Sustainable Resources and Energy Supply, B. Sc.

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Isn't it frightening to think if we didn't have any more raw materials we couldn't produce smartphones and without energy we couldn't charge them? We would literally lose contact with the outside world.

To maintain our accustomed standard of living, our resource requirements must continue to be met and sockets must still provide electricity. At the same time, however, the environment cannot continue to be damaged as it has been. We need innovative strategies for energy and raw material supply – a task with great responsibility and excitement for future engineers! The course of study focuses on the sustainable supply of sufficient energy sources and sustainably obtaining and using the necessary raw materials

In order to meet humanity's need for raw materials longterm, methods for finding and mining these so called primary resources must be improved. However, even if technology is improved, raw materials cannot be infinitely mined. Resources are limited. Thus, the importance of promoting technologies to recover raw materials is even greater. Recycling plays a key role in this effort as secondary raw materials can be used to produce new products.

A single suitable raw material stands at the center of energy supply. Fossil fuels, which have a bad reputation, play just as important of a role as renewable energies. Coal, gas, and oil on one side and biofuel, sun, wind, and water on the other – they all contribute to a basic supply. The impending withdrawal of nuclear energy from our energy supply means a good mix of consistently available resources and intermittent energy sources is needed.

Students complete courses forming the foundation of the course of study, and can then choose from three specializations beginning in the third semester. This allows them to pursue their interests and expand their technical skills:

• Mining
• Recycling
• Energy

In addition to the courses available in the specializations, students can choose from a broad selection of courses in the elective modules, which further allows them to fine tune their own individual focus.

 

Degree Content
Aside from subjects focusing on theory, practical courses are also offered which provide an important look and experience in professional practice. The practical component includes a 40-day internship at a German company but is not restricted to the German market. The curriculum is supplemented with exciting research excursions to, for example, Australia, Canada, and Brazil.

Curriculum Structure

Fundamental courses
Mathematics, Mechanics, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, Heat Engineering, Business Administration, Law, Simulation Technology
Concentrations
Mining: Geology Mineralogy Raw Material Economy Energy Resources Mine Surveying Raw Material Extraction	Recycling: Geology Mineralogy Raw Materials & Recycling Energy Resources Emission Reduction Thermal Waste Treatment	Energy: Energy Resources Energy Engineering Thermodynamics Fluid Mechanics Experimental Design Process Engineering
Electives
Bachelor's thesis, 40-day internship

 

Programs Abroad
Safe and clean energy and raw material supply isn't just important in Germany. New strategies are being drafted and researched worldwide, which offers students in this course of study the possibility to gain experience abroad. The ERASMUS+ mobility program allows Bachelor's students to study at a variety of European partner universities for one or two semesters. RWTH maintains a number of partnerships with universities outside of Europe as well, including in China, Russia, the United States, Thailand, Brazil, Australia, and Canada.

Prerequisites
Personal Prerequisites
If you are interested in studying sustainable resources and energy supply, you should be interested in science and engineering. During your basic studies in the first two semesters you will intensively focus on math, particularly differential and integral equations, mechanics, and chemistry. Unlike the other engineering sciences, this course of study required advanced interest in geological relationships. RWTH Aachen offers a bridge program to intensify and complete your knowledge before beginning studies.

Career Prospects

  Engineers with comprehensive skills and practical experience in the field of raw materials and energy engineering are highly sought after in the wake of the arising energy transition and resource scarcity. Engineers with interdisciplinary skills and the ability to look at the system holistically are particularly attractive to employers. Graduates are able to find employment not only in Germany but around the world in these fields.

Due to their comprehensive technical education RWTH graduates can find very good entry-level positions particularly in the mineral resource extraction and production industry; recycling; and energy production, distribution, and consulting. Smaller engineering offices and operations can be attractive employers aside from larger operations. Graduates can also find employment in administration and the policy sector at the municipal, state, and federal levels.

Master's Degree Prospects
Students can find employment after competing their Bachelor's degree. However, if they are interested in further training in one of three specializations, they can continue in one of the Master's programs Sustainable Energy Supply or Mineral Resources Engineering. These programs build and expand on the content from the Bachelor's program and develop students' skills for specialized profiles sought after on the job market.

Examination Regulations
Regulations that apply for all Bachelor and Master courses of study as well as detailed information about the necessary documentation of required language skills can be found in RWTH’s Comprehensive Examination Regulation. Examination regulations are only published in German as they are legally binding.

Subject Specific Exam Regulations regulate academic goals, the course of study layout, and exam procedures. The appendix to the regulations contains the description of the modules, from which the course of study is composed. The exam regulation will be linked here as soon as it is available.