Environmental protection engineering

In the master's academic studies - study program MAS Environmental Protection Engineering, which last one year, 9 subjects are provided. Out of a total of 9 subjects, 3 are compulsory and 3 elective subjects (3 are chosen out of 9), as well as the subjects Professional Practice, Study Research Paper and Master's Final Thesis (drafting and defense). The framework content of the Master's academic studies of the MAS Environmental Engineering study program (which refers to both compulsory and optional subjects) includes: 1 subject belongs to the group of academic-general education subjects, 5 subjects belong to the group of theoretical-methodological (TM) subjects, 3 subjects belong to to the group of scientific-professional (NS) subjects and 6 subjects belong to the group of professional-applied (SA) subjects. All courses are one-semester and carry the appropriate number of ECTS points. The point value of the final master's thesis is 22 ESPB points. Studies are considered completed when the student fulfills all obligations prescribed by the study program, defends the final - master's thesis and collects a total of 60 ESPB points.

In the syllabuses (course specifications) a description of each course is defined, which contains: name, type of course, semester of study, number of ESPB points, teacher's name, aim of the course with expected outcomes, knowledge and competences, course content, recommended literature, teaching methods, method knowledge and assessment tests and other data. The study program is harmonized with European standards in terms of enrollment requirements, duration of studies, obtaining a diploma and methods of study.

An integral part of the MAS Environmental Engineering curriculum is professional practice, which is realized in public institutions or economic organizations.

The student completes his studies by writing a master's final thesis, which consists of a study research paper, that is, the theoretical and methodological preparation necessary for a detailed understanding of the field from which the master's final thesis is written, and the creation of the thesis itself. The Master's thesis consists of the creation and defense of the work and is defended before a committee consisting of at least 3 teachers. Students in the master's academic studies acquire the academic knowledge necessary for further training in doctoral academic studies, if they decide to do so.

The purpose of the study program "Environmental Protection Engineering" of the "Union - Nikola Tesla" University Master's Academic Studies at the Faculty of Ecology and Environmental Protection is the education of students for the profession - the title of Master of Environmental Protection Engineer, whereby students acquire appropriate competencies and deepen the academic knowledge necessary for a competent work in the field of environmental protection, in accordance with the needs of society.

The study program MAS Environmental Protection Engineering provides competencies that are socially justifiable and meet the needs of modern society. A student who completes the Master of Academic Studies - Environmental Engineering study program is qualified for a career in either environmental engineering or environmental science. Through this program, students develop an interdisciplinary perception of problems in environmental protection and the ability to take a proactive role in solving environmental problems, identify the shortcomings of applied technology and process risks and initiate actions to reduce them, work to find solutions to challenging real problems when performing a new industrial project or any other construction project. Students acquire competencies for independent or team research work in many areas: various branches of industry, construction (low-rise construction, high-rise construction, hydraulic construction, water treatment plants, sewage systems), design companies, educational institutions, public services, state institutions and non-governmental organizations - on jobs in the field of environmental protection engineering.

The Faculty of Ecology and Environmental Protection has established basic tasks and goals that are in line with the goals of the "Union - Nikola Tesla" University, such as:

• consistent application of European and world standards for studies in the multidisciplinary field of environmental science;
• to provide students with knowledge, abilities and skills at a modern educational level for the purpose of creative work;
• to train students in the basic rules of business in the field of environmental protection;
• to implement the educational process according to innovative study programs using modern teaching methods and technologies.

The Master's academic studies of the study program Environmental Protection Engineering are designed and based on fundamental scientific principles that enable students to use the scientific methods of the basic sciences: physics, chemistry, mathematics, biology, as well as a number of scientific-professional and professional-applicative disciplines that have been previously mastered in graduate academic studies in the fields of: sustainable development, waste management, mathematical modeling both in environmental protection and business processes, engineering geology, structural mechanics, thermodynamics, building materials, etc. and provide adequate answers to contemporary problems of environmental protection engineering. Among other things, students are trained to use modern computer programs and scientific and professional literature. The Master's academic studies of the study program Environmental Protection Engineering were designed based on the insight and analysis of the curricula and programs of various faculties in European countries and the USA, as well as our specific conditions and needs. Studies last one year. The courses are one-semester, with 30 % elective courses. Through the implementation of the environmental protection engineering study program conceived in this way, a Master of Environmental Protection Engineer is educated, competent in domestic, European and international frameworks.

The main goal of the study program Environmental Protection Engineering Master's Academic Studies at the University "Union - Nikola Tesla", Faculty of Ecology and Environmental Protection, is the education of personnel with a high degree of expertise to perform complex, creative and research work in the field of environmental protection from the technical field. , and scientific fields - environmental protection engineering sciences, with the goal of obtaining the title of Master of Environmental Protection Engineer.

The special goals of the program are to acquire special theoretical knowledge and practical skills for:

• analysis of the impact of technological processes on the state and processes in the environment and the application of protection measures to reduce the risk of impact on the environment;
• protection against noise in the environment;
• solving the problem of environmental pollution;
• application and development of the concept of project management in environmental protection;
• identification of shortcomings and assessment of the possibility of improving industrial products from the aspect of environmental protection, energy efficiency and the use of secondary raw materials;
• acquiring knowledge about energy efficiency, resources and methods of using renewable energy sources;
• assessment of the impact of development projects on the environment;
• management of environmental protection, monitoring and control of environmental quality;
• application of information systems in environmental protection;
• development and implementation of policies and strategies for sustainable development and environmental protection
• acquiring knowledge about harmful agents in the environment, toxic effects of chemical substances and strategies to combat their harmful effects;
• acquiring knowledge about the basic characteristics of system engineering and models and methods of decision-making and evaluation of effectiveness;
• critical assessment of current problems of environmental protection and the peculiarities of their research and solution;
• innovative activities and teamwork;
• management and development of human resources in environmental protection,
• permanent education and development of knowledge systems in the field of sustainable development and environmental protection.

