Mathematics is the foundation of all engineering disciplines, including energy engineering, food technology, and environmental engineering. Its applications are woven throughout the entire degree program.
In this course, you’ll start with algebra, calculus, and systems of linear equations before moving on to more complex topics such as differential equations, Fourier analysis, and statistics. This knowledge is essential for modeling technical processes, calculating fluid flow, or analyzing thermodynamic processes.
This module provides a thorough introduction to the fundamental principles of physics that are essential for the study of environmental engineering and for understanding environmental processes and technical systems. The focus is on mechanics, dynamics, oscillations, waves, and electromagnetism. The module begins by covering the fundamental concepts of mechanics, such as the description of motion, forces, and energy, which are important for analyzing environmental processes such as air and water flows. Electromagnetism plays a major role, for example, in sensors, renewable energy systems (photovoltaics, wind power), the use of electromagnets in waste separation, and the measurement of environmental factors (such as air quality). The module ties in with later courses such as fluid mechanics, physical chemistry, and thermodynamics.
The module combines theoretical fundamentals with practical applications and mathematical models to provide a solid foundation for understanding environmental technologies and their physical processes. Exercises and experiments deepen students’ knowledge and promote the practical application of physics.
How can we reduce the negative impact of human activity on our environment? This module shows you how environmental engineering systems are used and developed to reduce resource consumption and environmental impact. You will analyze product life cycles and learn about sustainable concepts for energy use and resource consumption in buildings, transportation, and other sectors. This module is closely linked to the modules on Renewable Energy, Investment Analysis and Plant Design, Raw Materials and Recycling, Building Energy Technology, and Energy Concepts for Buildings and Neighborhoods.
An important component of this module is the three-day seminar “Team-Oriented Learning and Working” (TLA), which takes place during the field trip week. In this seminar, you’ll get to know your fellow first-semester students better and develop social and soft skills. To this end, you’ll work in teams to explore key concepts in the areas of “communication,” “teamwork,” and “personality,” and together you’ll present a topic based on these concepts. In addition to developing your soft skills, you’ll also enhance your presentation and communication skills.
Chemical processes play an important role in environmental engineering—from energy storage in batteries to wastewater treatment and air pollution control. You will learn how fuel cells, batteries, and accumulators work and what environmental impacts are associated with their use. In this module, you’ll learn the fundamentals of general and inorganic chemistry. You’ll discover how chemical reactions occur, what substances are made of, and how these properties can be utilized in technical applications. You’ll learn why elements combine to form molecules and molecular compounds. You will then be able to set up and balance chemical reactions. You will learn about the problems that inorganic substances—such as heavy metals, nitrate, and phosphate—cause in the environment and how these substances can be removed.
A special focus is placed on the environmental sustainability of chemical processes, for example in the development of sustainable materials or the analysis of pollutants. This module prepares you for advanced topics such as hydrogen technology, environmental chemistry, and materials science.
Engineering Mechanics teaches the fundamentals of the design and stability of engineering systems. You’ll learn how forces act on structures and how these structures must be designed to function safely and efficiently. In statics, for example, you’ll analyze the stability of wind turbines, while in dynamics, you’ll examine the motion of machines. These modules are closely linked to CAD and materials science, as well as fluids and flow. You will later apply this knowledge to the design of energy systems such as hydroelectric power plants, wind farms, or solar power systems.
This module provides fundamental knowledge of computer science specifically geared toward applications in environmental engineering. Students learn how to use computer-aided tools and techniques to solve environmental engineering problems.
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Mathematics is the foundation of all engineering disciplines, including energy engineering, food technology, and environmental engineering. Its applications are woven throughout the entire degree program. You’ll start with algebra, calculus, and systems of linear equations before moving on to more complex topics such as differential equations, Fourier analysis, and statistics. This knowledge is essential for modeling technical processes, calculating fluid flow, or analyzing thermodynamic processes.
In this module, you will learn how to create technical drawings and models using CAD (computer-aided design) software. You will develop your own designs for components or food technology and learn how various materials are used in food production. There is a particular focus on selecting sustainable materials and assessing their suitability for applications such as solar systems, turbines, or heat exchangers. You will analyze how materials react under stress and determine which properties are required for use in food production systems. This module is closely integrated with the areas of engineering mechanics and fluid dynamics. Your knowledge of CAD and materials science will be applied in later projects, such as the design of food production facilities.
Fluid flow is everywhere: in wind turbines, hydroelectric power plants, and ventilation systems. In fluid mechanics, you’ll learn how liquids and gases flow through pipes or turbines and what forces are at work. This module shows you how wind flows can be optimally utilized to maximize the output of wind turbines. You’ll also learn how to design efficient piping systems in buildings and power plants. Theoretical knowledge is supplemented by hands-on simulations in which you model the flow of air or water.
