Curriculum

The curriculum is organized into semesters and modules.

Modules

Communication + Professional Skills

	1.	2.	3.	4.	5.	6.
Language I	10
Language I German: The students can understand and use familiar everyday ex-pressions and apply German at CEFR level A2 in simple, routine situa-tions, including basic campus and study-related contexts. English: The students can apply English at an upper CEFR B2 to C1.1 level, with a focus on academic and scientific English needed to suc-ceed in an English-taught study program. English I Semester: 1 Type: compulsory course, Practice-oriented session ECTS: 5 Exam type: continuous assessment • Academic vocabulary and terminology (scientific/technical English); • Reading and listening comprehension of academic texts; • Academic writing basics (summaries, lab reports); • Oral presentation skills in an academic context; • Discussion of scientific topics; • Grammar refinement for accuracy and academic register. German I Semester: 1 Type: compulsory course, Practice-oriented session ECTS: 5 Exam type: continuous assessment • Pronunciation and basic phonetics; • Core grammar: present tense, articles, cases, basic sentence struc-ture; • Everyday vocabulary and situational dialogues (shopping, housing, orientation); • Introduction to study-related and campus vocabulary; • Listening and reading comprehension exercises (A1–A2); • Basic conversation practice.
Language II		10
Language II German: The students can apply German at CEFR level B1.1 to under-stand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters and to communicate in most everyday and basic academic situations. English: The students can apply English at CEFR level C1, understand-ing complex scientific texts and expressing themselves fluently, precise-ly, and confidently in academic and professional contexts. English II Semester: 2 Type: compulsory course, Practice-oriented session ECTS: 5 Exam type: continuous assessment • Advanced academic writing (reports, essays, argumentative texts); • Critical reading and analysis of scientific literature; • Scientific presentation and argumentation; • Technical and laboratory-related vocabulary; • Discussion and debate skills on complex/abstract topics; • Preparation for academic and professional English use in an inter-national study/work environment. German II Semester: 2 Type: compulsory course, Practice-oriented session ECTS: 5 Exam type: continuous assessment • Grammar expansion: past tenses (Perfekt/Präteritum), subordinate clauses; • Vocabulary expansion for everyday and academic contexts; • Conversation and discussion practice on familiar topics; • Reading and listening comprehension (B1); • Basic oral presentation skills; • Campus- and study-related communication situations.
Language III			5
Language III The students can apply German at CEFR level B1.2 to deal with most situations likely to arise, express opinions, and understand texts on familiar topics with some complexity. German III Semester: 3 Type: compulsory course, Practice-oriented session ECTS: 5 Exam type: continuous assessment • Grammar: passive voice, subjunctive (Konjunktiv II) basics; • Reading and discussing texts of moderate complexity; • Writing short, structured texts (emails, descriptions, opinions); • Introduction to technical/laboratory-related vocabulary; • Presentation practice on familiar and semi-technical topics; • Extended listening comprehension.
Language IV				5
Language IV The students can apply German at CEFR level B2.1 to understand the main ideas of complex texts and to interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity in academic and everyday contexts. German IV Semester: 4 Type: compulsory course, Practice-oriented session ECTS: 5 Exam type: continuous assessment • Advanced grammar structures and sentence complexity; • Argumentative and structured writing; • Discussion of abstract and technical topics; • Technical German vocabulary (laboratory, workplace contexts); • Advanced listening and reading comprehension; • Presentation and argumentation skills.
Language V					5
Language V The students can apply German at CEFR level B2.2 to communicate fluently and spontaneously in professional, academic, and everyday contexts, preparing them for workplace communication in Aus-tria/Germany. German V Semester: 5 Type: compulsory course, Practice-oriented session ECTS: 5 Exam type: continuous assessment • Professional communication: job applications, workplace corre-spondence; • Consolidation of technical and laboratory-related vocabulary; • Formal writing (reports, structured argumentative texts); • Presentations and discussions on professional/scientific topics; • Understanding complex texts on concrete and abstract subjects; • Preparation for workplace and professional integration in German speaking countries.