By mastering the study program, the student acquires professional competence for:

• environmental risk assessment for the environment and human health;
• preparation of local strategies for sustainable development and environmental protection;
• implementation of the environmental impact assessment procedure and preparation of studies on impact assessment and strategic impact assessment;
• preparation of studies on risk assessment of dangerous substances;
• preparation of plans and programs for the prevention of accidents caused by dangerous substances, rehabilitation and removal of consequences;
• implementation of the procedure of integrated pollution prevention and control, preparation of documentation on the integrated permit;
• evaluation of the efficiency and effectiveness of processes, equipment and devices in relation to the fulfillment of environmental protection measures;
• system design, development and implementation of environmental protection monitoring plans and programs;
• creating and updating the cadastre of conditions and environmental pollutants;
• preparation of reports and reporting on the state of the environment;
• implementation of waste and hazardous materials management procedures;
• establishment and development of an integrated management system;
• supervision in the field of environmental protection;
• organization of environmental protection in the business system;
• education and knowledge management for environmental protection;
• management of projects and innovations in the environmental protection system;
• development of metrics and methods for evaluating the effectiveness of environmental protection systems;
• application of information technologies in environmental protection engineering.

The main goal of the study program Environmental Protection Engineering Master's Academic Studies at the University "Union - Nikola Tesla", Faculty of Ecology and Environmental Protection, is the education of personnel with a high degree of expertise to perform complex and creative jobs in the field of environmental protection. The profile of personnel with the title of Master of Environmental Protection Engineer is necessary in many sectors of the economy and administration, as well as the global reorientation of the economy, aimed at the development of environmental protection engineering, socio-social and economic progress, with huge opportunities for technical innovation and contribution to human society, in order to provide safe, sustainable and economic solutions for the design, construction and maintenance of the built environment on the basis of environmental protection, in accordance with the principles of sustainable development, with the aim of successfully joining the European Union.

One of the specific goals of this study program is to introduce students to research work, as preparation for doctoral studies at this faculty and the University "Union - Nikola Tesla" or at other faculties and universities.

By mastering the study program MAS Environmental Protection Engineering, students, thanks to the acquired knowledge and skills, are competent to recognize and solve environmental protection problems in practice. During their studies, they acquire a broad education that enables them to see the importance of the impact of technological solutions on the living and working environment at the global, regional and local level.

The acquired knowledge enables graduates to plan and perform experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data within the relevant disciplines (air, water, soil quality, waste water management, resource conservation, application of environmentally friendly materials). It is necessary to point out that they are familiar with the latest achievements in this field and are trained to improve the acquired knowledge through continuous education and thereby make their contribution to the development of this field.

After completing their studies, they are trained to plan, project, and monitor the operation of systems, equipment, and processes optimized from the aspects of quality, costs, time, safety at work, and protection of the living and working environment.

By mastering the study program Master of Environmental Protection Engineer, the student acquires the following general abilities:

• to master the methods, procedures, processes and innovative technologies related to solving current problems in the field of life protection engineering,
• to independently or through teamwork find modern innovative solutions in the field of environmental protection engineering,
• to provide the basis for safe, sustainable and economic solutions for the design, construction and maintenance of the built environment, based on environmental protection and sustainable development,
• to apply knowledge in practice related to innovative technologies, materials and constructions and the application of digital technologies in the implementation of environmental protection engineering projects,
• to behave professionally towards the profession and the professional environment.

By mastering the Master's academic studies of the study program Environmental Protection Engineering, the graduated students are competent to analyze and solve real and complex problems of environmental protection engineering and are able to continue their education at doctoral studies according to their choice. General competence implies the development of the ability to find modern innovative solutions in the field of environmental protection engineering, overcoming possible problems in the existing environment and its improvement and modernization based on the principles of sustainable development. Students are trained for independent scientific and research work.

By acquiring the title of Master of Environmental Protection Engineer, one acquires subject-specific competencies that are manifested in the field of environmental protection engineering, such as:

• the training of students for a career in either environmental engineering or environmental science, developing in them an interdisciplinary perception of problems in environmental protection and the ability to work on finding solutions to challenging real-world problems when carrying out an industrial project or any other project in construction;
• thorough knowledge and understanding of the current issues of environmental protection engineering at the national and global level, with the principle of a multidisciplinary approach;
• consistent implementation of the principles of sustainable development, rational use and management of resources;
• solving specific problems in the field of drinking and wastewater treatment technologies and solid waste treatment (biological, mechanical-biological, thermal), through the application of innovative technologies, materials and constructions and the application of digital technologies in the implementation of environmental engineering projects;
• knowledge of the theoretical foundations of scientific and research work;
• knowledge of the balance and calculation of various constructions and capacities of water treatment plants, the basic elements of dimensioning in wastewater treatment systems; water distribution technologies;
• continuous monitoring and application of innovations in the profession: digital technologies in the BIM environment, application of innovative technologies, materials and constructions, as well as synthesis of knowledge in Environmental Information Systems - EIS, Environmental Protection Management Information Systems - EMIS, Environmental Decision Support Systems - EDSS.