As humanity’s hunger for energy increases, we are faced with the negative consequences of our species’ actions. Environmental pollution, climate change, and conflicts over limited resources become more pressing concerns. In order to satisfy the need of all people for energy and yet keep the planet in a state able to sustain human life, new solutions are required. Renewable and sustainable ways for energy generation, storage, and transportation may offer solutions to these challenges. In this course, various energy materials, their characterization, modelling, and application are explored through lectures and guided discussions. Additionally, a wider glance on the economic and strategic aspects of energy materials are explored, highlighting how a shift in energy generation may be accompanied by a shift in global power. In this way, this course will align with and highlight the Sustainable Development Goals of “Affordable and Clean Energy” (SDG 7), “Decent Work and Economic Growth” (SDG 8) “Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure” (SDG 9), and other related SDGs established by the United Nations.

Dr. Milias Liu obtained his PhD in Physical Solid-State Chemistry from RWTH Aachen in Germany, focusing on the investigation of structure and properties of oxygen deficient thin films of hafnium oxide. Afterwards, Dr. Liu worked for a variety of companies in the application of material characterization techniques, ranging from combustive analysis to X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. Besides his industry work, Dr. Liu obtained a master’s degree in business administration from University Kassel, where his work focused on sustainability and methods to improve the attractiveness of public transportation. Since 2022 he is an Assistant Teaching Professor at the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Global College, giving courses in Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering, and Business.

1) Understand the basic concept of sustainable development.

2)  Understand the fundamental principles of various renewable and sustainable energy materials.

3)  Assess economic and strategic aspects related to sustainable development in the energy sector.

Each student will receive an electronic certificate from Shanghai Jiao Tong University. The credits (2) are transferable depending on the credit arrangements policy of the student’s university.

Attendance 20%

Assignments 30%

Final Presentation 25%

Final Report 25%

The course is open to full-time undergraduate and graduate students of all disciplines from universities all over the world. Participants will need to attain a passing mark of at least 60% and attend at least 70% of the course lectures, including the final presentation, to be eligible for the graduating electronic certificate. Students should refer to the course schedule to ensure their availability before registering. The course will offer a limited capacity. Participants will receive a confirmation email if their registration is successful.

Dr. Milias Liu (milias.liu@sjtu.edu.cn)