Law						6
Law General Law: Graduates possess practical, fundamental knowledge across various areas of law, with a particular focus on industrial enter-prises. They are familiar with the legal provisions governing industrial property rights and are able to carry out patent, utility model and trade mark searches independently. Furthermore, they are familiar with indus-trial property strategies and can assess their suitability. Waste Management: The students understand the fundamentals of waste management, including waste classification, legislation, and the waste hierarchy. They know how to describe and compare the main processes for waste collection, treatment, recycling, and disposal, and are familiar with the principles of circular economy as applied to indus-trial and municipal waste streams. Environmental Ethics: The students understand key ethical concepts and frameworks relevant to environmental decision-making and sus-tainability. They know how to critically reflect on the ecological, social, and economic dimensions of environmental problems and are able to analyze conflicts of interest between economic activity, environmental protection, and societal responsibility. They are able to form and articu-late well-reasoned positions on environmental issues relevant to their future professional practice. Environmental Ethics Semester: 6 Type: compulsory course, Integrated course ECTS: 2 Exam type: continuous assessment • Introduction to key ethical theories and frameworks in environmental contexts; • Ecological, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability; • Conflicts of interest: economic activity vs. environmental protection; • Case studies on environmental decision-making and corporate responsibility; • Reflection on professional and ethical responsibility in laborato-ry/industry roles; • Discussion and argumentation on current environmental issues. General Law Semester: 6 Type: compulsory course, Lecture ECTS: 2 Exam type: written examination • Fundamentals of civil law (private law, law of obligations, property law); • Commercial and company law; • Procedures in administrative proceedings; • Fundamentals of criminal law; • Employment law; • Patent, trade mark and copyright law; • Licence agreements. Waste Management Semester: 6 Type: compulsory course, Lecture ECTS: 2 Exam type: written examination • Waste classification and relevant legislation; • Waste hierarchy: avoidance, reduction, reuse, recycling, disposal; • Waste collection and treatment processes; • Recycling technologies and material recovery; • Landfill and incineration basics; • Circular economy principles in industrial and municipal contexts.
Accounting	2	3
Accounting Accounting I: Graduates have a general understanding of business administration, particularly internal and external accounting; they can read and interpret financial statements; and they are familiar with the basics of cost rate determination and cost calculation. Accounting II: Graduates can calculate contribution margins and apply the results to various decision-making situations (break-even point, product line decisions, in-house production vs. outsourcing, etc.). They can perform simple cost planning and prepare a target/actual compari-son. Accounting I Semester: 1 Type: compulsory course, Integrated course ECTS: 2 Exam type: continuous assessment • Introduction to business administration; • Core business processes; • Types of businesses, starting a business; • Introduction to the balance sheet and the income statement; • Fundamentals of cost accounting (BAB, cost estimation, fundamen-tals of contribution margin accounting); • Financial ratios. Accounting II Semester: 2 Type: compulsory course, Integrated course ECTS: 3 Exam type: oral or written examination • Advanced cost accounting; • Fundamentals of budget cost accounting; • Fundamentals of investment analysis; • Fundamentals of finance.
Social Skills	2	3
Social Skills For Social Skills and Cultural Integration I: Graduates are able to apply the fundamentals of effective communication and develop a strong ca-pacity for reflection and analysis of their own communication behavior. They are able to conduct goal- and results-oriented conversations with a variety of communication partners. For Scientific Writing I: Graduates are able to apply the correct structure for academic papers, including laboratory reports and final-year theses. They are able to assess the quality of the literature they have re-searched and cite it correctly in their work. For Social Skills and Cultural Integration II: The students know how to apply teamwork and communication techniques to build effective, co-hesive working groups within an international and intercultural study environment. They understand the basics of intercultural communica-tion and are able to reflect on and adapt to cultural differences relevant to both academic teamwork and everyday life in Austria. They know how to apply conflict resolution and feedback techniques within group settings and are familiar with key aspects of Austrian everyday life, ad-ministration, and culture relevant to a successful start to student life. Social Skills and Cultural Integration I Semester: 1 Type: compulsory course, Practice-oriented session ECTS: 2 Exam type: continuous assessment • Fundamentals of communication theory; • The importance of perception in communication (e.g., perceptual filters, distortions, and channels); • Guidelines for constructive feedback; • Developing a sense of unity within the group; • Establishing group rules. Scientific Writing I Semester: 2 Type: compulsory course, Practice-oriented session ECTS: 1 Exam type: continuous assessment • Structure of academic papers; • Conducting an efficient literature review; • Citation styles and reference management systems; • Introduction to working practices within the research community; • Analyzing academic publications (e.g. extracting methods or key findings); • Captions for tables and figures; • The “most important question”: Why did they do What and how did they do it?” Social Skills and Cultural Integration II Semester: 2 Type: compulsory course, Practice-oriented session ECTS: 2 Exam type: continuous assessment • Team building and group dynamics in intercultural teams; • Communication techniques for effective collaboration (active listen-ing, feedback); • Intercultural competence: cultural dimensions, stereotypes, and communication styles; • Conflict recognition and resolution within groups; • Practical orientation: Austrian everyday life, administration, and social customs; • Joint group activities/excursions to foster peer networking and inte-gration.

