Study programme title in Est.
Tööstusökoloogia
Study programme title in Engl.
Industrial Ecology
TalTech study programme code
NAEM06
MER study programme code
80410
Study programme version code
NAEM06/25
Faculty / college
E - School of Engineering
Head of study programme/study programme manager
Jane Raamets
Language of instruction
Estonian
Self-paid study programme
no
Nominal study period
4 semesters
Study programme group
Engineering, Manufacturing and Technology
Broad area of study
Engineering, Manufacturing and Construction
Study field
Engineering and engineering trades
Curriculum group
Environmental protection technology
Granting the right to conduct studies in the study programme group
õppe läbiviimise õigus
Validity date of the right to conduct studies in the study programme group
tähtajatu
No. of the decision granting the right to teach in the study programme group
112
Access conditions
Bachelor degree or education of corresponding qualification in accordance with admission requirements of TalTech.
Study programme aims and objectives
The aim of the curriculum is to educate the specialists of industrial
ecology with Master's level degree who have extensive knowledge and practical skills with regard to understanding the basic principles of industrial ecology and implementing the methods of industrial ecology in enterprises in order to reduce the environmental impact arising from production activities and to minimize material and energy flows; who have in-depth knowledge in circular economy and its various methods and applications, as well as knowledge of designing products, processes and services, taking into account the reduction of the environmental impact throughout the product lifecycle; who have skills on teamwork, cooperation and leadership in the field of sustainable development at local, regional and International level. Show more...
Learning outcomes of the study programme
A student who has completed the curriculum:
- has a systematic knowledge in the field of industrial ecology;
- is able to analyze and elaborate on activities and situations and to resolve problems in the field of industrial ecology;
- knows and is able to implement the principles of social, economic, and environmental sustainability;
- knows the modern environmental policy;
- has in-depth knowledge in circular economy along with various techniques and applications thereof, as well as construction of ecological design of products, processes, and services; is able to implement this knowledge in order to minimize environmental impact throughout the life cycle;
- knows the environment-friendly technologies and is able to implement them in an industrial enterprise;
- has skills to express, write and speak professionally in native language and at least in one foreign language;
- has knowledge of entrepreneurship, it's processes and business planning;
- has good communication skills, initiative and ability to adapt to change, is open to self-development;
- is capable of co-operation and leadership in field of industrial ecology and circular economy on corporate, national and international level. Show more...
Graduation requirements
Completion of the curriculum in the required amount, and the successful defence of the graduation paper in conformity with the requirements set by the TalTech Senate.
In order to obtain Cum Laude diploma the graduation paper must be defended for the grade "5" and the weighted average grade must be at least 4,60, where all grades from diploma supplement are taken into account. Show more...
Degrees conferred
Master of Science in Engineering
Study programme version structure :
Module type
total ECTS credits
+
MAIN SPECIALITY 1: industrial ecology
+
MODULE: General studies 12.0 ECTS credits (General studies)
Aims
The module aims to provide students the opportunity to acquire general knowledge necessary for work as a researcher or an entrepreneur,
to develop the skills in working in the field of science or entrepreneurship, to complement the level of professional scientific language and expression. Show more...
Learning outcomes
Student who successfully completed the module:
1. differentiates between scientific and non-scientific research and chooses a suitable method according to the research problem;
2. can write a scientific paper, searches, evaluates, and analyses scientific information, and formulates scientific reports;
3. uses professional terminology to express his/her ideas clearly and structurally, both verbally and in writing in Estonian and in English;
4. explains how enterprises are established and their work organization and its possible improvements, and analyses the impact of the business environment on its activities. Show more...
Compulsory courses:
Course title
Course code
ECTS credits
Hours per week
Lectures
Practices
Exercises
E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
Teaching semester
NTK1550
6.0
4.0
2.0
2.0
0.0
A
SK
NTK1610
6.0
4.0
2.0
2.0
0.0
E
SK
+
MODULE: Elective Courses 18.0 ECTS credits (Core studies)
Aims
The module aims to provide students with in-depth knowledge and skills in the field of industrial ecology.
The module develops students' ability to apply the principles and tools of industrial ecology to increase companies' environmental sustainability and resource efficiency, enabling the analysis and evaluation of complex systems. The module supports interdisciplinary cooperation and critical thinking skills to find sustainable solutions. Show more...
Learning outcomes
A student who has successfully completed the module:
- acquires in-depth knowledge and understanding of the basic theories, concepts, and analysis methods of industrial ecology;
- can apply the principles and tools of industrial ecology to increase the environmental sustainability and resource efficiency of companies;
- can analyze and evaluate complex systems, including control of matter and energy flows in industrial processes;
- is capable of interdisciplinary cooperation with specialists in industrial ecology and other disciplines;
- develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for developing sustainable solutions. Show more...
