Environmental Engineering - Master of Science Degree Programme


Study programme description for study year 2024-2025

Facts

Credits (ECTS)

120

Studyprogram code

M-ENVTEC

Level

Master's degree (2 years)

Leads to degree

Master of Science

Full-/Part-time

Full-time

Duration

4 Semesters

Undergraduate

No

Language of instruction

English

Introduction

The Master’s programme in Environmental Engineering focuses on Aquatic Ecology, Water and Wastewater treatment in addition to the environmental science and technologies related to the offshore oil and gas industry.

Programme content, structure and composition

The degree programme consists of compulsory and elective courses and a research component based on environmental engineering. Students conduct a supervised original scientific research project worth 30 ECTS resulting in a master’s thesis.

The structure of the programme reflects the overall objective of educating students to become capable of analysing environmental systems, identify detrimental environmental impacts and suggest technologies for remediation. Our focus is the aquatic environment. The first semester introduces students to the multidisciplinary perspective of an environmental engineer through courses on fundamental mechanisms and processes of aquatic systems, quantitative and qualitative analysis of water quality parameters and introduction of systems analysis based on conservation laws. Students progress into the second semester by focusing on technologies for water and wastewater treatment. In the third semester, students choose a combination of advanced elective courses that will define their career directions along with the completion of a full-time thesis project in the final semester. This degree structure reflects the idea of environmental engineers' ability to understand and analyse the state of a system (systems analysis), identify detrimental environmental impacts, and based on that, suggest sustainable solutions for remediation.

The programme is well suited for students who want to focus on technologies for water and wastewater treatment. The programme provides students with fundamental and advanced competences in aquatic chemistry, environmental biotechnology and water process engineering allowing them to solve problems in an environmentally sustainable way.

The students will gain the skills necessary to qualify for a wide variety of careers in water and wastewater treatment, aquaculture and environmental management in the offshore industries. With an MSc in Environmental Engineering, graduates will be able to suggest, design and operate environmental process technologies based on profound understanding of recipient aquatic system, in both offshore and onshore companies.

The master's programme in Environmental Engineering will provide you with knowledge, skills, and competencies that can contribute directly to the work in achieving the goals for a better world.

The knowledge (K1 to K5) and skills (S1 to S5) learning outcomes relate directly to understanding water quality, treatment processes, and ecological reasoning for water-related problems. They align with SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation by addressing the need for knowledge and technologies to ensure clean water availability and proper water management in both freshwater and marine ecosystems. water chemistry, microbial ecology, and water quality analysis for freshwater and marine systems, including advanced knowledge in treatment technologies for potable water and wastewater.

The knowledge (K1 to K3 and K7) and skills (S1 to S3 and S6) specifically address knowledge about aquatic systems, environmental risk assessment, and ecological impacts on aquatic environments. They align with SDG 14 Life below Water by focusing on the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources.

The University of Stavanger has emphasis on offering all study programmes as planned, but reserves the right to make changes subject to capacity and the number of students. Adjustments of content and structure of study programmes are natural in relation with changes in technology and society over time.

Learning outcomes

After having completed the master’s programme in Environmental Engineering, the student shall have acquired the following learning outcomes, in terms of knowledge, skills and general competences:

Knowledge

K1: The candidate has advanced level knowledge in water chemistry and microbial Ecology of aquatic systems.

K2: The candidate has extensive knowledge of sources, conversion and transportation of vital chemical components for overall water quality in freshwater and marine recipients.

K3: The candidate knows how to characterise water quality and perform aquatic process analysis based on continuity principles and biogeochemical conversion processes.

K4: The candidate knows how to stay current in environmental science and technologies by applying information resources and industrial contacts.

K5: The candidate has advanced level knowledge in technologies for treatment of potable water, and municipal and industrial wastewater.

K6: The candidate has advanced level knowledge of criteria for environmental risk assessment, including key parameters for fate and effect evaluations in receiving aquatic systems.

Skills

S1: The candidate is able to apply and evaluate disciplinary knowledge to diagnose aquatic ecological problems and suggest adequate solutions based on holistic ecological reasoning, including analysis and evaluation of field data.

S2: The candidate can apply basic field equipment for limnological and hydrological measurements including sampling techniques of sediments and free water masses. Furthermore, candidates know how to perform fundamental laboratory methods for water quality analysis and laboratory tests for design and operational analysis of treatment unit processes.

S3: The candidate is competent for work in water quality and ecotoxicological laboratories and acquainted with methods for water quality characterization and toxic analyses. The candidate can adequately document analytical results including formal reporting.

S4: The candidate is able to perform advanced-level water and wastewater characterization, including laboratory testing, and apply mass and energy balances for design, and operational analysis of treatment processes.

S5: The candidate can use advanced computer tools and system models for simulation and system identification of aquatic systems and water treatment processes.

S6: The candidate is knows how to apply key parameters for environmental risk management and apply environmental risk assessment tools to relevant problems in industry.

