentation:

a) completed registration form



b) motivation letter

c) CV

d) degree (or equivalent) certificate and transcript

e) personal identification documents

Upon receipt of all required documentation each applicant is screened and, if necessary, interviewed (by telephone or in a virtual meeting room) to assess his/her eligibility to participate in the programme.

1.5 Student workload and credit points

The Especialización programme is a distance learning programme comprising three trimesters with a total workload of 30 European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credit points.

The credits awarded in the Especialización programme follow the ECTS, in order to facilitate the comparison of this study programme with other international degree programmes and makes the recognition and transfer of credits straightforward.

The Especialización, which runs part-time for one academic year with a recommended workload of 10-20 hours per week (depending on learners’ prior knowledge), consists of a total of 30 ECTS credits. ECTS credits are awarded for each module as shown in 1 Appendix: Curriculum summary.

1.6 Course outline and contents

The Especialización programme will take place if there is a sufficient minimum number of participants who have paid the study fee. Admission for the 1st trimester occurs on an annual basis in August. Each module is offered once a year in line with the curriculum.

The “Especialización en Energías Renovables” programme follows the typical academic calendar of Latin American universities: it comprises three trimesters and runs for one year from beginning September to end August. The outline of the programme structure and content is shown in 1 Appendix: Curriculum summary

The programme curriculum is structured in such a way that the modules build on each other. The programme begins with a basic introduction to energy and the solar resource, and an introduction to electricity and electricity grids.

The programme continues with an introduction to all of the renewable technologies. The programme then takes a more in-depth look at all these technologies in particular from the point of view of project planning and development. Prior to the project planning and development modules, there is a module on financial analysis of renewable energy projects. This is followed by a course on renewable energy support mechanisms which aims to enable learners to analyse the most widely used policy incentive schemes for renewable energy, and to select the most appropriate scheme for different situations

The programme culminates in an individual final project which learners propose and develop themselves, relating to one or more aspects covered in the programme such as renewable energy system planning, development, design, installation, operation. Through the final project students have the opportunity to intensify their knowledge of a programme-related subject of their choice. Further to this, partipants get the opportunity to develop their competence in researching, analysing, interpreting, writing and presenting.

Half way through the programme in Trimester 2 there is an elective practical module which takes place at the EARTH University in Costa Rica. This is an intensive 5-day module in which students



work hands-on with all the different technologies introduced in Trimester 1 and the first half of Trimester 2. This module also includes site visits with practical exercises at a range of renewable energy installations. Since this module is not compulsory there are currently no ECTS credits awarded for it. However, students who attend this module are awarded an additional certificate of completion by the EARTH University and RENAC.

The detailed learning content of the Especializaición programme may be found in the programme’s module handbook available for download on the RENAC website and on the EARTH website.

1.7 Realisation of the online study programme

The course contents of the individual modules of the programme are imparted in the form of distance teaching. Relevant material and tutorial support are provided. The modules are offered in Spanish.

In order to be able to participate in the distance learning programme students must have access to the internet. Furthermore, they should have the appropriate hard and software equipment. This is the responsibility of each student. Telecommunication fees arising in connection with distance learning are not paid by RENAC or EARTH.

The following forms of learning are part of the Especialización programme:

Self-Studies

Self-studies are carried out with the help of interactive, multimedia-based distance learning

modules being available through the Internet in a learning management system. The independent

acquisition of knowledge on this basis is the main form of distance learning. It is supplemented by

other forms of learning or events.

Self-test exercises

There is a self-test quiz available at the end of each course chapter. Students should complete

these self-tests to enhance their understanding of the chapter content. Around 3-5 self-test

exercises are available per screen page of content. Self-test exercises are designed to:

▪ assist movement of learning from students’ short-term to long-term memories through

repetition of key content elements;

▪ highlight to students what the most important issues to understand are;

▪ challenge students to apply their learning from the text to practical situations, e.g. through

progressively more difficult system design calculation examples.

Course videos and animations

Each course has between 20 minutes (for the shorter fundamentals courses) and 60 minutes (for

the longer planning and development courses) of short videos and animations which aim to give

students better understanding and further insights into key elements of the course content. The

videos have been made in a range of formats:



▪ presentation format where the lecturer uses a presentation program (f.i. MS Powerpoint),

whiteboard or flipchart media to explain and demonstrate the subject matter;

▪ demonstration with a working system model to show what a system and its components

look like, and how the system operates;

▪ site visit where a real working installation is shown and explained.