Elective courses:
Course title
Course code
ECTS credits
Hours per week
Lectures
Practices
Exercises
E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
Teaching semester
NTK1490
6.0
4.0
2.0
2.0
0.0
E
SK
NTK1540
6.0
4.0
2.0
2.0
0.0
A
SK
NTK1580
6.0
4.0
3.0
0.0
1.0
E
SK
NTK1630
6.0
4.0
1.0
3.0
0.0
A
SK
NTK1660
6.0
2.4
1.2
1.2
0.0
A
SK
NTK1670
6.0
2.4
1.2
1.2
0.0
A
SK
NTS1850
6.0
4.0
1.5
2.5
0.0
H
SK
Total: at least 18.0 ECTS credits
+
MODULE: Technology 24.0 ECTS credits (Special studies)
Aims
The aim of the module is to provide students with a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the principles of industrial ecology and their application.
The module develops the ability to analyze and optimize material and energy flows, design sustainable production chains, and apply modern technologies and methodologies to increase resource efficiency and environmental sustainability of processes. Show more...
Learning outcomes
A student who, completed the module:
- critically analyzes different production resources and the ways of their use in other sectors,
explains the application of the main production technologies across industries and evaluates the efficiency and sustainability of resource use in the Estonian and international context;
- evaluates various environmental technologies and analyzes their suitability and application possibilities in solving environmental problems, based on technological and environmental requirements;
- creates and implements innovative solutions for the economical use of resources in production and service, based on the principles of circular economy and industrial ecology, and analyzes the impact of these solutions on the environment and the economy;
- plans and optimizes production logistics and green logistics processes using appropriate planning and monitoring methods, and evaluates the impact of these systems on the efficiency of the company and the environment;
- analyzes and interprets environmental economic data, assesses the impact of technological and political decisions on the environment, and makes appropriate recommendations to policymakers and other stakeholders. Show more...
Compulsory courses:
Course title
Course code
ECTS credits
Hours per week
Lectures
Practices
Exercises
E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
Teaching semester
NTK1510
6.0
4.0
2.0
2.0
0.0
E
SK
NTK1560
6.0
4.0
2.0
1.0
1.0
A
SK
NTK1600
6.0
4.0
3.0
1.0
0.0
E
SK
NTK1690
6.0
2.8
1.4
1.4
0.0
E
SK
+
MODULE: Industrial ecology 30.0 ECTS credits (Special studies)
Aims
The aim of the Industrial Ecology module is to develop students' in-depth knowledge and practical skills in the concepts,
methods and applications of industrial ecology. The module focuses on an interdisciplinary approach that includes eco-design, life cycle assessment, industrial symbiosis, application of mathematical methods and practical experience in industrial ecology. The aim of the module is to prepare specialists who can analyze and optimize material and energy flows, design sustainable solutions and apply acquired knowledge in the development of products, processes and services, taking into account the relationships between industrial, social, economic and environmental factors. Show more...
Learning outcomes
Student who successfully completed the module:
- acquires in-depth knowledge of the main concepts,
methods, and theoretical foundations of industrial ecology and can analyze the relationships between industrial, social, economic, and environmental processes;
- can assess the life cycle of a product/service and the movement of material flows and carry out a comprehensive analysis using industrial ecology methodologies and mathematical methods;
- applies acquired knowledge in eco-design, life cycle assessment, and industrial symbiosis projects, designing environmentally sustainable products, processes, and services;
- applies the knowledge and skills acquired during the master's internship in solving real problems of industrial ecology and collaborates effectively in interdisciplinary teams, involving specialists and stakeholders;
- develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills to evaluate and improve industrial ecology applications and use science-based and innovative approaches to achieve sustainable solutions. Show more...
Compulsory courses:
Course title
Course code
ECTS credits
Hours per week
Lectures
Practices
Exercises
E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
Teaching semester
NTK1440
6.0
4.0
4.0
0.0
0.0
E
S
NTK1480
6.0
4.0
2.0
2.0
0.0
E
S
NTK1500
6.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
A
SK
NTK1650
6.0
4.0
2.0
0.0
2.0
E
SK
NTK1680
6.0
2.6
1.4
1.2
0.0
E
SK
+
MODULE: Free Choice Studies 6.0 ECTS credits (Free choice courses)
Aims
The aim of the module is to provide the opportunity to enhance
knowledge and skills in areas related to the master's degree program in the field of industrial ecology or to broaden the general world view of the student. Show more...
Learning outcomes
A student who successfully completed a module has new knowledge and skills in a field related to the curriculum,
or broadens his or her general worldview and thus increases his educational level. Show more...
+
MODULE: Master's thesis in industrial ecology 30.0 ECTS credits (Graduation thesis)
Aims
The goal of thesis is the implementing of acquired learning
outcomes in analysis and solving of a professional problem and after the defence of thesis the acquiring a master degree in technical sciences. Show more...
Learning outcomes
The student who successfully compiled and defended the thesis:
1. finds, analyses and evaluates professional scientific information and is able to use this and self-collected data in the analysis of specialty problems, and in making conclusions;
2. knows how to find, and analyze and use scientific information in analysis and solving of specialty problems and in generalizations of results;
3. has skills to select and use methods, technologies and to evaluate the results;
4. is able to express themselves orally and in writing and to defend their positions;
5. knows principles of ethics, is able to evaluate science of general principles, is able to assess their level of scientific field research and practical value;
6. is able to continue the studies or to participate in research, to be active as a specialist or a developer, on national and international level. Show more...
+
STANDARD STUDY PLAN: Autumn daytime study
+
STANDARD STUDY PLAN: Autumn session-based study

