Bachelor in Environmental Technology

Introduction

Solving problems from the past with technological inventions and innovative cleaner production processes is the core business of an Environmental Engineer. Every engineer knows however that Environmental Technology alone shall not bring us a sustainable future. In our final-year programme we therefore teach technology students to work with environmental managers, civil engineers, ecologist, urban planners and other disciplines to solve environmental quality problems together.

The foundation for the environmental engineer is his/her understanding of the applicability of different kinds of environmental technology. Examples include technology from the Netherlands, several countries in Europe and main international achievements. The environmental technology industry in the Netherlands comprises advanced and cost-effective technologies, such as small-scale air purification, wastewater treatment, household waste processing, soil decontamination, and ground water purification. The challenge for Environmental Engineering is to work with natural processes (green technology) to achieve a clean and healthy environment.

Course content

The courses comprise five units:

1. The first unit comprises two subjects:
   1. Induction course, An introduction to the disciplines of Environmental Studies, Civil Engineering and Spatial Planning. (1 ECTS-credits)
   2. Professional skills training (5 ECTS-credits)
      1. Research Methodology
      2. Communication Skills, which comprises two main aspects: communication skills, intercultural relationships and group processes; and proficiency in English: training in oral presentation and writing skills.
2. Environmental Impact Assessment (8 ECTS-credits)
   1. Environmental Impact Assessment, as decision support tool.
   2. Identification of environmental parameters for environmental and spatial quality
   3. Research Methodology of E.I.A., prediction of effects, scenario development, Multi-Criteria Analysis, potential solutions.
3. Water Management (12 ECTS-credits)
   1. Water Quantity Management, like flood protection, modelling
   2. Water Quality Management, including sanitation
   3. Environmental Management in industry
   4. Water as natural resource for e.g. drinking water supply, agriculture and ecology.
4. Capita Selecta / Specialisation programmes (or pathways, 6 ECTS-credits):
   1. In this unit the most important subjects and new developments in the professional field of
      1. Civil Engineering (CE)
      2. Environmental Science (ES)
      3. Environmental Technology (ET)
      4. Urban and Regional Planning (URP) is brought to the attention.
   2. These courses are taught separately, but students are welcome to the lecturers of other specialisations. Subjects within the ET specialisation from the last years are: Soil remediation including bioremediation, surface water sampling strategies, air quality monitoring, Pollution prevention, Environmental EU Policies, waste management and nature development.
5. Research Project (28 ECTS-credits)
   1. in which the student conducts a research on a current problem in the field of their specialization. The Research Project starts with a course in research methods and techniques. Many students do their final thesis as part of an internship in a Dutch or International organisation.

Specific requirements

This course is aimed at:

• Erasmus/Socrates exchange students in a related course from our international partners in Europe;
• Dutch students with at least 3 year education in a similar course and interested in multicultural within their major;
• All students from around the world who have studied Environmental Science and who wish to obtain a Dutch bachelor degree in Environmental Science.

You can find the general entry requirements to this course here.

Career prospects

Our graduates find employment in several working areas that contribute to our Sustainable Future:

• Dutch and International consultancies that participate in, supervise or carry out environmental projects;
• Contractors involved in remediation and sanitation projects;
• Industries;
• Environmental agencies;
• Non-governmental organisations, These institutions often operate at, national, international or global level;
• Governmental organisations and water autorities.