MasterEnvironmental Engineering

Department of Civil, environmental and Geomatic engineering

Protecting our Built and Natural Environment

Master Programme in Environmental Engineering

The ETH Master programme in Environmental Engineering provides a high quality university education, paving the way to leading positions in the fields of water protection and soil conservation, assessment and sustainable management of resources, and monitoring, control and remediation of pollution.

Students are trained in analyzing environmental systems and finding engineering solutions to environmental problems. They learn how to develop technical measures to both prevent and solve problems related to water, waste, soil, and air. Emphasis is placed on communication and collaboration across disciplinary boundaries.

The two-year Master programme aims to strike a balance between taught courses and practical experience. In the first year students major in two core areas of environmental engineering out of the following: water resource management (including also earth observation),

urban water management, environmental systems design and waste management (including air quality control), hydraulic engineering, soil protection. Additionally, they choose further classes in environmental engineering, deepening their knowledge in the core areas chosen or complementing their knowledge in other fields of environmental engineering, and they take interdisciplinary elective courses. Hands-on experience is gained through laboratory and field work, as well as through computer exercises. In the final year, the knowledge and skills acquired are put to practice in an industrial internship, and, finally, fully utilized for the completion of the Master project work and thesis.

Upon completion of this study programme, graduates are equipped with the tools which enable them to actively participate in the planning and execution of environmental projects, as well as running and controlling complex infrastructure systems, be they in research, engineering companies, public administration or international cooperation.

The Master programme in Environmental Engineering is offered by the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering (D-BAUG), ETH Zurich, in parallel with Master programmes in Civil Engineering, Geomatics and Planning as well as Spatial Development and Infrastructure Systems.

academic titleGraduates in this Master programme acquire the academic title Master of Science ETH in Environmental Engineering (MSc ETH Env Eng).

Duration of Master ProgrammeThe Master programme in Environmental Engineering is a full-time study programme during which 120 credit points ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) must be acquired to obtain the Master degree.

The Master programme begins every autumn and is designed to be completed within four semesters. One year of study comprises two semesters of 14 weeks duration each.

Language of InstructionCompulsory courses are in English, some electives are in German.

Core areas: This Master programme allows students to deepen their knowledge in two of the following core areas: Water resource management (including also earth observation), urban water management, environmental systems design and waste management (including air quality control), hydraulic engineering, soil protection. It is, however, mandatory that one of the core areas is chosen from the first three subject areas listed above. Each core area has its own catalogue of compulsory courses.

environmental engineering electives: These courses serve to broaden knowledge acquisition in other areas of environmental engineering as well as to gain further insight and skills in the core areas chosen. Graduate students can select these from a list of admissible courses.

Hands-On experience in Laboratory and Field Work as well as Computer Modeling: In these courses students strengthen their practical skills in their core areas, deal with measuring, monitoring techniques and mathematical models, and become familiar with software used professionally and in research.

electives: Courses can be individually selected from the ETH Zurich or the University of Zurich course catalogues and

should result in a minimum of 6 credit points. Additionally, all Master students at ETH Zurich must obtain at least 2 credit points by attending courses in the area of Humani-ties, Social and Political Sciences (Department GESS).

Internship: The internship allows graduate students to experience the work of an environmental engineer and participate in real-world projects. Completion of the internship results in 16 credit points, and its duration is at least 12 weeks, 7 of which can fall within the semester.

Project: A project in one of the two core areas is carried out under the supervision of a professor, promoting independent learning and work in a relevant subject within one of the core areas chosen, and preparing the student for the Master Thesis.

Master thesis: The final semester is devoted to the Master thesis with a duration of 16 weeks. The topic of the Master thesis must fall within one of the core areas chosen.

entrance requirementsCandidates with a Bachelor degree in Environmental Engineering obtained at ETH Zurich, EPF Lausanne or at one of the IDEA League Partner Universities (Imperial College London, TU Delft, RWTH Aachen) are admitted to this Master programme without any additional requirements. Candidates holding a Bachelor degree with at least 180 ECTS or an equivalent degree in Environmental Engineering obtained at another university can apply to join the Master programme. These applications will be reviewed by a committee that decides on the admission and on potentially additional courses to be taken as prerequisites.

