Chemical engineering and environment: Innovation, technology and sustainability
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Engineering and sustainability
Life on Earth depends on natural resources such as water, food, plants and minerals, which are crucial for present and future generations. With a world population of over seven billion, resource consumption has become unsustainable, and some methods of resource extraction and processing cause environmental pollution. Population growth, the need to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the climate crisis impose greater responsibility on engineers to prepare for sustainability issues.
It is essential that the new generation of engineers focuses on designing technologies that meet society's needs without compromising the environment or depleting natural resources. Key requirements for the future engineering class include minimising waste production, consciously using renewable energy sources, reducing pollution and creating efficient and durable systems for future generations. Education in sustainable engineering is vital to promote the well-being of the planet and the global population.
The course is designed within the ‘Lifelong Learning Initiatives’ offer catalogue of the PNRR Ecosystem of Innovation Project ‘NODES - Nord Ovest Digitale E Sostenibile’ (Spoke 2 - GREEN TECHNOLOGIES AND SUSTAINABLE INDUSTRY).
The Course aims to train experts in the field of chemical and environmental engineering, providing the necessary tools to stimulate research and technological innovation in the fields of sustainable resource management and environmental impact reduction.
Mainly intended for students holding a Master's Degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, and Environmental and Territorial Engineering, access is also open to those who already hold a Bachelor's Degree in these fields and wish to expand their skills in the fields of chemical technologies and environmental sustainability. A distinctive aspect of this Course is its focus on frontier issues, addressed with a learning-by-doing approach. In fact, the learner will acquire transversal skills, critical and creative thinking both through ‘traditional’ teaching (face-to-face lectures - 15 h) and through experimental research activities in the laboratory (10 h).
This innovative, multidisciplinary approach not only ensures a solid theoretical education, but also allows students to interface directly with the latest innovations and major challenges in the industry. Thus, it effectively prepares participants for leadership roles in the advancement of sustainable and cutting-edge technologies.
The course topics include:
- air and environmental pollution (e.g. greenhouse gases and pollutants);
- emerging technologies in the fields of catalysis, photocatalysis and biocatalysis applied to environmental issues;
- biotechnology applied to the environment;
- sustainable and innovative processes required for environmental protection (e.g. CO2 capture and storage);
- introductory overview and hints on the use of artificial intelligence.
CURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS
The academic qualifications giving direct access in the ranking list for the following course are:
- bachelor's degree in chemical and materials engineering (class L-9 - Industrial Engineering)
- bachelor's degree in environmental engineering (class L-7 - Civil and environmental engineering)
- another degree but with the possession of 8 CFU in at least two of the following scientific-disciplinary fields:
- BIO/11
- CHIM/07
- ING-IND/22, ING-IND/24, ING-IND/25, ING-IND/26, ING-IND/27
SELECTION METHODS AND CRITERIA
After verifying the admission requirements, the Commission will proceed to assess the documentation submitted by candidates during the application phase (online application form). The final score will be given by the evaluation of qualifications (up to a maximum of 100 points).
Evaluation of qualifications on a scale of 100 points, the Permanent Training Course Selection Committee will award:
- 0-70 punti: Curriculum studiorum;
- 0-20 punti: Previous work activity related to the topics of the course;
- 0-10 punti: Other qualifications (e.g. PhD, Master's Degree; etc.)
In the event of a tied score, the youngest candidate takes precedence.
FACE-TO-FACE LECTURES
Lesson 1
- Lecturer: Marco Piumetti
- Lesson hours: 3 hours
- Topics:
- introduction to sustainability
- Introduction to the principles of Green Chemistry
- Introduction to environmental challenges and recycling strategies
Lesson 2
- Lecturer: Marco Piumetti
- Lesson hours: 3 hours
- Topics:
- sustainable techniques and technologies for environmental protection
- introduction to the principles of catalysis, activation of key target molecules
Lesson 3
- Lecturer: Marco Piumetti
- Lesson hours: 3 hours
- Topics:
- introduction of environmental and air pollution
- greenhouse gases, removal techniques/technologies
- natural zeolites for sustainable applications
Lesson 4
- Lecturer: Marco Piumetti
- Lesson hours: 3 hours
- Topics:
- introduction to the laboratory (safety, environment, tools)
- SIR, online course, Matullo course
- introduction to experiences (learning objectives, deliverables)
- Exam
Exam
- Lecturer: Marco Piumetti
- Lesson hours: 3 hours
- Topic:
- oral examination: lecture theory questions and laboratory exercises
PRACTICAL EXERCISES (*)
Lesson 1
- Lecturers: Marco Piumetti, Andrea Rizzetto, Nadia Grifasi
- Lesson hours: 3 hours
- Topics:
- synthesis of catalysts
- introduction to the properties of matter
- CO2 capture (zeolites vs MOx)
Lesson 2
- Lecturers: Marco Piumetti, Andrea Rizzetto, Nadia Grifasi
- Lesson hours: 3 hours
- Topics:
- introduction to the experience
- catalytic oxidation of CO
Lesson 3
- Lecturers: Marco Piumetti, Andrea Rizzetto, Nadia Grifasi
- Lesson hours: 3 hours
- Topics:
- introduction to the experience
- removal of liquid phase pollutants
(*) access to laboratories allowed after passing multiple-choice quizzes to assess basic skills and attendance of the 4-hour e-learning course, after which a certificate of attendance for General Health and Safety Training will be issued.
Useful info
Course duration: 25 hours (15 hours - in-class lectures, 10 hours - practical exercises in the laboratory)
Language: Italian
Mode of delivery: in-person
Minimum number of participants: --
Registration fee: There is no registration fee.