A Master´s Programme in Environmentally Sustainable Process Technology

Other conference contribution, 2006

Chemical processes that are environmentally and economically sound are key factors in the development of a sustainable society. Our daily life is, to a great extent, dependent on the process industry. Products from the process industry range from basic organic and inorganic chemicals to more refined products such as food, paper, petroleum, plastics, paint and pharmaceutical products. The process technology that delivers these products is increasingly expected to fulfil a number of requirements: high-quality of products, use of renewable or recyclable raw materials to produce them, efficient use of raw materials and energy, minimal emissions and waste production, and of course commercial competitiveness. Chalmers University of Technology offers a unique master's programme that prepares students with the knowledge and skills necessary to improve and develop processes that are environmentally sustainable as well as economically sound. This Master's programme requires the completion of 60 credit units (courses and thesis), which normally requires one and a half year of studies. The academic courses constitute 40 credit units and include both compulsory and optional courses. The compulsory courses can be divided into three main parts: Chemical Engineering, Applied Environmental Engineering and a Case Study. The programme has been running since 1997 and has now more than 150 qualified applicants each year for 20 available positions. It attracts students from all over the world with an emphasis on Europe and Asia. Until 2005, 139 students have been accepted for the program and of the 98 students that were expected to fulfil all degree requirements by the end of 2005, 75 had graduated (this does not include students accepted 2004 or 2005).