• Deakin University
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Battery Energy: Fundamentals for a Sustainable, Greener Future

Power the clean energy transition with Deakin University by exploring sustainable battery technologies and energy solutions.

Battery Energy: Fundamentals for a Sustainable, Greener Future

  • 2 weeks

  • 2 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Open level

Find out more about how to join this course

  • Duration

    2 weeks
  • Weekly study

    2 hours
  • 100% online

    How it works
  • Unlimited subscription

    $244.99 for a whole yearLearn more

Start your journey in sustainable energy engineering

On this primer course from Deakin University, you’ll learn the fundamentals of energy storage systems and the essential role batteries play in the clean energy transition.

In just two weeks, you’ll gain a solid understanding of battery types, chemistries, and materials, all designed to lay the groundwork for your deeper exploration into energy technologies.

Learn the building blocks of battery energy storage

You’ll begin with an introduction to the key concepts in energy storage, such as mechanical vs thermal energy storage devices and the role of various battery types in a greener future.

With a focus on practical applications and industry-specific terminology, you’ll finish the first week with the foundational knowledge to understand energy storage technologies and their significance.

Discover the chemistry behind batteries

By the second week, you’ll explore the chemistry that powers the batteries of tomorrow. From lead-acid to lithium-ion batteries, you’ll gain insight into the materials that make up these technologies, including cathodes, anodes, and electrolytes.

You’ll unpack how chemistry is at the heart of energy storage innovation and sustainability, while also examining how these materials work together to enable battery function.

Continue your learning with Deakin University’s technology experts

With the basics of energy storage systems and batteries under your belt, you’ll be ready to explore more advanced topics.

you’ll be ready to deepen your expertise and explore advanced topics. Whether it’s battery manufacturing or safety, Deakin’s expert-led courses will help you stay ahead in the clean energy transition.

Syllabus

  • Week 1

    Introduction to energy storage systems

    • Decorative

      Let’s get started

      Meet your teaching team and other learners, and find essential information about this course, including valuable tips and links to help you get the most out of your learning.

    • Decorative

      Energy storage

      Learn about energy and its storage, mechanical and thermal energy storage systems and electrochemical cells.

    • Decorative

      Batteries

      Learn about applications and types of batteries and basic electrochemical principles.

    • Decorative

      Weekly wrap

      Explore the glossary of terms, further reading, a summary of the week and a preview of the week ahead.

  • Week 2

    Battery chemistry and materials

    • Decorative (Image by Ashley Pomeroy; CC BY-SA 4.0)

      Lead-acid and nickel-metal hydride batteries

      Learn about lead-acid batteries and nickel-metal hydride batteries.

    • Decorative (Image by Kristoferb; CC BY-SA 3.0)

      Lithium-ion batteries

      Learn about Li-ion battery chemistry, cathode materials, anode materials, separator materials and electrolytes.

    • Decorative

      Course wrap

      Reflect on the key ideas presented throughout this course and complete a short quiz.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Identify the role of battery energy storage in the clean energy transition.
  • Classify different battery types and their applications. 
  • Describe the main principles of battery operation.
  • Apply appropriate terminology and definitions to describe battery functions and their role in the clean energy transition.

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone looking to upskill in the emerging field of battery technologies.

It’s particularly suited to engineers and technicians working in renewable energy sectors, such as solar energy, who are involved in battery energy storage. But learners from all backgrounds are encouraged to join.

Who will you learn with?

Faezeh Makhlooghiazad

I’m an ARC Industry Fellow, Deakin University, advancing safer, greener, and more affordable energy storage technologies. I’m passionate about educating communities on the benefits of these devices.

Ramtin Hessam

I am a PhD candidate at Deakin University and work on electrochemistry and energy storage. My research is focused on the synthesis of advanced electrode materials for sodium-ion batteries.

Who developed the course?

Deakin University

Deakin University

Deakin University is one of Australia’s largest universities with more than 61,000 students and over 15,000 online.

  • Established

    1974
  • Location

    Melbourne, Australia
  • World ranking

    Top 280Source: QS World University Rankings 2021

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$244.99 for a whole year

Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Tests to boost your learning
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$54/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Tests to boost your learning
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 17 Mar 2025

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 3 March 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 3 March 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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