Natural Science

	1.	2.	3.	4.	5.
Chemistry I	5
Chemistry I Lecture: Graduates are able to describe the fundamentals of inorganic chemistry and its reactions, and to apply this knowledge conceptually. They are able to recognize and avoid the potential hazards posed by chemical substances. Laboratory: Graduates have mastered the essential basic laboratory operations (pH measurement, rotary evaporator, volumetric measure-ments, filtration, weighing, evaporation, incinerating, assembly of glassware, qualitative ion detection) and are able to apply these cor-rectly in a professional manner. They can assess the significance of measurement results. They are able to deal safely with the environ-ment-specific safety aspects of a chemical laboratory. Chemistry I Semester: 1 Type: compulsory course, Lecture ECTS: 3 Exam type: written examination • Fundamentals of chemistry: the periodic table, substances and ele-ments, chemical reactions and their kinetics, chemical bonds, the structure of simple inorganic substances, states of matter, the law of mass action, polarity; • Chemical reactions: oxidation and reduction, solutions, complex compounds, the anomaly of water, acid–base reactions; • Chemical safety (H&P, CMR, exposure scenarios). Chemistry I Semester: 1 Type: compulsory course, Laboratory session ECTS: 2 Exam type: continuous assessment • Introduction to laboratory work: safety, volume measurement, weigh-ing, handling liquids, filtration, determination of dry matter, assembly and use of glassware; • Basic analytical measurement methods: qualitative/quantitative concepts, titration, gravimetry; • Synthesis reactions.
Chemistry II		5
Chemistry II Lecture: Graduates are able to describe the fundamentals of organic chemistry and apply them to solve problems. They can classify naturally occurring substances into the main organic groups and are familiar with the fundamental chemical reactions of these groups. Laboratory: Graduates are able to carry out qualitative and quantitative analyses of the main groups of compounds in organic chemistry in practice and apply them correctly from a technical perspective. They are proficient in the practical application of qualitative and quanti-tative instrumental analyses (UV/VIS spectrometry, RI) and are able to evaluate and present the data scientifically and accurately. Chemistry II Semester: 2 Type: compulsory course, Lecture ECTS: 3 Exam type: written examination • Fundamentals of organic chemistry; • Proteins (amino acids, peptides, enzymes); • Carbohydrates (sugars, oligo- and polysaccharides); • Lipids (triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids); • Nucleic acids; • Chemical reactions: the main functional groups, soaps and surfac-tants; • Nomenclature. Chemistry II Semester: 2 Type: compulsory course, Laboratory session ECTS: 2 Exam type: continuous assessment • Analytical methods: organic qualitative elemental analysis, chroma-tographic methods, UV/VIS photometry, enzymatic measurement systems, pH single-electrode chain, distillation, refractometry; • Sample preparation: sample digestion, purification, preparation for analysis, solid–liquid extraction, gas scrubbing; • Data analysis.
