Academia - Undergraduate/postgraduate education
If you’re considering a career in the battery field and are in the process of considering what university degrees will help you along this journey, you can find information here. Note that the battery field is a diverse industry and thus this information is not exhaustive but meant to be a starting guide.
Below are some relevant undergraduate/postgraduate degrees and potential areas of further specialism in the battery field. Note that by doing a degree in one discipline does not preclude a future career in another focus area. The key is demonstration of excellence, transferable skills and an appetite for continuous learning.
Biology
- Study of living organisms, encompassing fields from molecular biology and genetics to ecology and evolution; an emerging field for alternative recycling technologies and understanding toxicology.
Chemistry
- Offers knowledge on the fundamentals of chemistry, a key understanding of fundamental processes occurring inside the battery and for development of new energy storage materials.
Chemical Engineering
- Offers knowledge on chemical processes and manufacturing, which is vital for understanding the scale-up of battery innovations and their optimisation.
Computer Science
- Focuses on theories and practical skills related to algorithms, programming, and digital technologies; key skills for modelling batteries and their control/management.
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Focuses on core electrical engineering principles, electronics/digital systems, and their applications systems, essential for developing battery management systems and their control.
Materials Science
- Focuses on the properties and applications of materials used in battery technology, including novel materials for improved battery performance.
Maths
- The in-depth study of abstract concepts, theories, and practical applications across areas like algebra, calculus, statistics, and applied mathematics; core to the development of mathematical models of batteries.
Mechanical Engineering
- Provides insights into mechanical properties, design and manufacturing processes, important for battery packs and integration into systems.
Physics
- Offers a fundamental understanding of the principles that underpin battery technology, towards developing deeper understanding of operating mechanisms.
Additional considerations
Cross-cutting skills: Fundamental scientific and engineering principles, research methodologies, data analysis, problem solving, team working, critical thinking.
Interested in finding out more? Join one of the Faraday Battery Day events or check out some of the battery related STEM outreach resources.
If enrolled on an undergraduate STEM degree course, consider applying for the Faraday Undergraduate Summer Experience (FUSE) paid internship programme.