IRM34513 Advanced materials for energy technology (Autumn 2026)

Facts about the course

ECTS Credits:
10
Responsible faculty:
Faculty of Computer Sciences, Engineering and Economics
Campus:
Fredrikstad
Course Leader:
Litian Wang
Duration:
½ year

Table of contents

The course is affiliated to the following study programme

Optional subject in:

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering - Mechanical: Industrial product development
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil, Construction adn Environmental Engineering.

Also TRESS and the Y-path associated with these study programs.

If there are fewer than 7 registered students, the course will not start.

Required prerequisite knowledge

IRF10721 Engineering calculus (10 ECTS) or ING10225 Engineering calculus (10 ECTS)

Recommended previous knowledge

IRM14123 Sustainable innovation and material sciences (10 ECTS) og IRF13018 Fundamental physics and chemistry for engineers (10 stp.)

or

ING10425 Material sciences (5 ECTS) and ING11225 Physics (5 ECTS)

Teaching semester

5th semester (autumn)

Content

Topic 1:

  • Methodology for Material Selection
  • Investigation of Various Material Indices
  • GRANTA Material Database, Energy/CO2 Footprint, and Life Cycle Analysis (LCA)

Topic 2:

  • Fiber-Reinforced Thermosetting Plastic (FRP) Composites
  • Theory of Composites (Rule of Mixture)
  • Design and Manufacturing of Fiber-Reinforced Thermosetting Plastic (FRP) Laminates

Topic 3:

  • Materials in Solar Cell Technology
  • Theory of Semiconductors, p-n Junction, Schottky Junction
  • Rectification and Photovoltaic Effect

Topic 4:

  • Materials in Battery Technology
  • Modern Batteries
  • Cathode and Anode Materials
  • Production and Recycling

Topic 5:

  • Nanomaterials
  • Colloidal Stability
  • Properties of Nanomaterials
  • Methods for Characterizing Nanomaterials and Applications

The student's learning outcomes on passing the course

Knowledge

The student:

  • are able to describe principles for material selection for various types of constructions.
  • are able to describe the relationship between design and manufacturing of composite materials.
  • are able to explain the principles and mechanisms of solar cells.
  • are able to describe materials related to battery technology.
  • are able to describe nanomaterials and their related physical/chemical properties.

Skills

The student:

  • are able to perform advanced material selection using the GRANTA material database.
  • are able to conduct Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) on industrial products.
  • are able to assess properties of materials related to energy technologies (mechanical, thermal, electrical, electronic, etc.).
  • are able to assess environmental measures/handling related to the aforementioned materials.

General Competence

The student:

  • are able tomake correct and informed decisions regarding the choice of materials for various applications.

Teaching and learning methods

The subject is taught through:

  • Lectures
  • Laboratory experiments
  • Online submissions
  • Possible excursions/company visits

Workload

250-300 hours

Practical training/internship

None

Coursework requirements - conditions for taking the exam

  • Approved 4 out of 5 exercises
  • Approved 2 out of 2 lab reports

The required coursework is assessed asapproved/not approved. The requirements must be approved before students can present themselves for the exam

Exam

Written exam, individual. Duration: 4 hours.

Materials allowed: All printed and written materials.

Grading scale: A-F.

Examiners

External or internal examiner

Conditions for resit/rescheduled exams

Re-exams are held early in the following semester. More information about re-exams can be found here

Course evaluation

Continuous evaluation of the teaching throughout the semester, where the method of evaluation is agreed upon between the instructor(s) and students. Written final evaluation of the course.

Reading list

Reading list will be published in Leganto.
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 4:22:27 AM