Topic 1: Introduction to Energy and Related Issues
This topic briefly explores the historical use of energy by humans, looking at global energy cycles and human effects on them. It addresses these issues in a fairly general way before later topics go in to much greater depth in examining the various renewable energy options available today.

Topic 2: Sources of Renewable Energy
This topic examines the various sources of renewable energy: solar radiation; ocean waves, water flows and tides; heat flows and stored energy; wind and other sources.

Topic 3: Solar Water Heating
This topic examines the conversion of solar radiation into heat energy. It covers the design and performance of different types of solar water heating systems, including gravity-driven, pumped systems with passive protection and pumped systems with drainback protection, plus evacuated tube systems.

Topic 4: Photovoltaics
This topic covers photovoltaic systems, principles of photovoltaic effect and the pros and cons of single crystal, polycrystalline and thin film technology. It explores the effects of aspect and shading, tracking devices, power conditioning and grid linkage, power storage and incorporation into architecture at the design stage and via retrofit. Several case studies are used, including: Northumbria University, Centre for Alternative Technology and Beacon Energy's offices.

Topic 5: Biomass
This topic examines biomass and biofuel conversion, again using case studies such as SELCHP (South East London Combined Heat and Power).

Topic 6: Wind Power
This topic begins by introducing turbine types and terminology. It then examines resource availability, the effects of meteorology, terrain and turbulence and wind resource characteristics and assessment. Also covered are technical aspects of electricity generation, electronic interfaces and power conditioning as well as planning and economic issues.

Topic 7: Other Renewable Energy Sources
This topic explores less mainstream renewable technologies, such as conversion of energy from waves, water flows and heat sources.

Topic 8: Other Energy Issues
This final topic explores overarching issues in renewable energy development, such as: regional renewable energy resource assessments; the economic viability of each technology; UK and European energy policy; barriers to the implementation of renewable energy; and the integration of renewable energy into UK planning policy guidance.