Environmental Engineering B.Sc.

 

Ecological behavior is become more and more of a characteristic of quality in a modern industrial society. The protection of natural resources, emission trade, climate change and its effects, and demographic change are increasingly important topics.  The course of study in Environmental Engineering covers the areas, that count among "global challenges" of today and the future, and possess a high potential for interdisciplinary collaboration.

Environmental engineers combine technical understanding and ecological judgement.  They are generalists, who do not have to know every detail, but can become familiar with them when necessary.  They have to understand the work of technical departments as well as the effects of technology on the environment.  Environmental engineers not only work with various specialists.  They also make sure that collaboration is working.

The course of study is coupling of classical engineering with a natural science canon.  Environmental engineering deals with engineering solutions for the environmentally relevant challenges of our future.

The Bachelor course of study in Environmental Engineering should provide students with the ability to use problem solving oriented approaches for dealing with ecological and technical matters, in order to creatively embrace the diverse challenges of our time. The degree qualifies graduates for a job.  Furthermore, it prepares them for a Master course of study in Environmental Engineering, which is offered with five thematic specializations.

This is a challenging, technical oriented education, that offers future graduates broad fields of application.  Environmental engineers can be active in the planning, construction, and operation of environmentally technological facilities, in research and teaching, in environmental organizations, in administration, and in development cooperations.

 

Degree Content

The Bachelor course of study is laid out in modules and offers a students a unified curriculum.  Building on a mathematic-scientific and engineering foundation, subject-specific material is taught, while also keeping the specialization topics in mind.  Students gain a solid basic knowledge, that makes it possible to find a job and also created the foundation for a specialized Master.

In a Master course of study, students advance their knowledge in a specialization.  The following specializations are available to choose from:

• Energy and Environment in Civil Engineering
• Urban Water
• Water Resources Management
• Environmental Process Engineering
• Recycling

 

Prerequisites

Personal Prerequisites
The ability to think abstractly and analytically, to break apart complex structures, and to clearly formulate one's own thoughts are all helpful.  Good math and science skills, and the ability and aptitude for formal analysis is also recommended. Good English skills improve a student's chance of success in their studies as well as career prospects.

Enrollment Prerequisite

1. Pre-Internship
The pre-internship lasts four weeks. You can find the legal guidelines for the pre-internship in the attachment of the current exam regulations, which is not yet available. The Faculty's Internship Office is available if you have questions.

2. RWTH "Civil Engineering" Self Assessment

 

Career Prospects

Environmental engineers develop technical solutions for efficient and sustainable resources management and for the sustainable design of living spaces for humans.

The planning, implementation, and operation of the necessary facilities, particularly in the area of drinking water supply and the management of waste water and waste, are are all classic tasks.  Further fields of activity are the sustainable management of bodies of water, the ground, and air, and the sanitation of polluted environmental compartments, the planning of infrastructure systems such as the analysis, evaluation, and reduction of risks for humans and the environment.

Environmental engineers can be active in the planning, construction, and operation of environmentally technological facilities, in environmental organizations, in administration (e.g.  district, state, and federal surveillance and control authorities, as well as in the management of municipal public utilities and waste management), in international development cooperations, or in consulting. Furthermore, the course of study prepare students for research and/or doctoral studies.

 

Master's Degree Prospects

In a Master course of study, students advance their knowledge in a specialization.  The following specializations are available to choose from:

• Energy and Environment in Civil Engineering
• Urban Water
• Water Resources Management
• Environmental Process Engineering
• Recycling

 

Examination Regulations

Exam regulations regulate academic goals and prerequisites, the course of study layout, and exam procedures.  The appendix to the regulations contains the description of the modules, from which the course of study is composed.

 

Faculty

The Bachelor course of study in Environmental Engineering is offered by the Faculty of Civil Engineering and the Division of Mining Engineering, Mineral Processing, and Recycling in the Faculty of Georesources and Materials Engineering.