General Competence

G1: The candidate can contribute to original analysis, innovation and entrepreneurship via development and realization of sustainable products, systems and solutions.

G2: The candidate has a profound understanding of environmental, human health, and societal consequences of ecological impacts on aquatic environments, and competences to view these in ethical and life-cycle perspectives.

G3: The candidate is able to communicate advanced technical and natural scientific knowledge to a wide range of audiences both orally and written. Furthermore, candidates are able to direct attention to the importance and consequences of environmental technology.

G4: The candidate can contribute to scientific discussions, show respect and understanding of other disciplines, and contribute to multidisciplinary projects.

Career prospects

Graduated students qualify for positions within environmental technology and management in the private and public sector, including research institutions, engineering companies, public offices, or as technical consultants/environmental advisors in industrial enterprises.

Candidates can also qualify for relevant PhD positions at the University of Stavanger, other universities in Norway or abroad.

Course assessment

Schemes for quality assurance and evaluation of studies are stipulated in Quality System for Education.

Study plan and courses

  • Compulsory courses

    • MLJMAS: Master Thesis in Environmental Technology

      Year 2, semester 3

      Master Thesis in Environmental Technology (MLJMAS)

      Study points: 30

  • Choose specialisation

    • Specialisation Offshore Environmental Technology

      • Courses or exchange studies 3rd semester - 30 points

        • Courses at UiS 3rd semester

          • Recommended elective courses 3rd semester

            • MLJ560: Oilfield Chemistry

              Year 2, semester 3

              Oilfield Chemistry (MLJ560)

              Study points: 10

            • MLJ650: Aquatic Ecotoxicology

              Year 2, semester 3

              Aquatic Ecotoxicology (MLJ650)

              Study points: 10

            • MLJ660: Sustainable Resource Recovery

              Year 2, semester 3

              Sustainable Resource Recovery (MLJ660)

              Study points: 10

            • RIS505: Foundations of Risk Analysis and Risk Science

              Year 2, semester 3

              Foundations of Risk Analysis and Risk Science (RIS505)

              Study points: 10

          • Other elective courses 3rd semester

            • GEO620: Developing Research and Presentation Skills

              Year 2, semester 3

              Developing Research and Presentation Skills (GEO620)

              Study points: 10

            • MLJ540: Instrumental Analysis

              Year 2, semester 3

              Instrumental Analysis (MLJ540)

              Study points: 10

            • MOD510: Modeling and Computational Engineering

              Year 2, semester 3

              Modeling and Computational Engineering (MOD510)

              Study points: 10

            • MSB415: Sustainable Entrepreneurship

              Year 2, semester 3

              Sustainable Entrepreneurship (MSB415)

              Study points: 10

        • Exchange studies 3rd semester

    • Specialisation Water Science and Technology

      • Courses or exchange studies 3rd semester - 30 points

        • Courses at UiS 3rd semester

          • Recommended elective courses 3rd semester

          • Other elective courses 3rd semester

            • GEO620: Developing Research and Presentation Skills

              Year 2, semester 3

              Developing Research and Presentation Skills (GEO620)

              Study points: 10

            • MOD510: Modeling and Computational Engineering

              Year 2, semester 3

              Modeling and Computational Engineering (MOD510)

              Study points: 10

            • RIS505: Foundations of Risk Analysis and Risk Science

              Year 2, semester 3

              Foundations of Risk Analysis and Risk Science (RIS505)

              Study points: 10

        • Exchange studies 3rd semester

  • Compulsory courses

    • MLJ500: Water Chemistry

      Year 1, semester 1

      Water Chemistry (MLJ500)

      Study points: 10

    • MLJ510: Natural Water Systems

      Year 1, semester 1

      Natural Water Systems (MLJ510)

      Study points: 10

    • MLJ520: Environmental Microbiology

      Year 1, semester 1

      Environmental Microbiology (MLJ520)

      Study points: 5

    • MLJ530: Environmental Process Analysis

      Year 1, semester 1

      Environmental Process Analysis (MLJ530)

      Study points: 5

    • MLJ610: Water and Wastewater Treatment

      Year 1, semester 2

      Water and Wastewater Treatment (MLJ610)

      Study points: 10

    • MLJ615: Environmental Engineering Process Lab

      Year 1, semester 2

      Environmental Engineering Process Lab (MLJ615)

      Study points: 5

    • MLJ630: Separation and Purification Technology

      Year 1, semester 2

      Separation and Purification Technology (MLJ630)

      Study points: 5

    • MLJ640: Environmental Biotechnology and Bioprocessmodeling

      Year 1, semester 2

      Environmental Biotechnology and Bioprocessmodeling (MLJ640)

      Study points: 10

    • MLJMAS: Master Thesis in Environmental Technology

      Year 2, semester 3

      Master Thesis in Environmental Technology (MLJMAS)

      Study points: 30

  • Courses or exchange studies 3rd semester - 30 points

    • Courses at UiS 3rd semester

      • Choose min. one course

      • Recommended elective courses 3rd semester

      • Other elective courses 3rd semester

        • GEO620: Developing Research and Presentation Skills

          Year 2, semester 3

          Developing Research and Presentation Skills (GEO620)

          Study points: 10

        • MLJ560: Oilfield Prod Chem

          Year 2, semester 3

          Oilfield Prod Chem (MLJ560)

          Study points: 10

    • Exchange studies 3rd semester

Student exchange

Students may choose to study abroad gaining international experience outside the programme during the 3rd semester.