Live virtual classrooms

Each course in the Especialización programme includes at least one live virtual classroom with a

duration of approximately one hour where the tutor for that course describes in more detail key

elements from the course content. Virtual classrooms are usually conducted by way of a web-

conferencing system. Virtual classroom content may include a case study, a calculation example, a

more indepth description and explanation of selected aspects of the module content, etc.

All virtual classrooms are recorded and then provided offline to the students through the Learning

Management System.

Online forum

The Learning Management System contains a discussion forum which students are encouraged to

read and contribute to. The forum is there to answer questions as well as to develop discussions

not only between student and course tutor, but also between student and student.



2 Part B: Examination Regulations

2.1 Assessment/examination methods

The Especialización programme divides its assessment methods into three distinct categories: coursework, examinations and a final project.

2.1.1 Coursework

Students are assessed on assignments set throughout the programme. There are a total of 10 assignments which are summarised as follows:

Module Assignment no. Assignments

Module 1 1 Solar resource assessment

Module 2 2 Wind electricity in the national grid

Module 3 3 Financial analysis of a renewable energy project using a spreadsheet

Module 4 4 Support mechanisms for renewable energy in your country

5 Small hydro project planning case study

Module 6 6 Design a solar thermal system for your own home

7 Biogas case study: design a biodigester

Module 7

8 Design an off-grid PV system

9 PV-diesel hybrid case study: design a system

10 PV grid-connect case study: design a system

Each assignment covers the subject matter of the course currently running. Students are required to submit an assignment on average every 3-4 weeks. Assignments can take the form, for example, of forum discussions or design calculations.

A sample assignment mark sheet is shown in Appendix 2.

2.1.2 Examinations

The programme consists of three examinations:

▪ an end-of-term examination at the end of Trimester 1 covering all Trimester 1 courses;

▪ an end-of-term examination at the end of Trimester 2 covering all Trimester 2 courses;

▪ a final examination at the end of Trimester 3 covering the entire programme but with more

weighting on the Trimester 3 courses.

The examinations all take place online and are made up of between 30 and 40 questions similar in form to those which appear in the self-test exercises. The examination questions have been developed to reflect the learning objectives of the different courses and aim to examine the key elements of each course.

Trimester 1 and 2 examinations have a duration of one hour. The final examination at the end of Trimester 3 has a duration of 1.5 hours.

On the exam day, the exam is available over a set timeframe. During this time all of the online courses are inaccessible to students. Students can take the exam at a time of their choice during the available time frame. Once the exam has been started, the student has one hour to complete



it (and one hour and a half for final exam). Students are required to confirm at the beginning of each examination that there work is solely their own.

A sample examination question is shown in Appendix 3.

2.1.3 Individual final project and project presentation

In Trimester 3 a more in-depth final project requires students to work indedependently to carry out research, develop and analyse the project idea, and submit a report. During the research phase of the final projects, students are encouraged to share their thoughts and findings on the forum where they can gain insights and ideas from each other. As well as this, the course tutors are available to provide additional technical support. After submitting their final projects, students are required to submit a brief presentation about their projects which they present to their fellow students and tutors during an official project virtual classroom.

The final project guidelines, project mark sheet and presentation mark sheet are provided in the separate document “Guidelines for your final project” (“Directrices para su proyecto final”).

2.2 Penalty for late submission or failure to attend

For virtual classrooms, 5% of the final mark will be deducted from students who miss more than 2 virtual classrooms throughout the entire academic year.

For coursework, 5% of the assignment mark will be deducted for each day of late submission. The same also applies for late submission of the final project and project presentation.

For the examination, any student failing to attend the examination on the set date will have the opportunity to take a re-sit examination. However, the maximum mark that can be achieved in the re-sit examination is 70%.

If in extraneous circumstances a student is unable to attend a virtual classroom, submit coursework on time or is unable to take an examination on the set date then he/she must inform the programme managers at least one week before the deadline/date (4 days in the case of missing a virtual classroom) and must provide proof of the reason for failure to submit/attend upon request.

2.3 Weighting of assessment methods

The weighting of each of these assessment methods is shown in Table: Weighting of Especialización assessment methods” below.

Table: Weighting of Especialización assessment methods

Type of assessment Number of each type

Weighting per item Total weighting

Assignment 10 3% 30%

End-of-term exam 2 10% 20%

Individual project 1 25% 25%

Individual project presentation 1 10% 10%

Final exam 1 15% 15%

Total 100%

Attendance week extra certificate



2.4 Marking and grading of assessments

In order to successfully complete the Especialización programme, students must successfully complete:

▪ the set coursework (assignments) in each module;

▪ the end-of-trimester and final examinations;

▪ the final project report and project presentation.

