Most of us use electricity in our homes in a variety of ways, but it can take its toll on the environment and the country’s natural resources. Thankfully, renewable and sustainable energy technologies are consistently being leveraged. This course offers insights into alternative energies that will assist not only those involved in the sector but individuals who are keen to create positive change in their daily lives.
The Certificate of Alternative Energy is an online program that will introduce you to various energy sources and their issues, and provide inspiration for choosing, implementing and operating different types of energy solutions.
In this professional development course, you will learn about the nature and scope of electricity and alternative energies, and compare different methods of generating, storing and using electricity to manage your energy consumption better.
You will also learn about different energy conservation techniques, how to convert a building’s energy supply to an alternative system, and how non-electrical energy systems can be applied and operated.
On completion of this course, you will have the tools to lower your energy costs, be less dependent on mainstream energy supplies, and be inspired to adopt a more environmentally friendly way of living – either at home or in your new career!
Course Structure
Unit 1 - Introduction: the problems and the energy sources
- scope and nature
- terminology
- energy consumption through history
- climate change
- energy units
- problems with fossil fuels
- problems with other energy sources … hydro electricity, nuclear, wind, solar
Unit 2 - Understanding energy
- Terminology
- Understanding electricity
- Conductors and non conductors
- Measuring electricity …current, voltage, resistance
- Ohm’s law
- Circuits … Series; parallel
- Kirchhoffs law
- Power
- Power ratings
- Magnetism
- Electromagnetism and solenoids
- Electric motors
- Inductors
- Lenz’s law
Unit 3 - Generating electricity
- Turbines
- Generators
- Fuel cells
- Wind power
- Large scale wind system design
- Small scale wind system design
- Solar energy
- Positioning a solar cell
- Small scale solar
- Future developments in solar
- Geothermal energy
- Dry steam power plants
- Flash steam power plants
- Binary cycle power plants
- Advantages of geothermal
- How geothermal is used
- Geothermal heat pumps
- Hydropower
- Tide and current power
- Tide barage
- Tidal turbines
- Wave power
- Nuclear energy
- Fission reactors
- Fusion
- Half lives and radioactivity
- Waste to energy
Unit 4 - Storage and using electricity
- Terminology
- Cells – simple cell, car battery, gel, AGM, nickel etc
- Deep cycle battery
- Lithium rechargeable batteries
- Calculating battery requirements
- Inverters
- Alternators and regulators
- Converters
- System types
- EMR and electricity use
- Recommended exposure limits
- Safety with electricity
Unit 5 - Non-electric systems
- Scope and nature
- Passive solar
- Fire wood
- Drying and storing wood
- Comparing different wood types
- Smoke fires
- Creosote formation in fire flues
- Environmental aspects of burning wood
- Biofuels
- Ethonol
- Small scale biomass
- Passive solar energy
- Solar hot water … flat plate collectors, evacuated tubes, open or closed circuit, passive or active systems, heat pumps
- Greenhouses
- Night insulation
- Solar garden water features
Unit 6 - Energy consumption
- Reducing energy consumption
- Pricing
- Population growth
- Large scale reduction of energy consumption – managing green cities, urban sprawl, peak demands, transport, etc.
Unit 7 - Energy conservation
- How a home owner can reduce energy consumption
- Temperature control
- Minimising light energy consumption
- Minimising appliance energy consumption
- Insulation
- Water conservation
- Solar house design
Unit 8 - Converting to alternative systems
- Estimating energy needs
- Building efficiency
- System design
- System designers
Assessment
Assessment Information
When you study with Australian Online Courses, you will be assessed using a competency-based training method.
Competency-based training focuses on the achievement of skills and knowledge against set criteria to meet industry-standard and is not benchmarked against other students’ work.
In this course, the assessment will be comprised of written assignments and exercises, which may include short answer questions, reports, essays, research projects and reflective tasks.
If you do not achieve a competency result on your first attempt, you have two more attempts to pass your assessment. So, you have three attempts in total to obtain a competency result.
In this way, you can complete your course in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- No entry requirements;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support;
- Easy to understand course content;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Certificate of Attainment/Completion issued for your CV (hard copy provided); and
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
How long will it take to complete this course?
The approximate study hours for this course is 100 hours. We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply).
Can I purchase optional printed materials?
While printed materials are not available for purchase, PDF copies are available for download and self-printing for this program.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of this course?
Yes! You will receive a Certificate of Attainment upon successful completion of your assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our e-learning system and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
- Energy Advisor
- Sustainability Consultant
- Climatology Roles
- Renewable Energy Development
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