Core areas

Lab

electives

Internship

Project

Master thesis

Programme Structure and Contents

First year Second year

Water Resources Management

In the core area of water resources management you will acquire knowledge on the functioning of the water cycle and the assessment of water resources through observation data and modeling. Monitoring of water resources will include modern methods provided by satellite remote sensing. Further core subjects cover the tools for water resources manage-ment, both with respect to planning and operation. Important objectives of management are water quality and hydraulic/hydrological risk. You will learn to protect water resources and to remediate polluted water bodies, and to manage risks from natural hazards related to water.

Core areas

Urban Water Management

In the core area of urban water management you will learn about water resources and water supply, urban hydrology and urban drainage, waste water treatment, and sustain-ability in urban water management. Courses at the masters level are focused on fundamentals of biological and physical/chemical treatment processes, on water systems analysis, and on infrastructure management. Through coursework and practical experience in the masters project and the thesis you will gain a solid basis for developing innovative solutions in urban water management.

Hydraulic Engineering (in German)The core area of Hydraulic Engineering provides students with knowledge on hydraulic systems and their structural and operational aspects, which are necessary for a sustainable and environmentally sound management of water resources. Emphasis is placed on planning, design and operation of hydropower plants, dams and flood protection measures, as well as fluvial structures. Another focus is to teach the basics of river engineering and

fluvial hydraulics, of natural hazard management and of the restoration of rivers and streams. In addition to the priority areas mentioned above, further knowledge in various other fields of hydraulic engineering can be obtained. The theoretical knowledge acquired in the courses can be applied and deepened through a project and Master thesis on real-world and scientific projects, or in the context of research projects.

Ecological Systems Design and Waste Management

In this core area you will learn about methods of environmental assessment and their application, as well as about technologies for solid waste treatment and air pollution control. At the end of your studies you will know (i) how to solve complex problems concerning environmentally sustainable production and consumption from a system-oriented perspective, without losing sight of details and the overall system, (ii) which technologies for waste treatment and recycling are available

Windtunnel for air handling and nanoparticle transport studies

and how to apply them, and (iii) how to measure air pollution levels and to employ technologies to improve air quality, on the basis of fundamental physico-chemical properties of airborne pollutants.

Soil ProtectionThis core area addresses quantitative links between soil, as a central compartment of the biosphere, and the physical, chemical, and biological processes, essential for the protection and sustainable management of soil resources. Key interactions between soil, plants, hydrosphere and atmosphere provide the basis for understanding the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems and agriculture. The core area provides tools for analyzing the pollution impact of land use and (other) anthropogenic activities on soil, and provides knowledge on soil remediation techniques.

Professional profiles

Lectures, seminars, group-based projects and laboratory classes will prepare you for a professional career in industry, business, consultancy, or administration, qualified as an expert for improving the environmental performance of technologies and products.

examples of combinations of core areas:

Water resources Management and Urban Water Management: All-round water expert with focus on water resources

ecological systems Design/Waste Management and Urban Water Management: Expert in supplying municipalities with water and material resources and related disposal services

Urban Water Management and Hydraulic engineering: Expert in urban water management and hydraulic infrastructure

Water resources Management and ecological systems Design: Expert in assessing and managing water, air and material resources

Water resources Management and Hydraulic engineering: Expert in the assessment and management of water resources and the necessary hydraulic infrastructure

Water resources Management and soil Protection: Expert focusing on conservation, management, and remediation of soil and water resources

ecological systems Design/Waste Management and soil Protection: Expert in disposal, recycling and repositories

Professional Careers as Environmental Engineer

Workplaces and professional activities

Environmental engineers collect data in the field and in the laboratory utilizing the most up-to-date methods. They analyze these data using mathematical models. They propose solutions on the basis of model simulations and quantify the robustness of their design.

tasks> Designing human interventions in the environment> Planning and implementation of projects, plants and products, taking care of good environmental perfomance

> Planning, maintenance, renewal and operation of water supply, sewage and waste disposal systems

> Protection of the natural environment including its self-purification functions and ecological services

> Sustainable management of water, soil, biomass, and mineral resources

> Remediation of polluted and degraded environments> Protection against natural hazards> Indoor and atmospheric air quality control > Monitoring of the environment including remote sensing methods

> Analysis, assessment and reduction of risks to the environment and society

> Design and implementation of regulations and their control

solution of problemsEnvironmental engineers collect data in the field and in the laboratory utilizing most up-to-date methods. They analyze these data using mathematical models. They propose solutions on the basis of model simulations and quantify the robustness of their design.