This module provides the foundation for understanding energy and chemical processes in technical systems. You will learn how energy is stored and converted in chemical reactions, and you will examine the thermodynamic principles that are of crucial importance in energy engineering and environmental engineering. A key focus is on the laws of thermodynamics: You’ll learn how energy is transferred as heat and work within systems and how these processes can be optimized for efficiency. Topics such as enthalpy, entropy, and free energy will help you analyze chemical and physical processes.
In physical chemistry, you’ll delve into the molecular fundamentals and examine phase equilibria, chemical reactions, and the interactions between substances. You’ll learn how to calculate and balance the various forms of energy, how to define efficiency, and what conclusions can be drawn from these calculations. You’ll learn about and calculate quantities such as heat, cold, work, and power. This will enable you to develop and design technical systems for energy conversion: from heating systems, heat pumps, and refrigeration systems to internal combustion engines and even large power plants—all of which are based on the laws of thermodynamics.
Engineering Mechanics teaches the fundamentals of the design and stability of engineering systems. You’ll learn how forces act on structures and how these structures must be designed to function safely and efficiently. In statics, for example, you’ll analyze the stability of wind turbines, while in dynamics, you’ll examine the motion of machines. These modules are closely linked to CAD and materials science, as well as fluids and flow. You will later apply this knowledge to the planning of energy systems, such as hydroelectric power plants, or the design of solar power systems.
Organic chemistry is an important foundational subject that provides a deep understanding of the properties, structures, and reactions of organic compounds. These compounds play a crucial role in environmental engineering, particularly in the development of sustainable circular processes for the manufacture of products and the conversion of energy.
You will learn the fundamentals of carbon chemistry, including molecular structures, functional groups, and reaction mechanisms. A key focus is on organic compounds relevant to environmental engineering, such as hydrocarbons, alcohols, esters, and polymers. You will also learn how organic substances can be used in biochemical processes or in the production of biomaterials and biofuels. Organic chemistry is the chemistry of carbon compounds. The metabolism of all living organisms is based on carbon compounds. A basic understanding of metabolism is essential for understanding the effects of environmental chemicals or for developing biological treatment processes, such as those used in water technology. You’ll learn what fats, carbohydrates, and proteins are and what functions they perform in the body. Plastics are also based on carbon compounds. You’ll learn how different plastics are structured and what options we have for recycling plastics and thus incorporating them into circular processes.
Through laboratory exercises, you will practice the synthesis and analysis of organic compounds. For example, you will investigate the properties of fuel components, the chemical conversion of biomass, or the catalysis of reactions. This knowledge is further deepened in the environmental engineering laboratory. This module lays the foundation for the development of environmentally friendly technologies, sustainable materials, and circular economies.
The "Mathematics 3" module is an essential part of the Energy and Environmental Engineering program in the third semester. It offers you the opportunity to take your mathematical skills to a new level by focusing on the application of probability theory, statistics, numerical methods, linear optimization, and graph theory. These skills are crucial for data-driven decision-making and the computer-aided solution of complex technical problems. Through hands-on exercises and the use of software, students develop the ability to understand and apply mathematical algorithms, which optimally prepares you for the challenges in energy engineering and environmental engineering.
This module teaches you the fundamentals of control and regulation of technical systems—two indispensable disciplines for modern energy and environmental engineering. You will learn how to measure process variables and use them to monitor, control, and optimize processes in energy and environmental systems to ensure efficient and stable operation.
In control engineering, the focus is on developing control systems that operate according to defined rules. You will explore programmable logic controllers (PLCs), logic controllers, and their application in energy and environmental systems such as building automation, production and water treatment processes, and the control of smart grids.
Control engineering expands on this approach and deals with dynamic processes. You will learn how systems continuously respond to changes in order to maintain setpoints—for example, in temperature control in buildings, speed control of motors, or frequency and voltage control in power grids. Topics such as control loop analysis and system stability are central components. You will learn to select appropriate controllers and how to calculate their tuning parameters. This module is closely integrated with automation technology. You will apply the concepts you have learned in later projects and lab sessions, such as when optimizing heating systems, wind turbines, or power distribution systems.
In the Heat Transfer course, you will learn how thermal energy flows within systems and how these processes can be optimized. You will examine how heat is transported in buildings, power plants, and heat pumps. There is a particular focus on the sustainable use of heat, e.g., through waste heat recovery or the integration of solar thermal energy into building systems. This module is closely linked to thermodynamics and building energy systems.