Biology I	9
Biology I General Biology and Microbiology: Graduates possess detailed knowledge of life on Earth and are able to perceive and understand its fundamental forms, interactions, and evolutionary processes based on fundamental principles. They can appropriately evaluate statements regarding (micro-)biological issues from various perspectives and based on program-specific expertise. Ecology and Biodiversity: Graduates have the necessary foundational knowledge of ecology in the areas of genetic ecology and behavioral ecology; they understand key concepts in these areas and can apply them to current issues. Ecology and Biodiversity Semester: 1 Type: compulsory course, Lecture ECTS: 3 Exam type: written examination • What Is ecology? Fundamentals and definitions; • Why ecology? Examples of applications of ecological knowledge and of problems resulting from a lack of understanding of ecological relationships; • Evolutionary ecology: The diversity of life, biodiversity and the fun-damentals of ecological genetics, genetic differentiation through se-lection, drift, speciation, and species loss; • Natural selection, ecology, and behavior; the evolutionary arms race; life in groups. General Biology Semester: 1 Type: compulsory course, Lecture ECTS: 3 Exam type: written examination • The evolution of life on Earth (endosymbiont theory, characteristics of life, evolution); • Cytology (structure and differences between prokaryotes and eu-karyotes, signal transduction, cell death, mitosis); • Systematics and anatomy of plants, insects, and animals, and their significance in ecology and ecosystems; • Energy production in autotrophic and heterotrophic organisms (pho-tosynthesis and cellular respiration); • Fundamentals of genetics and inheritance (meiosis, Mendel). Microbiology I Semester: 1 Type: compulsory course, Lecture ECTS: 3 Exam type: written examination • Principles of microbiology (classification of microorganisms, micro-bial modes of life, nutrition and metabolism, growth and growth con-trol); • Bacteriology: relevance to the human microbiome; • Industrial microbiology in biotechnology, environmental technology, food technology, and agricultural technology.
Microbiology II		5
Microbiology II Graduates are familiar with the profession-specific aspects of mycology and are familiar with the working methods and laboratory procedures required to handle fungi and their metabolic products in the laboratory. They can apply this knowledge to subject-specific issues and are able to plan, carry out and evaluate experimental tasks independently. Microbiology II Semester: 2 Type: compulsory course, Lecture ECTS: 3 Exam type: written examination • Introduction to mycology; • Mycotoxins in food and animal feed; • Industrial microbiology in biotechnology, environmental technology, food technology and agricultural technology; • Pathogenic microorganisms and their mechanisms of pathogenicity. Microbiology II Semester: 2 Type: compulsory course, Laboratory session ECTS: 2 Exam type: continuous assessment • Safety in the microbiology laboratory; • Introduction to microscopy; • Microbiological techniques (isolation of pure cultures, plate count analyses, preparation and significance of various culture media, ex-amination of fixed and stained bacteria); • Microscopic examination of food and/or environmental samples; • Identification of bacteria and fungi; • Biochemical detection methods; • Mould analysis and mycotoxin analysis; • Formation of biofilms; • Pathogenicity testing.
Water Science			9
Water Science Water Chemistry – Lecture: The students understand the physical and chemical properties of water and the key parameters used to describe water quality. They know how to apply the principles of acid-base and redox chemistry, precipitation, and solubility equilibria to processes relevant to water treatment. They are familiar with the chemistry of com-mon water pollutants (nutrients, heavy metals, organic micropollutants) and understand the standard analytical methods and legal quality re-quirements applied to water. Water Chemistry – Laboratory: The students know how to apply stand-ard laboratory methods to determine the physico-chemical quality pa-rameters of water samples. They are able to correctly sample, prepare, and analyze water using titrimetric, photometric, and basic instrumental techniques, and can document their results according to good laborato-ry practice. They understand relevant safety procedures for laboratory work. Water – Project: The students are able to plan and carry out a practice-oriented water project in small groups, combining chemical and biologi-cal analysis methods on a real water sample or system. They know how to collect, evaluate, and interpret data as a team, and can organize project work independently, including timelines and task distribution. They are able to prepare a structured project report and present their results. Water Semester: 3 Type: compulsory course, Project ECTS: 4 Exam type: continuous assessment • Definition and planning of a practice-oriented water project in groups; • Application of chemical analysis methods to a real water sam-ple/system; • Application of biological/microbiological methods (e.g. indicator organisms, biological water quality assessment); • Data collection, evaluation, and interpretation; • Teamwork, project organization, and time management; • Preparation of a project report and presentation of results. Water Chemistry Semester: 3 Type: compulsory course, Lecture ECTS: 3 Exam type: written examination • Physical and chemical properties of water; water quality parameters; • Acid-base equilibria and buffer systems in aquatic systems; • Redox reactions and their role in water treatment; • Precipitation and solubility equilibria (hardness, scaling); • Chemistry of pollutants: nutrients, heavy metals, organic micropollu-tants; • Standard water analysis methods and relevant quality stand-ards/legislation. Water Chemistry Semester: 3 Type: compulsory course, Laboratory session ECTS: 2 Exam type: continuous assessment • Sampling techniques and sample preparation for water analysis; • Determination of physico-chemical parameters (pH, conductivity, hardness, turbidity); • Titrimetric and photometric determination methods (e.g. alkalinity, nutrients); • Basic quantification of heavy metals and micropollutants; • Quality assurance and documentation (laboratory protocols); • Laboratory safety and correct use of instruments.