Deadlines for submitting coursework and final projects, and dates for examinations are set at the beginning of the academic year.

The pass mark for each assessment activity is 70%. (Any students receiving scholarships for the programme must achieve a minimum mark of 80% in each assessment.) A mark of 70% or more signifies that assessment activity has been successfully completed. If any assessment activity in any trimester is not successfully completed then the entire trimester is designated as failed. If any assessment activity need to be rescheduled or repeated outside the official time frame of the tirmester in which the course-assessment performance is scheduled to take place, this is possible only in compliance with the curriculum regulations.

Coursework is marked by the tutor responsible for the respective course. He or she documents the grading in accordance with the assignment’s mark scheme (see Appendix 2 for sample assignment mark sheet). Examinations are marked automatically by the moodle online platform.

Marks are checked by the programme manager and the lead course tutors.

Final projects and project presentations are supervised and marked by the course tutors who have taught in the subject of the final project. Final project reports are subject to first and second marking by the relevant course tutors.

The final grade is awarded in accordance with the ECTS “European Credit Transfer System” as follows: A: best 10 % of this programme and year; B: next 25 %; C: next 30 %; D: next 25 %; E: next 10%

The grades for each module as well as the final mark are made up of the combined marks of all assessment methods in accordance with the weightings shown in Table: Gading scheme and is provided as a percentage.

Table: Gading scheme and is provided as a percentage.

Module mark Grade in words

From - to

95.00 – 100.00 very good with distinction

90.00 – 94.99 very good

80.00 – 89.99 good

70.00 – 79.99 satisfactory

60.00 – 69.99 insufficient with right to re-examination

0.00 – 59.99 insufficient

2.5 Special consideration for students in particular life situations

Since the whole programme is online, it is available to people who due to their circumstances (whether these be geographical, financial, social, due to a disability, etc.) would otherwise not



have access to such a programme of study. Since there are few fixed times when students are obliged to be present (only during virtual classrooms and examinations), the programme offers a high degree of flexibility which allows people in many different life situations to study.

The programme takes due consideration of students with special needs (such as pregnancy, disability, etc.) and, upon request from the student, can provide additional flexibility with regard to submitting coursework or taking examinations.

2.6 Assessment language

Examinations are taken in Spanish.

Assignments, the final project and the project presentation must be written in Spanish.

2.7 Qualificaiton

Upon successful completion of the postgraduate and further-education Especialización en Energías Renovables programme an “Especialización” will be awarded.

2.8 Graduation certificate & academic record

The student is awarded a graduation certificate with an academic record of the overall grade and the individual grades of all modules according to the sample in


Enter mark here (1-10) Additional comments

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Total 0 /100

0%

Poor understanding and

explanation

Provide an accurate, well-researched, well-structured and concise answer to a technical discussion question.

Responses are clear and raise

points for further discussion

Responses are vague and do not

allow for further discussionHas provided clear responses to two fellow

participants' answers.

Good structure; ideas well

organised; coherent

Weak structure; confused

presentationAnswer is well-structured, clear and

straightforward to understand.

Has performed research and has clearly

referenced sources of information.

Full, accurate and detailed

references given

Inadequate citation of sources

How can wind power and hydro power complement each other in the national electricity grid?

In the management of a national energy supply network, how do wind power and hydro power complement each other? (80 points)

Please focus your answer on wind power. You can assume that the contribution of hydro power is in the form of large hydroelectric dams. We will cover hydro power in Module 4.

Please provide references of relevant sources of information. Please limit your response to a maximum of 300 words.

Note: Additionally once you have submitted your assignment, you must respond to the answers submitted by two of your fellow students. (20 points)

Assignment 2 - Wind power in the national electricity grid

Learning outcomes, associated assessment criteria and marking scheme

The assessment will test a student´s ability to:

Excellent and relevant

argumentation

Poor and irrelevant argumentationRaises good and relevant arguments.

Excellent understanding and

explanation

Displays good understanding of the subject, e.g.

through correct explanation and correct

calculation.



4 Appendix: Sample examination question

Appendix.



