Overview
Globalization, industrialization and climate change have had a significant impact on the natural foundations of life on earth over the past two centuries. A transformation towards more sustainability and CO2-reduced production and behavior is necessary in almost all areas of the economy and society. In this context, the topics of water and energy are the focus of extensive change processes. In order to achieve these goals, engineers are required with
- a profound and interdisciplinary knowledge of environmental, process and energy/building technology
- an extended understanding of complex and systemic interrelationships
- application knowledge to achieve sustainability goals as well as
- high communication and integration skills
The study program aims to qualify students for activities in engineering fields of action in environmental technology or with an environmental focus, taking into account the increasing importance of the sustainable and digital transformation of society and the economy.
The specific objectives of the study program include the acquisition of knowledge and the development of competences
- of the fundamentals of engineering and natural sciences
- for a systemic understanding of natural cycles (water, soil, air) and energy generation and use at the micro, meso and macro levels and their interaction with societal and commercial-industrial activity
- in the area of the Circular Economy
- energy efficiency and recovery in environmental systems (e.g. wastewater, sewage sludge) and buildings
- diverse methods for the analysis, assessment and implementation of environmental science findings, processes and projects
- social and personal competences in the course of practical, project and final theses
- to develop solutions for environmental engineering tasks, taking into account the current state of technology and science
By choosing the focus on Environmental Engineering, students in Major 1, in addition to the advanced basic subjects (Thermodynamics/Fluid Mechanics, QM, Measurement, Data and Control Technology, Math/Chemistry), define the subject-specific focus content (Example Water: Environmental Economics/Sustainable Management, Chemistry, Reaction Technology, Hydraulics/Modeling, Turbomachinery, Environmental Analysis). For in-depth specialization, students can choose additional modules as Major 2 (Example Water: e.g., Hydrology/Water Supply, Water Treatment, Circular Economy and Resource Management; Example Energy and Building Technology: Sustainable Building Technology, Heating and Air Conditioning Technology, Refrigeration and Climate Technology, Building and Plant Simulation).
To meet the diverse interests of students as well as the increasingly interdisciplinary requirements of the professional world, students can add four supplementary modules from different disciplines in the Minor area. For example, the study program can be supplemented with economic subjects (e.g., Innovation/Entrepreneurship, Corporate Management/Personnel Management), energy-related subjects (Energy-Efficient Building Management and Engineering), or IT subjects (Information Technology).
In addition to imparting technical knowledge and methods, the study program is strongly practice-oriented. A high degree of practical relevance is both a content component of the various subject modules (e.g., practical examples, guest lectures by external company representatives, excursions, and group work) and part of the special practice modules "Company/Research Project," the practical work in the 7th semester, and the final Bachelor's thesis.
The following figures represent the various subjects of the Major 2 specializations (Energy and Water).
Through their studies, students acquire the following skills and knowledge:
- - Understanding, analyzing, and deriving actions for environmental engineering tasks.
- - Developing and evaluating solution concepts in the form of, for example, feasibility studies, design planning, and specifications based on the learned state of knowledge/technology.
- - Using modern planning and analysis tools such as simulation and calculation tools, CAD.
- - Ability to assess solutions from a sustainability perspective (ecology, economy, socio-technology).
- - Ability to effectively and efficiently utilize digitalization in terms of necessity and feasibility.
- - Targeted use of communication tools, considering one's own role.
Environmental engineers are an increasingly in-demand group of experts. The current and critical issues affect all of humanity and cannot be solved without experts with specialized knowledge. Both in the water and energy sectors, there are already and will increasingly be more professional positions that require the aforementioned qualifications and competencies. Due to the broad orientation in both technical and socio-methodological aspects, students are trained for various activities with engineering focuses. Depending on the choice of focuses in Major 1 and Major 2, as well as the additional expertise gained through the Minor modules, career opportunities open up in research institutions, universities, research and development departments in commerce and industry, specialized departments of local, regional, and nationwide authorities, or non-profit organizations. Potential job profiles range from planning and project management roles to supervisory and research positions, as well as product development and sales. Additionally, the study program supports a career in self-employment through the Minor area.
"Studying something relevant – for me, that means becoming an engineer. As an aspiring (environmental) engineer, I can contribute to solving the complex problems of the future and developing sustainable technologies that protect our planet.
The clear male dominance is an incentive for me to make a difference and something I can grow from."
Lea Carina Schmidt, Graduate B.Eng. Environmental Engineering
The Hof University of Applied Sciences, through its various institutes, has a strong research focus to keep our planet livable and protected for future generations.
R&D projects at the university offer students the opportunity to realize their potential during their bachelor's studies. They can write their bachelor's thesis at one of the institutes on an innovative and current research topic. This is a great opportunity for those considering a career in research.
Here is a link to the current research projects.
And we don't just work on Earth. A cooperation with the German Aerospace Center offers opportunities for cooperative theses and exciting internships, because environmental protection doesn't stop on Earth!
What can you do after graduation, or how can you continue to develop? You can start working as an engineer immediately and later pursue a master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Sustainability at our university – or you can proceed directly to your master's studies. After completing your master's, the research at the university offers you the opportunity for a cooperative doctorate. "The sky is the limit."
