Climate protection at Wroclaw University of Science and Technology. New specialisation

Closed-loop economy is a strategy of sustainable economic development, including conscious management of the product life cycle, recovery and reuse of raw materials. This in turn has the effect of reducing dependence on depleting raw materials and traditional energy sources. A closed-loop of raw materials minimises energy consumption, pollution emissions and waste generation.

From law to technology

- The new course of study covers legal issues, management and technological knowledge. We want to train technology engineers and advisors, but also specialists in national and European law, which will soon have a huge impact on almost every area of our lives - says Piotr Jadwiszczak, PhD, Deputy Dean for Finance and General Affairs at the Faculty of Environmental Engineering.

The EU strategy stipulates that by 2050, the European economy is to achieve climate neutrality and operate on the principles of a closed-loop economy. The new course of study will prepare specialists in this field.

- Recovery and reuse of all kinds of waste and water, reclamation of degraded areas, as well as monitoring, mitigation and adaptation to climate change - there will certainly be plenty of work for the graduates for many years to come - emphasizes Prof. Małgorzata Szulgowska-Zgrzywa, Deputy Dean for Education and Staff Development.

Studies for engineers

The interdisciplinary nature of the course "Closed-loop economy and climate protection" means that the studies are addressed to all graduates of bachelor's degree engineering studies.

Prof. Małgorzata Szulgowska-Zgrzywa: - The study plan has been arranged in such a way so as to enable persons with various backgrounds after the first degree studies to adjust the educational path to their needs. Students will be able to choose between a block of classes on LCA and eco-design, and a block on environmental bioengineering.

Team projects

Among the key subjects in the "climate protection" specialisation, there are not only classes related to monitoring, prevention and mitigation of climate change, but also to environmental management and the acquisition and processing of environmental data. In turn, classes in the "closed-loop economy" specialisation are connected with biodegradable materials, recycling, the latest technologies for water renewal and purification.

A new feature of the course is the so-called integrated project. During this course, the students' task will be to prepare a complex solution in the field of closed loop economy and climate protection on a concrete example.

- This is the type of task that our graduates will have to deal with on a daily basis in their professional work. The problems to be solved will include issues related to limiting and monitoring pollution emissions, city adaptation to climate change, biodiversity, rational resource management and minimising the impact of industrial plants on the environment - says Piotr Jadwiszczak, PhD. - We care about the team-based form of classes, because this is how we work in the world today - he stresses.

Open lectures conducted by specialists from companies and organizations cooperating with the Faculty of Environmental Engineering will also be organized during the studies.