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Bachelor of Science:
Sustainable Systems Engineering

Imagine you're not just talking about sustainability, but actively contributing to how the materials, energy systems and technologies of the future are developed!

Combining technology with sustainability and training engineers to change the world for the better!

With this goal in mind, the University of Freiburg founded the new Institute for Sustainable Systems Engineering (INATECH) at the Faculty of Engineering in October 2015.

Complete engineering degree program

In addition to the fundamentals of engineering, you will also learn how to develop sustainable technologies and methods.

Learning from renowned researchers and engineers

Research and teaching at INATECH are closely interlinked, so that the latest research findings are directly incorporated into what is taught. INATECH combines the expertise and infrastructure of the five Fraunhofer Institutes in Freiburg with the excellence of the university!

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Your opportunities

The engineering bachelor's degree in “Sustainable Systems Engineering” opens up a whole range of career prospects for you:
classical engineering professions, working for environmental authorities and public institutions, developing materials and technologies as well as master programmes.

Sustainability careers

(Further) development of materials
Optimization of energy systems and material flows
Mobility concepts
Construction materials and building materials
Infrastructure development and maintenance
Policy advice

Engineering Careers

Mechanical engineering
Systems integration
Materials sciences
Project management

Master's programs
  • Master's program "Sustainable Systems Engineering" (SSE) in Freiburg
  • Engineering Master's degree programs
  • Non-consecutive Master's programs

Why study Sustainable Systems Engineering?

1.

Attractive program

At INATECH, research and teaching are closely interlinked, so that the latest research findings are directly incorporated into what is taught. Students participate actively in solving the social and technical issues of the future.

2.

Attractive institute

INATECH combines the expertise and infrastructure of the five Fraunhofer Institutes in Freiburg with the excellence of the university.

3.

Attractive faculty

On its own campus, the Faculty of Engineering has an excellent infrastructure: short distances, modern technical equipment (e.g. clean room), extensive e-learning offers, its own library and extensive opening hours.

4.

Attractive university town

Freiburg offers a wide range of leisure and cultural activities, a high quality of life, short travel distances and an international atmosphere.

Sustainable Systems Engineering – what is it in detail?

The international master's program “Sustainable Systems Engineering” provides in-depth engineering skills in sustainable materials, sustainable energy systems, and resilience engineering.

Moreover, it teaches interdisciplinary knowledge in natural resources and climate change, as well as sustainable economics, technologies and societies during its two-year program.

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What does sustainability mean?

How may ecological, economic and social aspects be balanced? How is an ecological footprint calculated? And what options are available to a product at the end of its life?

Which challenges are created by the energy revolution?

How should renewable energy be generated, fed into the grid and stored?

What will the materials and systems of the future look like?

How can relevant material properties be determined? How can we make our digital communications more efficient and secure?

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Contents of the programme

The Bachelor's course "Sustainable Systems Engineering" teaches the basics and methods of engineering sciences and sustainable development from an engineering perspective.

Fundamentals and methods of engineering science

  • Physics and materials engineering
  • Mathematics and systems engineering
  • Electronics and power engineering
  • Chemistry and process engineering
  • Society and technology

Sustainability specialization


  • Energy systems (including renewable energies)
  • Sustainable materials
  • Resilience (resistance and adaptability of systems, e.g. after accidents or an environmental catastrophe)
Key qualifications


Simulation techniques

Life cycle analysis

Programming languages

Project planning

Presentation techniques

Curriculum

Duration: 6 semesters
Program start: October

Semester 1

  • Mechanics
  • System Design Project
  • Mathematics I for Students of Computer Science and Engineering Sciences
  • Introduction to programming
  • Microsystems technology - processes and components

Semester 2

  • Electrodynamics and optics
  • Introduction to electrical engineering
  • Mathematics II for students of engineering sciences
  • Study seminar SSE: On the way to becoming a sustainability engineer


Semester 3

  • Solid state physics
  • Continuum mechanics
  • Electronics - Components and analog circuits
  • Differential equations (Mathematics III)
  • General and inorganic chemistry

Semester 4

  • Sustainability concepts and assessment
  • System theory and control engineering
  • Measurement technology
  • Materials science (elective)
  • Circuit technology (elective)
  • Technical Thermodynamics (elective)

Semester 5

  • Sustainable management
  • Lifecycle analysis
  • Simulation techniques
  • Signals and systems
  • Materials engineering and processes (elective)
  • IT security and privacy (elective)

Semester 6

  • Elective module Sustainable materials (elective)
  • Elective module Energy systems (elective)
  • Elective module Resilience engineering (elective)
  • 2 BOK courses at ZfS/SLI (optional)
  • Bachelor module

Further information

Find current news, module handbook, study regulations and courses


Further info

How to apply?

All information regarding deadlines and the application process can be found on the page of the »Student Service Center«:


Application

Start and duration

Starts every year in October and lasts three years (6 semesters). Submit applications by July 15.

Requirements and semester fees

General higher education entrance qualification (e.g. Abitur) or equivalent qualification. Lectures are held in German language. Non-native speakers must prove their German proficiency with a German language certificate at the level of C1 CEFR or higher. The semester fee is 180 Euro for EU/EEA-Students. For Non-EU/EEA-Students, the fee is 1680 Euro per semester. (Link to tuition fees).

Advisor

Ester Gnandt
Emmy-Noether-Straße 2
2. OG Nord
79110 Freiburg
Germany
Tel: +49 761 203-54010
study@inatech.uni-freiburg.de