> Private industry: environmental, health and safety officeer> Consulting offices: planning, design, assessment, implementation and operation of technologies and projects

> Research and development> Banks and insurances: assessment of environmental risks> Administration and authorities: law-making, consultancy, monitoring

> Public utilities: water supply, disposal services> Development cooperation: design of environmental technologies and resource management

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skillsEnvironmental engineers have the following main skills> Broad knowledge and interest> Capability to work in an interdisciplinary way> Quantitative thinking> Capacity for abstract thinking> Interest in topics of societal relevance> Communication skills> High commitment and responsibility

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My job The magma AG is a small company for geology, planning and environment. As an environmental engineer I work at the branch office in Schaffhausen dealing with many different projects. My duties include, among others, environmental impact studies, computation of traffic noise, the investigation of polluted areas, or the consultation for excavations on contaminated sites. Very often these works require the use Geographic Information Systems (GIS), which I either use simply for visualization purposes, but frequently also for the processing of spatial information or for doing spatial calculations.

What I like about my job A big advantage of a smaller company is the ability to work independently even as a young staff member. Nevertheless, I can always ask my more experienced colleagues if there are any problems or questions. I also appreciate the fact that I can often do field work, to collect soil samples on contaminated sites, for example.

Alumni

How my studies at ETH have benefited me During my studies I acquired a broad knowledge on the many fields of environmental engineering. This allows me to work on projects and tasks in a large variety of subjects. At the ETH, I learned to first quickly understand the fundamental concepts of new subjects, and then look to look deeper into the details. This is a particular asset for projects I work on and manage by myself.

My advice A great opportunity during the master studies is the compulsory internship. In my case, I not only learned very much from real life, but I also had the opportunity to get an idea about later career choices, such as regarding specific area of work and company size. I advise students who have not yet completed their internship, to choose a company which provides insight in different subjects. Another advice is not to take things like networking during the studies too seriously. During both my studies and work, I got the impression that their benefits are often highly overestimated.

Valentin Mllermagma AG, Schaffhausen

Caroline Wildbolzmyclimate Foundation, Department of Carbon Management Services, Zurich

Felix BrndliAmstein + Walthert AG

My job In my position I support clients from industry and service sectors to verify and optimize the environmental quality of their products. In my work I use the methods of carbon footprinting and life cycle assessment. I support the clients throughout their projects from acquisition, to the evaluation process and the analysis of the data, and the communication of the report. Our customers come from various sectors and provide a diverse range of projects from new subject areas and with new processes for evaluation. Visiting clients product or service operations enables me to gain the indispensable understanding of the matter being assessed. Client meetings and attendance at conferences provide an important change from the normal workday.

What I like about my job My position offers me the opportunity to gain insight into various subject areas and to provide essential analysis to improve the basis for decision-making for a more sustainable system. In addition, the atmosphere at work is supportive and relaxed. myclimate is a young and dynamic employer, which has strong collegial atmosphere.

How my studies at ETH havebenefited me Through the breadth of my studies I learned to connect different topics and results while examining them critically. The fast incorporation of new subject areas, as is required in the degree at the ETH, equipped me with invaluable skills that I use daily in my work.

My advice Take the opportunity to attend lectures in different disciplines. The theoretical studies in the classroom are best complemented with practical experience through internships and placements. This is the best preparation for your professional career and an opportunity to gain important contacts.

My job The small team Im part of within Amstein + Walthert is in charge of developing new energy and water strategies for large building complexes or factories. For the ETH Hnggerberg we developed a concept which allows the future use of discharged oil tanks as water retention space in case of heavy rain. Another current project is advising a large retailer as to whether its reasonable to install a decentralized wastewater treatment plant in their new, industrially sized bakery.

