MA/MS in Industrial ecology

General Description: Objective(s) of a study programme: The aim of the program is to prepare highly trained and qualified professionals in the interdisciplinary area of environment and technology sciences able to analyze, design and manage natural and industrial systems in a sustainable manner, to solve environmental problems at different levels by integrating appropriate technological, environmental and social approaches contributing to a greening of the economy. Learning outcomes: To understand, describe and analyze environmental, energy and industrial systems, their structure, functioning, complexity, dynamics and interrelations; To analyze complex environmental problems by determining their causal factors, interactions and integrating interdisciplinary knowledge related to energy and industrial sectors; To apply principles of industrial ecology for the solution of the problems, related to the use of different energy technologies and industrial systems; To operate with the core principles and methodologies underlying the current research in the interdisciplinary area combining environment, energy technologies and industrial systems; To apply methods and techniques used for system sustainability assessment, system input-output management and system dynamics analysis from the inter- and transdisciplinary approaches; To be able to plan and conduct theoretical analysis, experimental investigation and process based simulation of a particular industrial ecology problem, critically analyze and evaluate research data and results; To perform the analysis of relations between industrial system, energy transformation technologies, industrial management features and international environmental legislation and regulation for the economically reasonable and environmentally friendly solutions of the sustainable industry growth and the efficient use of energy resources; To use ecological and technological understanding of processes in industrial and energy systems for critical analysis of the development trends of technologies in the near- and distant-future and selection of an innovative technical, methodical or organizational approach in solving industry related ecology problems; To analyze the connections between industrial activity and processes in the environment and incorporate them into the solution of problems from a multidisciplinary perspective; To apply academic skills, research methods and tools from statistics, data collection, modelling techniques or experiments for the industrial material cycle optimization, development of innovations and implementation of new findings; To demonstrate ability to prepare and communicate on complex issues related to industrial ecology in inter- and transdisciplinary teams in both oral and written forms for academic and non-academic target groups in national and international context; To demonstrate ability to work collaboratively on industrial ecology projects involving typical business timelines; To demonstrate ability to work in an autonomous manner and as a member of a team, initiate, plan and take responsibility for activities related to practical and other field-specific problem-solving assignments; To make innovative decisions assessing possible public and ethical outcomes and perceiving moral responsibility for the impact of activity on economic development and the environment. Activities of teaching and learning: Presentation of information (including multimedia methods), explanation and illustration of theory, consultations, workshops, laboratory training, data analysis, analysis of scientific resources, experimentation, development of experiment, scientific and industrial process planning and development, practical group work including leading capabilities and following the lead development, individual single and multiple task and problem solving by example and practical work. Methods of assessment of learning achievements: Testing, conversation, problem solving, specific tasks, colloquium, reports and data presentation, result evaluation, exam Framework: Study subjects (modules), practical training: The programme is comprised of 10 compulsory subjects: Principles of industrial ecology and sustainable development, Ecosystems processes and services, Sustainable energy futures, System analysis and modelling, Tools for industrial ecology, Cleaner production and corporate social responsibility, Risk assessment and reduction, Chemical pollution management, Hybrid energy systems, GIS applications in industrial ecology. Specialisations: Optional courses: Students choose four out of ten optional subjects: Green economy and policy, Special course, Physical pollution management, Radioecology, Restoration of contaminated sites, Water and waste treatment and reuse technologies, Climate change science and solutions, Hydrogen energy and energy saving Technologies, Biofuels, Industrial energy systems. Distinctive features of a study programme: It prepares highly trained and qualified specialists in the interdisciplinary area of environment and technology sciences Access to professional activity or further study: Access to professional activity: Graduates can find jobs in the private and public sector as well in consulting companies or non-governmental organizations. Typical areas of employment of graduates are: i) Industrial companies, ii) Scientific Research, ii) Environmental and management consultancy, iv) International organizations, v) Teaching as well as vocational training and continuing education, vi) Quality assurance, vii) Administration and Management. Access to further study: Graduates can pursue their studies at the doctoral level.