Courses List in SERI :

1. RSRS8104 Research Methodology
2. RSRS6312 Technology Of Silicon Solar Cell
3. RSRS6322 Organic Solar Cell Technologies
4. RSRS6412 Solar Thermal Technology And Process
5. RSRS6422 Advanced Building Energy Performance
6. RSRS6502 Special Topic

Sinopsis / Synopsis:

1. RSRS8104 Kaedah Penyelidikan (Research Methodology):

The course aims to provide the background and method of conducting scientific research at the Doctor of philosophy level. The topics on research ethics discussed are the principles of research and the role of researchers. The topics on research management include manual and online information retrieval techniques, experimental design, processing, analysis and summarizing data, preparation of research proposals, oral and written research presentation techniques, and introduction to research activities at the Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI), UKM. Regulatory and legal aspects are covered in the title of intellectual property and intellectual properties, safety aspects in the workspace, and the format of writing a thesis in UKM style. Some lectures and discussion sessions are for more specific topics. The assessment of this course is based on the quality of written research proposals provided by the students and the presentation of the proposals in the seminar.

2. RSRS6312 Teknologi Sel Suria Silikon (Technology Of Silicon Solar Cell):

This course begins with an introduction to the basic principle of semiconductor physics, p-n junction, and the operating principle of a silicon-based solar cell. Then, the students will be exposed to the manufacturing and fabrication of silicon solar cells originating from the making of silicon ingots, silicon wafers, solar cells, current-voltage characterization, and the manufacture of silicon solar panels. Finally, this lecture concludes with exposure to students about the application of silicon solar panels into photovoltaic systems. Evaluation of this course is based on quizzes, assignments, and group presentations.

3. RSRS6322 Teknologi Sel Suria Organik (Organic Solar Cell Technologies):

The goal of this course is to expose students to organic solar cells such as dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC), perovskite solar cells (PSC), Organic Solar cells (OSC), and Quantum Dot Solar Cell (QDSC). Students will be exposed to five interrelated parts, namely, (i) Organic and inorganic materials for organic solar cells; (ii) Principles and operations of organic solar cells; (iii) The fabrication process of organic solar cells panels; (iv)Measurement and characterization methods of organic solar cells; and (v) Enhancement of device performance. This course begins with the introduction to the basic principle of material organic and inorganic chemistry, photoelectrochemical, and the operating principle of all types of organic solar cells. Then, the students will be exposed to the synthesis and fabrication of organic solar cells originating from the depositing of thin films, substrates, dyes, quantum dots, perovskite, electrolyte, and other advanced materials related to solar cells. The students will also be exposed to the measurement and characterizations of solar cells and modules such as rating PV performance, current versus voltage measurements, spectral responsivity measurement, and module qualification and certification. Finally, this course will explain how to enhance the device performance such as a mechanism related to the stability of the solar cells, selection of material, and degradation of solar cells. These enhancements will be explained after the students understand the basic theory and fabrication process of organic solar cells to provide more understanding to the students during the synthesis, fabrication, and characterization of the devices. Students are given exposure through lectures and group assignments. Evaluation of this course is based on quizzes, assignments, and group presentations.

4. RSRS6412 Teknologi Dan Proses Terma Suria (Solar Thermal Technology and Process):

This course is a great first step for a career-focused student to understand the world of solar thermal processes and their possibilities.  It explores and complements the knowledge relating to the classification principle of solar thermal that integrates the nature of the radiation emitted by the sun and incident on earth atmosphere. The knowledge is expanding through comparing the problem on the performance of solar thermal collectors using the theoretical method. Students will perform the analysis and able to differentiate other types of thermal collectors, energy storage units, and other components based on heat transfer problems.

5. RSRS6422 Prestasi Tenaga Bangunan Termaju (Advanced Building Energy Performance):

The goal of this course is to expose students to the knowledge of passive design and low energy architecture. At the end of the course, students should be able to know the concepts and strategies of low energy architecture and its application in green buildings. In addition, the course will expose students to the latest energy modeling software or tool.  The students will also be able to know the appropriate procedure to use the simulation tools.

6. RSRS6502 Tajuk Khas (Special Topic):

This course covers encompass selected topics at an advanced levels in solar energy technology. An in depth understanding of specialized fields in physics and/or recent advances in solar energy technology is discussed. The choice of topics is determined by the department Students are given exposure through lectures and group assignments. Evaluation of this course is based on quizzes and assignments.