What I like about my job The projects we are working on are very diverse and are in different phases. On one day we might inspect a construction site while on the next day we brainstorm new concepts for how to supply an area with energy. Daily business is usually varied as well. Meetings, phone calls and sometimes even a field trip to the sewage system are welcome interruptions from work on the computer.

How my studies at ETH havebenefited me During college and university I was able to acquire basic skills in the fields of energy and water, which allow me today to solve the daily tasks on the job. However, the biggest benefit coming from all that studying is being able to become quickly and independently acquainted with new topics.

My advice Try not to take your classes too seriously. Take some time to do sports, hang out with friends or go travelling.

Julia BaumannSwissgrid AG. Health, Safety & Environment

Thomas RaschleHersche Ingenieure AG

My job I am responsible for the implementation and the continuous improvement of the companys environmental management system. Therefore, I evaluate the environ-mental impact of all relevant processes. Together with other business units and external institutions or authorities I elaborate measures to reduce the environmental impact and I define environmental standards for the Swiss high-voltage grid. I write the required instructions, organize trainings and conduct environmental audits on sites.

What I like about my job I enjoy the versatility of my tasks, the permanent challenge and the freedom to organise my work as well as the enriching collaboration with different business divisions and external experts.

How my studies at ETH have benefited me During my studies I gained in depth specialized knowledge and a broad understanding for scientific and technological processes. I also acquired the ability to clearly define problems, to solve them in a structured way as well as to communicate results concisely.

My advice Being passionate about the projects and tasks you are working on. Do not lose yourself in details but always know the ultimate goal. Think beyond the minimum requirement and understand the larger context.

My job My activities at the Hersche Ingenieure AG consist of projects in the field of urban water management, civil engineering hydraulics and environmental technology. Examples include writing a report about potential redevelopment of a small sewage treatment plant, or working out a construction project for a 5.5 km long sewage pressure pipeline. I also work on projects about the expansion and reconstruction of drinking water pipes and sewers. Other activities include tendering procedures, construction management, in which I check the correct installation of pipes for water, gas and wastewater and I am responsible for the cost control and the accounting. I coordinate the construction progress and put the building owner and the building contractor into contact. The description of the ecomorphology of rivers and flood protection projects are also a part of my work..

What I like about my job It is fascinating to work on a project over all its phases (preliminary study, construction project, construction management and accounting). Furthermore, I appreciate the multifaceted field of my work and the communication with the building owner, the building contractor, public authorities and co-workers.

How my studies at ETH have benefited me Through my studies at ETH I acquired an excellent basis in specialised knowledge, project management and teamwork. I learned to work in new specialist fields, to comprehend complex circumstances very fast and to develop solutions.

My advice Rely on that what you have learned, but apply it critically. Communicate openly and directly and solve problems immediately when they appear.

Courses at ETH Zurich are intensive and demanding. Nevertheless, students find time to enjoy an active student life.

Get involved Many students are involved in the Geomatik & Umweltingenieurverein (geomatics and environmental engineering union) GUV (www.guv.ethz.ch) or the ETH Student Union (www.vseth.ethz.ch). As a member, you can actively influence the organisation of study programmes.

Balancing your studies The Academic Sports Association of Zurich, one of the largest sports associations in Europe, offers ETH Zurich students an extensive range of sports activities. Enrolled students can take part in most courses free of charge.

Living in Zurich Zurich is a fascinating city, offering a high quality of life and diverse recreational and cultural activities. Its proximity to lakes and mountains makes it a popular spot for water sports and alpine leisure activities.

Studying at ETH Zurich

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More Information Master programme in Environmental Engineeringwww.environmentalengineering.ethz.chenvironmentalengineering@baug.ethz.ch

ETH ZurichDepartment of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic EngineeringEnvironmental Engineering Administration OfficeCampus Science City (Hoenggerberg)Wolfgang-Pauli-Str. 15, P.O. Box 1928093 Zurich, Switzerlandphone: +41 44 633 71 93fax: +41 44 633 13 02

Issued June 2012

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