Schedule, syllabus and examination date

Course content

The course gives a thorough introduction to how solar cells work, in addition to how they are produced. The course covers the most important topics in modern solar cell technology and is suited as a part of the theoretical basis in a master's degree or other continuing education on the subject.

Learning outcome

After completing the course, you will have

  • a thorough understanding of how solar cells function
  • knowledge on solar cell fabrication and characterization
  • a thorough knowledge of silicon-based solar cells
  • knowledge on solar energy, the function of solar cells, solar cell panels, reflection and absorption of light and theoretical limits on solar cell efficiencies
  • knowledge on requirements for high-efficiency solar cells
  • knowledge on generation, transport and recombination of charge carriers
  • knowledge on solar cell design, modelling and optimization
  • knowledge on the production value chain to silicon-based solar cells
  • knowledge on thin film solar cell technologies
  • an understanding of alternative solar cell technologies

Admission to the course

Students admitted at UiO must apply for courses in Studentweb. Students enrolled in other Master's Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.

Nordic citizens and applicants residing in the Nordic countries may apply to take this course as a single course student.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.

Knowledge provided by FYS1120 – Electromagnetism, FYS2140 – Quantum Physics and FYS2160 – Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics or similar is recommended. A basic knowledge of semiconductors will be an advantage, for example from FYS2210 – Semiconductor Components (continued).

Overlapping courses

Teaching

The course has 2 hours of lectures and 1 hour of group exercises every week throughout the semester.

Examination

  • A final oral exam counts 100% towards the final grade. In case of many students, the exam may be written instead.

It will also be counted as 1 of the 3 attempts to sit the exam for this course, if you sit the exam for one of the following courses:

Examination support material

No examination support material is allowed.

Language of examination

Courses taught in English will only offer the exam paper in English. You may write your examination paper in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

Resit an examination

Students who can document a valid reason for absence from the regular examination are offered a postponed examination at the beginning of the next semester.

Re-scheduled examinations are not offered to students who withdraw during, or did not pass, the original examination.

More about examinations at UiO

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.

Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 14, 2026 7:12:57 AM

Facts about this course

Level
Master
Credits
10
Teaching
Autumn

The course is last held autumn 2023

Examination
Autumn .

Examination is last held autumn 2025

Contact

Department of Technology Systems