Soil Science				9
Soil Science Soil Chemistry – Lecture: The students understand the physical and chemical properties of soils and the key parameters used to describe soil quality and fertility. They know how to apply the principles of sorp-tion, ion exchange, and acid-base chemistry to processes in the soil matrix, and are familiar with the chemistry of soil pollutants (heavy met-als, organic contaminants) as well as standard analytical methods and legal quality requirements. Soil Chemistry – Laboratory: The students know how to apply standard laboratory methods to determine the physico-chemical quality parame-ters of soil samples. They are able to correctly sample, prepare, and analyze soil using titrimetric, photometric, and basic instrumental tech-niques, and can document their results according to good laboratory practice, while observing relevant safety procedures. Soil Chemistry – Project: The students are able to plan and carry out a practice-oriented soil project in small groups, combining chemical and biological analysis methods on a real soil sample or site. They know how to collect, evaluate, and interpret data as a team, and can organize project work independently, including timelines and task distribution. They are able to prepare a structured project report and present their results. Soil Semester: 4 Type: compulsory course, Project ECTS: 4 Exam type: continuous assessment • Definition and planning of a practice-oriented soil project in groups; • Application of chemical analysis methods to a real soil sample/site; • Application of biological/microbiological methods (e.g. soil organ-isms, biological soil quality assessment); • Data collection, evaluation, and interpretation; • Teamwork, project organization, and time management; • Preparation of a project report and presentation of results. Soil Chemistry Semester: 4 Type: compulsory course, Lecture ECTS: 3 Exam type: written examination • Physical and chemical properties of soil; soil quality and fertility parameters; • Sorption and ion exchange processes in soils; • Acid-base equilibria and buffering capacity of soils; • Nutrient cycles and organic matter in soils; • Chemistry of soil pollutants: heavy metals, organic contaminants; • Standard soil analysis methods and relevant quality stand-ards/legislation. Soil Chemistry Semester: 4 Type: compulsory course, Laboratory session ECTS: 2 Exam type: continuous assessment • Sampling techniques and sample preparation for soil analysis; • Determination of physico-chemical parameters (pH, conductivity, organic matter, texture); • Titrimetric and photometric determination methods (e.g. nutrients, cation exchange capacity); • Basic quantification of heavy metals and organic contaminants; • Quality assurance and documentation (laboratory protocols); • Laboratory safety and correct use of instruments.
Air Science					8
Air Science Air Chemistry – Lecture: The students understand the physical and chemical composition of the atmosphere and the key parameters used to describe air quality. They know how to apply the principles of gas-phase and atmospheric chemistry, including reaction and transport mechanisms of pollutants, and are familiar with the chemistry of major air pollutants (particulate matter, NOx, SO2, VOCs) as well as standard analytical methods and legal air quality requirements. Air Chemistry – Laboratory: The students know how to apply standard laboratory and field methods to determine air quality parameters and pollutant concentrations. They are able to correctly sample, prepare, and analyze air samples using gravimetric, photometric, and basic in-strumental techniques, and can document their results according to good laboratory practice, while observing relevant safety procedures. Air – Project: The students are able to plan and carry out a practice-oriented air project in small groups, combining chemical and biological analysis methods on a real air sample or emission source. They know how to collect, evaluate, and interpret data as a team, and can organize project work independently, including timelines and task distribution. They are able to prepare a structured project report and present their results. Air Semester: 5 Type: compulsory course, Project ECTS: 3 Exam type: continuous assessment • Definition and planning of a practice-oriented air project in groups; • Application of chemical analysis methods to a real air sam-ple/emission source; • Application of biological methods (e.g. bioaerosols, biomonitoring of air quality); • Data collection, evaluation, and interpretation; • Teamwork, project organization, and time management; • Preparation of a project report and presentation of results. Air Chemistry Semester: 5 Type: compulsory course, Lecture ECTS: 3 Exam type: written examination • Composition and physical properties of the atmosphere; air quality parameters; • Gas-phase chemistry and atmospheric reaction mechanisms; • Formation and transport of major pollutants (particulate matter, NOx, SO2, VOCs); • Photochemistry and secondary pollutant formation (e.g. ozone); • Standard air analysis methods and monitoring techniques; • Relevant air quality standards and legislation. Air Chemistry Semester: 5 Type: compulsory course, Laboratory session ECTS: 2 Exam type: continuous assessment • Sampling techniques for gaseous and particulate air pollutants; • Determination of particulate matter (gravimetric methods); • Photometric and basic instrumental analysis of gaseous pollutants; • Calibration and quality assurance of measurement equipment; • Documentation and evaluation of measurement data (laboratory protocols); • Laboratory and field safety procedures.