During the exchange semester you should choose courses similar to your programme. The courses you want to take abroad must be approved by the department. It is important that the courses from abroad do not overlap with courses you have already taken. You must choose at least one non-science/technological course equivalent to 5-10 ECTS (e.g. economics, languages, ethics, project management, green transition or similar).

More opportunities

In addition to the recommended universities listed below, The University of Stavanger has a number of agreements with universities outside Europe that are applicable to all students at The University of Stavanger, provided that they find a relevant subject offering. Within the Nordic region, all students can use the Nordlys and Nordtek networks.

Find out more: https://www.uis.no/en/outbound-exchange-network-and-agreements

Recommended institutions:

  • Aalborg University, Denmark
  • Lund University, Sweden
  • University of Wageningen, Netherlands
  • San Diego State University, USA
  • Estonian University of Life Sciences, Estonia

Contact your study adviser at the Faculty if you have questions about guidance and pre-approval of courses: Alina Fandieieva

General questions about exchange:

Go to the exchange guide in the Digital student service desk

Student exchange

  • All countries

    Aalborg Universitet

    Aalborg Universitet (AAU) er kjent for å benytte seg av problembasert læring i grupper, noe som kan by på en spennende læringsprosess.

    Estonian University of Life Sciences

    Estonian University of Life Sciences (EMÜ) har røtter tilbake til 1848 og er et grønt universitet, som både forsker på og underviser i bærekraft. Her får du sjansen for å oppleve det moderne Estland og samtidig bo i en historisk by.

    San Diego State University

    San Diego State University (SDSU) ligger helt sør i California, på grensen til Mexico, og bare et par timers kjøretur fra Los Angeles. Dette er en svært populær utvekslingsdestinasjon for UiS-studenter.

    Teknisk högskola Lund

    Lunds Universitets historie går tilbake til 1666, og det rangeres jevnlig blant verdens 100 beste universiteter.

    UniLaSalle

    The École des Metiers et de l´Environnement (EME) and Uni LaSalle have merged into a single higher education institution dedicated to Environmental Sciences: Institut Polytechnique La Salle (IPLS).

    Wageningen University & Research

    Wageningen University er i en årrekke blitt kåret til det beste universitetet i Nederland. Et utvekslingsopphold ved Wageningen er en unik mulighet til å studere interessante fag i et internasjonalt studiemiljø.

  • Danmark

    Aalborg Universitet

    Aalborg Universitet (AAU) er kjent for å benytte seg av problembasert læring i grupper, noe som kan by på en spennende læringsprosess.

  • Estland

    Estonian University of Life Sciences

    Estonian University of Life Sciences (EMÜ) har røtter tilbake til 1848 og er et grønt universitet, som både forsker på og underviser i bærekraft. Her får du sjansen for å oppleve det moderne Estland og samtidig bo i en historisk by.

  • Frankrike

    UniLaSalle

    The École des Metiers et de l´Environnement (EME) and Uni LaSalle have merged into a single higher education institution dedicated to Environmental Sciences: Institut Polytechnique La Salle (IPLS).

  • Nederland

    Wageningen University & Research

    Wageningen University er i en årrekke blitt kåret til det beste universitetet i Nederland. Et utvekslingsopphold ved Wageningen er en unik mulighet til å studere interessante fag i et internasjonalt studiemiljø.

  • Sverige

    Teknisk högskola Lund

    Lunds Universitets historie går tilbake til 1666, og det rangeres jevnlig blant verdens 100 beste universiteter.

  • USA

    San Diego State University

    San Diego State University (SDSU) ligger helt sør i California, på grensen til Mexico, og bare et par timers kjøretur fra Los Angeles. Dette er en svært populær utvekslingsdestinasjon for UiS-studenter.

Admission requirements

A bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical/natural sciences degrees with at least 15 ECTS credits in chemistry and basic knowledge in biology. Applicants must have the equivalent of 25 ECTS credits in mathematics, 5 ECTS credits in statistics and 7,5 ECTS credits in Physics. As several courses contain integrated chemistry, an individual and academic assessment of the applicants will be made.

Admission to this master's programme requires a minimum grade average comparable to a Norwegian C (according to ECTS Standards) in your bachelor's degree. Applicants with a result Second-class lower Division or lower are not qualified for admission.

Contact information

Study Adviser: Alina Fandieieva

Faculty of Science and Technology, telephone (+47) 51 83 17 00, E-mail: post-tn@uis.no