In this advanced module, you will deepen your understanding of the physicochemical and thermodynamic principles covered in the first module. The focus is on more complex applications in environmental engineering. Physical chemistry describes the thermophysical behavior of substances. This module focuses on mixtures of substances and chemical reactions. You’ll learn under what conditions pollutants are formed and how they can be avoided through skillful process control. You’ll learn the fundamentals of mass and energy balancing for environmental engineering systems—from solvent recovery to the recycling of scrap metal. This prepares you to solve complex technical challenges in a sustainable and efficient manner.
In the "Investment Analysis and Plant Design" module, you will learn how to design and optimize plants and evaluate the profitability of investments. The module focuses equally on economic and technical aspects.
In the area of investment analysis, you’ll explore fundamental methods such as the net present value method, the payback period calculation, and life-cycle cost analysis. These tools will help you assess the profitability of renewable energy systems, energy-efficient building systems, environmental technology systems, and food technology systems.
The Plant Design module complements this knowledge with the technical dimension. You will learn how to size and optimize plants. Topics such as the selection of suitable technologies, the integration of renewable energy, and consideration of environmental and grid requirements are key aspects of this module.
The module is highly practice-oriented and closely linked to other modules such as Technology and Sustainability, Renewable Energy, Building Energy Technology, Energy Concepts for Buildings and Neighborhoods, as well as Business Administration and Business Law. You will apply your knowledge in practical, program-specific case studies in which you will design, optimize, and evaluate the economic viability of systems in the fields of energy supply, environmental engineering, or food technology.
This module, “Environmental Law, Land Use Planning, and Permitting Procedures,” covers the legal and organizational fundamentals that are essential for projects in the fields of energy and environmental technology. You will learn about the relevant environmental laws, regulations, and international agreements that govern the protection of air, water, soil, and ecosystems.
You’ll learn how permitting processes work, what regulatory requirements exist, and how environmental impact assessments (EIA) are conducted. You’ll also learn how land-use planning helps ensure efficient land use and minimize environmental impacts.
Practical case studies will show you how to plan projects in compliance with the law and resolve conflicts between ecological, social, and economic interests. You’ll also become familiar with topics such as emissions rights, noise control, and requirements under nature conservation law. This knowledge is essential for successfully implementing sustainable energy projects.
Renewable energy is at the heart of the energy transition. In this module, you’ll learn how solar, wind, and hydroelectric power plants work and how they generate electricity in an environmentally friendly way. You’ll learn about the challenges involved in integrating these sources into existing power grids and how storage systems help stabilize the energy supply. A key focus is on analyzing the efficiency and sustainability of the various technologies. You’ll also learn how renewable energy can be used in buildings and transportation systems. This module builds on foundational topics such as physics, thermodynamics, fluids and flow, heat transfer, and electrical engineering.
Plants in the fields of environmental technology and food processing are constructed from individual process units, which in turn form the overall plant when combined in various ways. Collectively, these units achieve the overall goal of treatment or processing—for example, clean drinking water, treated wastewater, or a food product. Process engineering methods can be divided into the categories of mechanical processes (grinding, dispersing, screening, etc.), thermal processes (drying, absorption, etc.), and chemical processes. To design and configure the entire plant, it is necessary to understand the basic physicochemical principles of these individual processes. The “Thermal and Chemical Processes” module explains, in general terms, the basic principles and technical design of process units that utilize thermal or chemical processes. Thermal process engineering provides methods for modifying substances and mixtures of substances through changes in temperature or pressure, or for separating substances. These include processes such as drying, distillation, adsorption, and absorption, as well as individual membrane processes such as reverse osmosis. You will learn how to design processes for solvent recovery, sewage sludge drying, or the purification of exhaust gases. Chemical engineering deals with the industrial-scale implementation of chemical reactions—these occur, for example, in the ozonation of wastewater as a fourth treatment stage or in the separation of sulfur from flue gases to produce gypsum. Microorganisms are also frequently used for this purpose, such as in the biological removal of nitrogen from wastewater. You will learn how to design and engineer this type of equipment. The knowledge you acquire will be applied through extensive examples drawn from the subject areas of the respective degree programs.
Process engineering, as a branch of engineering, deals with the technical design of processes in which materials are transformed. These transformations can be brought about by mechanical forces, thermal processes, or chemical or biochemical reactions. Mechanical process engineering refers to those processes in which mechanical forces are used to alter physical properties. It encompasses separation processes such as filtering, sieving, and centrifugation, as well as mixing. It examines changes in material properties (e.g., particle size) and material composition (concentration) resulting from mechanical forces.