Natural Systems				7
Natural Systems Molecular Biology – Lecture: Graduates have a detailed understanding of the molecular biological processes within the cell and are able to apply this knowledge to current issues in molecular biology and bio-technology. Molecular Biology – Laboratory: Graduates will be able to apply protein detection methods to address current research questions. They will be able to use their knowledge of cell culture techniques to obtain biologi-cal material for research projects. In addition, they know how to apply the methods of genetic modification on DNA molecules and how to manipulate the genome of simple laboratory organisms such as bacte-ria and yeast. Climate: Graduates are able to translate their knowledge of the climate system into potential strategies for action in business and research. In turn, they can also assess the impact of industrial and societal devel-opments on the climate and adapt their actions accordingly. Climate Semester: 4 Type: compulsory course, Lecture ECTS: 2 Exam type: written examination • Fundamental processes of the climate system; • Climatic changes throughout Earth’s history; • The role of humans as actors within the climate system; • Future developments in our climate; • The impacts of climate change on our home, Earth. Molecular Biology Semester: 4 Type: compulsory course, Lecture ECTS: 3 Exam type: written examination • Structure of the eukaryotic cell, including the function and structure of the main cellular organelles: nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus; • Fundamentals of molecular genetics; • DNA replication; • RNA transcription; • Protein translation; • Gene expression; • Intracellular protein transport. Molecular Biology Semester: 4 Type: compulsory course, Laboratory session ECTS: 2 Exam type: continuous assessment • Methods for detecting proteins: flow cytometry and immunofluores-cence microscopy, SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with Western blot; • Basic techniques in mammalian cell culture; • Modification of DNA molecules with the goal of genetically manipu-lating biotechnologically relevant organisms; • Methods of transformation and transfection to introduce recombinant DNA in biotechnologically relevant organisms.
Sustainability					4
Sustainability Life Cycle Analysis: The students understand the methodology of life cycle analysis (LCA) according to relevant standards (ISO 14040/14044) and know how to apply its main phases to assess the environmental impact of products and processes. They are familiar with impact categories, data sources, and interpretation of LCA results, and understand the use of LCA as a decision-support tool in industry. Sustainability: The students understand the core principles of sustaina-bility and their ecological, social, and economic dimensions. They know how to apply sustainability frameworks and indicators to evaluate pro-cesses and technologies in the water, soil, and air sectors, and are familiar with relevant sustainability standards, certifications, and report-ing approaches used in industry. Life Cycle Analysis Semester: 5 Type: compulsory course, Lecture ECTS: 2 Exam type: written examination • Methodology and standards of life cycle analysis (ISO 14040/14044); • Goal and scope definition, functional unit; • Life cycle inventory: data collection and sources; • Life cycle impact assessment: impact categories; • Interpretation and critical review of LCA results; • Application of LCA as a decision-support tool in industry. Sustainability Semester: 5 Type: compulsory course, Integrated course ECTS: 2 Exam type: continuous assessment • Principles of sustainability: ecological, social, economic dimensions; • Sustainability frameworks and indicators (e.g. SDGs); • Application to processes and technologies in water, soil, and air sectors; • Sustainability standards, certifications, and labels; • Corporate sustainability reporting basics; • Current trends and challenges in sustainable industry practice.

