Industrial Ecology
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
NAEM06/26
Faculty / college
E - School of Engineering
Head of study programme/study programme manager
Jane Raamets
Language of instruction
Estonian
Study level
Master study
ECTS credits
120
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...
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...
- 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...
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
General studies
12.0
Core studies
18.0
Special studies
60.0
Free choice courses
6.0
Graduation thesis
24.0
Total
120.0
- +MAIN SPECIALITY 1: industrial ecology
- +MODULE: General studies 12.0 ECTS credits (General studies)AimsThe 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 outcomesStudent 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 titleCourse codeECTS creditsHours per weekLecturesPracticesExercisesE/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.Teaching semesterTotal: 12.0 ECTS credits - +MODULE: Elective Courses 18.0 ECTS credits (Core studies)AimsThe 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 outcomesA 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 titleCourse codeECTS creditsHours per weekLecturesPracticesExercisesE/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.Teaching semesterTotal: at least 18.0 ECTS credits - +MODULE: Technology 24.0 ECTS credits (Special studies)AimsThe module aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of the systematic functioning of production,
logistics, and material flows, as well as the principles of circular economy and industrial ecology in students. The module supports learners in solving complex engineering and management problems, in evidence-based impact assessment, and in designing sustainable and innovative solutions. The module also aims at the learner's professional development, including the development of teamwork, analysis, and reflection skills, and the acquisition of practical experience in the field of industrial ecology. Show more...Learning outcomesA student who has completed the module:
- analyzes production,
logistics, and material flow systems, assessing resource needs, technological constraints, risks, and quality, and applying the principles of circular economy and industrial ecology.
- solves complex case problems under conditions of limited information, preparing evidence-based alternative solutions and assessing their impacts (cost, environment, energy use, risks, service level, circular efficiency).
- plans and monitors logistics and resource management processes, using appropriate methods, KPIs, and industrial ecology tools, and linking solutions to innovation and societal developments.
- functions professionally in teamwork and reflects on his/her development, managing cooperation, providing structured feedback, and applying industrial ecology and circular economy knowledge in practice. Show more...Compulsory courses:Course titleCourse codeECTS creditsHours per weekLecturesPracticesExercisesE/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.Teaching semesterTotal: 24.0 ECTS credits - +MODULE: Industrial ecology 36.0 ECTS credits (Special studies)AimsThe Industrial Ecology module aims to develop in-depth knowledge and practical skills in the concepts,
methods and applications of industrial ecology in students and to support their leadership and self-management capabilities in a sustainable organization. The module focuses on an interdisciplinary approach that includes eco-design, life cycle assessment, industrial symbiosis, application of mathematical methods, and management psychology, strategic management and teamwork management. The module aims to prepare specialists who are able to analyze and optimize material and energy flows, design sustainable solutions, lead teams and implement self-management strategies in the context of the digital and green transition. Show more...Learning outcomesStudent who successfully completed the module:
- compares and interprets the principles of industrial ecology and analyzes the relationships between industrial,
social, economic, and environmental factors, applying the knowledge gained in the development of products, processes and services.
- designs, justifies, and evaluates sustainable solutions using eco-design, life cycle assessment, and industrial symbiosis methods in the analysis of complex systems.
- applies and validates mathematical and analytical methods to model, interpret, and optimize material and energy flows and assess the performance of systems and the impact of changes in them.
- analyzes, selects, and implements appropriate management and self-management strategies (including time management, maintaining motivation, and stress management) to support professional functioning and increase the effectiveness of teams.
- leads and coordinates teamwork by evaluating and applying evidence-based management psychology, communication, and collaboration methods in complex and uncertain situations.
- integrates and uses digital and communication tools (including in the context of green transition and digitalization) to support decision-making, project management, and team collaboration.
- argues, evaluates, and synthesizes the impact of proposed solutions on the functioning of the organization, the development of industrial systems, and broader societal and environmental impacts. Show more...Compulsory courses:Course titleCourse codeECTS creditsHours per weekLecturesPracticesExercisesE/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.Teaching semesterTotal: 36.0 ECTS credits - +MODULE: Free Choice Studies 6.0 ECTS credits (Free choice courses)AimsThe 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 outcomesA 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 24.0 ECTS credits (Graduation thesis)AimsThe 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 outcomesThe 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