In the Environmental Engineering Lab, you can apply your theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. You’ll conduct experiments, such as laboratory analyses of drinking water, wastewater, exhaust air, and waste materials from energy technology applications. The lab offers you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with projects from other modules. Here, you’ll gain valuable experience for your internship semester and your bachelor’s thesis.
Quality management plays a crucial role in environmental engineering to ensure that processes and technologies are not only efficient but also sustainable. In this module, you will learn about the specific requirements and methods of quality management that are geared toward protecting the environment and resources.
A key focus is on the development and monitoring of environmental standards in accordance with international guidelines such as ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Systems). You’ll learn how environmental processes—such as those in water treatment, waste management, or air pollution control—can be continuously improved and designed to be sustainable.
Topics covered also include environmental and energy audits, risk analyses, and the integration of quality assurance throughout the entire life cycle of technical facilities. You’ll learn about tools such as life cycle assessment (LCA) and process control to minimize environmental impacts while increasing efficiency.
Real-world case studies—such as those on the certification of a waste management system or quality assurance in wastewater treatment plants—provide you with direct insight into the professional world of environmental engineering. This module is closely integrated with environmental law, permitting procedures, and the management of sustainable projects.
Where do the raw materials for the production of our goods come from, and where do these materials end up at the end of a product’s life cycle? Where on Earth are ores found, and how are pure metals extracted from them? How were petroleum and coal formed, and how are these fossil fuels extracted from their deposits? How much longer will these raw materials last for our industrial production? We address these and other fascinating questions using concrete examples, visual aids, current references, and discussions. Students learn what it means for the Earth to be a closed system in terms of materials, yet for its reserves to be dwindling. You will understand that our current way of life and economic system cannot be sustained indefinitely and that resource scarcity is a growing problem that is not easy to solve.
The internship semester offers you the opportunity to apply the knowledge you’ve gained in lectures and seminars in a practical setting. At a company or research institution, you’ll work on real-world environmental engineering projects—ranging from the planning and optimization of sustainable concepts to complex systems.
Depending on your area of assignment, you can, for example:
The project is an important stage in your studies, during which you can apply the knowledge you’ve gained in previous modules in a practical setting. You’ll work on a specific task—often drawn from real-world scenarios—and develop innovative solutions in the field of energy engineering.
Possible project topics for the Environmental Engineering program
Renewable Energy
Water Management
Waste Management
Air Quality
Soil Protection and Land Use
Climate Change and Adaptation
Sustainable Construction and Architectural Technologies
Environmental analysis
Investigation of the application of remote sensing technologies for environmental monitoring.
During the project work, you will learn to work in teams, analyze technical problems, and professionally document and present your results. The project work provides ideal preparation for your bachelor’s thesis, as you will already be conducting in-depth research and development work here.
Elective courses help students specialize as environmental technicians. They must be selected from the catalog of modules listed below. This list is continuously expanded and updated to include current topics!
Elective courses help students specialize as environmental technicians. They must be selected from the catalog of modules listed below. This list is continuously expanded and updated to include current topics!
Elective courses help students specialize as environmental technicians. They must be selected from the catalog of modules listed below. This list is continuously expanded and updated to include current topics!
Elective courses help students specialize as environmental technicians. They must be selected from the catalog of modules listed below. This list is continuously expanded and updated to include current topics!
You can choose this module from the full range of courses offered by the Ulm University of Applied Sciences. The electives are also suitable for the recognition of courses taken during a study abroad period at another university ("Mobility Window").
Courses may be selected across disciplines from
.
You can also choose additional courses from the catalog of required electives, or required electives from the “related” degree programs in Energy Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Food Technology, and Energy Economics.
The bachelor’s thesis is the academic highlight of your degree program. It gives you the opportunity to explore a topic that particularly interests you. In collaboration with a company, a research institution, or the university, you will address a research question drawn directly from real-world practice or current research.
Possible topics could include:
You will work independently on your project, analyze data, develop concepts, and present your findings in a final presentation. The bachelor’s thesis is not only a demonstration of your expertise but also an excellent opportunity to showcase and position yourself in the job market.
Elective courses help students specialize as environmental technicians. They must be selected from the catalog of modules listed below. This list is continuously expanded and updated to include current topics!
Elective courses help students specialize as environmental technicians. They must be selected from the catalog of modules listed below. This list is continuously expanded and updated to include current topics!
You can choose this module from the full range of courses offered by the Ulm University of Applied Sciences. The electives are also suitable for the recognition of courses taken during a study abroad program at another university ("Mobility Window").
Courses may be selected across disciplines from
.
You can also choose additional courses from the catalog of required electives, or required electives from the “related” degree programs in Energy Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Food Technology, and Energy Economics.