Syllabus - Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering within Planetary Boundaries

Outcomes

For a bachelor's degree in engineering, the student must demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to independently work as a bachelor engineer.

The goals for the bachelor's program in Environmental Engineering within Planetary Boundaries are based on the Higher Education Ordinance, appendix 2 (SFS 2006:1053).

Knowledge and understanding

On completion of the degree programme the student shall:

• demonstrate knowledge of the disciplinary foundation of environmental engineering and proven experience in this field as well as awareness of current research and development work, and
  
  
• demonstrate broad knowledge in environmental engineering and relevant knowledge of mathematics and the natural sciences.

Aptitutes and accomplishments

On completion of the degree programme the student shall:

• demonstrate the ability to identify, formulate and deal with issues autonomously and creatively using a holistic approach and to analyse and evaluate technological solutions,
  
  
• demonstrate the ability to plan and using appropriate methods undertake tasks within predetermined parameters,
  
  
• demonstrate the ability to use knowledge critically and systematically to model, simulate, predict and evaluate series of events on the basis of relevant information,
  
  
• demonstrate the ability to design and manage products, processes and systems while taking into account the circumstances and needs of individuals and the targets for economically, socially and ecologically sustainable development set by the community,
  
  
• demonstrate the capacity for teamwork and collaboration with various constellations, and
  
  
• demonstrate the ability to present and discuss information, problems and solutions in speech and writing and in dialogue with different audiences.

Ability to evaluate and assess

On completion of the degree programme the student shall:

• demonstrate the ability to make assessments informed by relevant disciplinary, social and ethical aspects,
  
  
• demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of technology, its role in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used, including social and economic aspects as well as environmental and occupational health and safety aspects, and
  
  
• demonstrate the ability to identify the need for further knowledge and undertake ongoing development of his or her skills.

Language of instruction

The main language of instruction is English, which means that teaching and examination are conducted in English. All course literature is in English.

Contents

The bachelor's program in Environmental Engineering within Planetary Boundaries is a three-year technical education in the field of environmental engineering.

The first year includes basic courses that provide a broad understanding of environmental engineering and sustainable development, focusing on the planet's boundaries and the challenges posed by climate change and land use. The year begins with the course Introduction to the planet's boundaries, which introduces students to global sustainability challenges. Mathematics, basic course and Calculus, basic course provide a solid foundation in mathematical methods needed for technical applications in environmental engineering. Furthermore, the courses Biosphere integrity and Climate change deepen the understanding of ecological systems and their role in climate change. The courses Land system change and Renewable energy focus on sustainable solutions and resource management. Additionally, the course Introduction to university studies prepares students for academic studies and project work.

The second year builds on the technical and scientific foundations and deepens knowledge in water resource management and circular economy. The course Freshwater resources with laboratory provides practical experience in the analysis and management of water resources, while Vector algebra, basic course introduces advanced mathematical tools. Water resource management with laboratory deals with the sustainable use of water resources, and Circular resource management focuses on optimizing resource use through recycling and reuse. The courses Conventional food production and Future food production with laboratory highlight current and future methods in food production, considering sustainability and the environment. The year concludes with the course Challenges within planetary boundaries, which summarizes the knowledge and connects it to current global problems.

The third year focuses on specialization and application. The course Modern technologies provides insight into the latest technologies for environmental engineering solutions. The thesis project of 15 credits allows students to delve into an independent project in environmental engineering. Joint courses with other engineering programs at MDU such as Computer programming with Python and Sustainable cities, give students both digital analytical skills and insight into sustainable urban planning, strengthening the connection between technological development and sustainable societal development.

Year 1

Environmental Engineering:
Introduction to the planet's boundaries, 7.5 credits
Biosphere integrity, 7.5 credits
Climate change, 7.5 credits
Land system change, 7.5 credits
Renewable energy, 7.5 credits

Mathematics/applied mathematics:
Mathematics, basic course, 7.5 credits
Calculus, basic course, 7.5 credits

Other subjects:
Introduction to university studies, 7.5 credits

Year 2

Environmental Engineering:
Freshwater resources with laboratory, 7.5 credits
Water resource management with laboratory, 7.5 credits
Circular resource management, 7.5 credits
Conventional food production, 7.5 credits
Future food production with laboratory, 7.5 credits
Challenges within planetary boundaries, 15 credits

Mathematics/applied mathematics:
Vector algebra, basic course, 7.5 credits

Year 3

Environmental Engineering:
New technologies for environmental engineering, 7.5 credits
Thesis project, 15 credits

Other subjects:
Computer programming with Python, 7.5 credits
Sustainable cities, 7.5 credits

Elective courses:
Technology and society, 7.5 credits
Project management for innovation, 7.5 credits
Organization and management, 7.5 credits

Minor changes in the course offerings may occur during the education as a result of continuous quality work.

Choices within the programme

Students have the opportunity for elective courses in year 3, see under Content.

University degree

The education program is designed so that the studies should lead to fulfilling the requirements for the following degree:

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering - Environmental Engineering

If the program contains elective or optional parts, or if a student chooses not to complete a certain course, the choices made can affect the possibilities of fulfilling the degree requirements. For more information about degrees and degree requirements, refer to the local degree regulations published on the university's website.