1 Appendix: Curriculum summary

Duration

Min (h) Max (h) (weeks)

1a Introduction to energy 5 10

1b Introduction to the solar resource 5 10

1cIntroduction to electricity and

electricity grids10 20

1d-I PV applications 10 20

1d-II PV technology 10 20

1e Solar thermal fundamentals 10 20

Total 50 100

2a PV-diesel fundamentals 10 20

2b Wind fundamentals 20 40

2c Biogas fundamentals 20 40

Total 50 100

3aIntroduction to renewable energy

projects5 10

3b Methodology of project valuation 25 50

Total 30 60

4aSupport mechanisms for renewable

energy projects25 50

Small hydro fundamentals 10 20

4b Small hydro project development 25 50

Total 60 120

6a Solar thermal project development 30 60

6b Medium biogas project development 30 60

Total 60 120

7a PV off-grid project development 25 50

7b PV-diesel hybrid project development 25 50

7c PV grid planning

Total 50 100

8 Individual project 60 120

Total 60 120

30Total ECTS credits

Final exam

End-of-term exam

End-of-term exam

Proposed

ECTS credits

3

Module 6 (60-120 h)

Renewable Energy Project

Development Part 2

Module 8 (60h)

Individual project

Trim

este

r 3

Trim

este

r 2

Module 7 (90-180 h)


Development Part 3

4

Module 5 (40h)

Practical Implementation

of Renewable Energy

Module 4 (60-120 h)


Development Part 1

5

5

3

6

Elective attendance week 40 0

5

6

4

5

Module 3 (30-60 h)

Financial Evaluation of

Renewable Energy

Projects

Trim

este

r 1

3

Module 1 (50-100 h)

Renewable Energy

Fundamentals Part 1

Approx. study time

Module 2 (50-100 h)

Renewable Energy

Fundamentals Part 2

Module Unit no. Unit title

1

6

9

6


Enter mark here (1-10) Additional comments

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Total 0 /100

0%

Poor understanding and

explanation

Provide an accurate, well-researched, well-structured and concise answer to a technical discussion question.

Responses are clear and raise

points for further discussion

Responses are vague and do not

allow for further discussionHas provided clear responses to two fellow

participants' answers.

Good structure; ideas well

organised; coherent

Weak structure; confused

presentationAnswer is well-structured, clear and

straightforward to understand.

Has performed research and has clearly

referenced sources of information.

Full, accurate and detailed

references given

Inadequate citation of sources

How can wind power and hydro power complement each other in the national electricity grid?

In the management of a national energy supply network, how do wind power and hydro power complement each other? (80 points)

Please focus your answer on wind power. You can assume that the contribution of hydro power is in the form of large hydroelectric dams. We will cover hydro power in Module 4.

Please provide references of relevant sources of information. Please limit your response to a maximum of 300 words.

Note: Additionally once you have submitted your assignment, you must respond to the answers submitted by two of your fellow students. (20 points)

Assignment 2 - Wind power in the national electricity grid

Learning outcomes, associated assessment criteria and marking scheme

The assessment will test a student´s ability to:

Excellent and relevant

argumentation

Poor and irrelevant argumentationRaises good and relevant arguments.

Excellent understanding and

explanation

Displays good understanding of the subject, e.g.

through correct explanation and correct

calculation.



3 Appendix: Sample examination question

4 Appendix: Sample graduation certificate & academic record

On next two sides.



This is to certify that

Name

Date of birth: dd.mm.yyyy

has graduated in the

Especialización en Energías Renovables

September 2015 – August 2016

with a final mark of

XX

and a final grade of

XX

The grade is awarded in accordance with the ECTS “European Credit Transfer System” as follows: A: best 10 % of this programme and year; B: next 25 %; C: next 30 %; D: next 25 %; E: next 10%

Guácimo, September 13th 2016 Berlin, September 13th 2016

Yanine Chan, Dean, EARTH University Berthold Breid, CEO Renewables Academy

CERTIFICATE

Renewables Academy (RENAC) AG I Schönhauser Allee 10-11 I 10119 Berlin



Academic record for

Name

Date of birth: dd.mm.yyyy

Module

Grade ECTS

credits

EER 101: Fundamentals of energy, solar resource, electricty,

photovolaics and solar thermal - 3

EER 102: Fundamentals of PV-diesel hybrids, wind and biogas - 4

EER 103: Economics and financial aspects of renewable energy

projects - 3

EER 201: Support mechanisms for renewable energies, planning

hydropower projects - 5

EER 202: Planning solar thermal and biogas projects - 5

EER 203: Practical attendance week doing hands-on training with

all the technologies - 0

EER 301: Planning off-grid PV, PV-diesel hybrid and grid-connect

(up to 50 KW) PV projects - 6

EER 302: Individual project and project presentation - 4

The grade is awarded in accordance with the ECTS “European Credit Transfer System” as follows:

Possible grades for individual modules: very good, good, satisfactory, sufficient, Possible overall grade: very good with distinction, very good, good, satisfactory, sufficient

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Study and examination regulations for the postgraduate study ......Study and examination regulations for the postgraduate study programme “Especialización en Energías Renovables”