Environmental Engineering

	1.	2.	3.	4.	5.
Engineering Fundamentals	4	6
Engineering Fundamentals Mathematics I and II (LE + UE): Students are able to understand the mathematical content listed below and to apply it to practical scientific and technological applications and problems, including through the use of a computer algebra system. Basics in Engineering: The students understand the core engineering principles underlying water, soil, and air treatment technologies and know how to read technical drawings and process flow diagrams (P&ID) of treatment plants. They are able to apply basic mechanics and material principles to environmental process equipment and can per-form the technical calculations needed for later process design mod-ules. The students know the function of key process equipment (pumps, valves, piping, tanks, sensors/actuators) and can communicate simple technical designs using correct engineering terminology. Mathematics I Semester: 1 Type: compulsory course, Lecture ECTS: 2 Exam type: written examination • Sets, propositions, numbers: set theory, propositional logic, Boolean algebra, real numbers, absolute value, summation symbol, inequali-ties, combinatorics, place-value systems, complex numbers (intro-duction); • Vector calculus: Vector calculus in the plane and in space, scalar product, orthogonal projection, vector product, analytical geometry (straight lines, planes), applications of vector calculus in engineer-ing; • Matrices and systems of linear equations: sum and product of matri-ces, inverse matrix, determinant of a matrix, solving and solution structure of systems of linear equations; • Functions and curves: Bijectivity and inverse functions, polynomial functions, rational functions, limits of sequences and functions, trig-onometric functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, hyper-bolic functions, continuity, complex numbers (exponential form, rais-ing to a power, taking roots), parametric representation of curves, oscillations; • Differential calculus: Derivation of a function, rules of differentiation, higher derivatives, Newton’s method, L’Hospital’s rule, maxi-ma/minima/inflection points, graph analysis, extreme value prob-lems, Taylor polynomials, differential geometry. Mathematics I Semester: 1 Type: compulsory course, Practice-oriented session ECTS: 2 Exam type: continuous assessment • Sets, propositions, numbers: set theory, propositional logic, Boolean algebra, real numbers, absolute value, summation symbol, inequali-ties, combinatorics, place-value systems, complex numbers (intro-duction); • Vector calculus: Vector calculus in the plane and in space, scalar product, orthogonal projection, vector product, analytical geometry (straight lines, planes), applications of vector calculus in engineer-ing; • Matrices and systems of linear equations: sum and product of matri-ces, inverse matrix, determinant of a matrix, solving and solution structure of systems of linear equations; • Functions and curves: Bijectivity and inverse functions, polynomial functions, rational functions, limits of sequences and functions, trig-onometric functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, hyper-bolic functions, continuity, complex numbers (exponential form, rais-ing to a power, taking roots), parametric representation of curves, oscillations; • Differential calculus: Derivation of a function, rules of differentiation, higher derivatives, Newton’s method, L’Hospital’s rule, maxi-ma/minima/inflection points, graph analysis, extreme value prob-lems, Taylor polynomials, differential geometry. Basics in Engineering Semester: 2 Type: compulsory course, Lecture ECTS: 2 Exam type: written examination • Engineering disciplines and their role in environmental process technology (water, soil, air); • Technical drawing standards and process & instrumentation dia-grams (P&ID) as used in treatment plant design; • Mechanics fundamentals: forces, loads, material strength relevant to pipes, tanks, and equipment; • Units, dimensions, and technical calculations (flow rate, pressure, capacity); • Process equipment overview: pumps, valves, piping, tanks, sen-sors/actuators in environmental applications; • Short in-class demonstration of a simple water, soil, or air process (CAD/process-flow example). Mathematics II Semester: 2 Type: compulsory course, Lecture ECTS: 2 Exam type: written examination • Integral calculus: definite and indefinite integrals, methods of inte-gration (partial integration, substitution, partial fraction decomposi-tion), improper integrals, applications of integral calculus (area, arc length, volume and lateral surface area of a solid of revolution, cen-ter of gravity, moment of inertia, work), Derivation of formulae using the differential approach; • Ordinary differential equations: definition of the concept, separable differential equations, linear differential equations with constant co-efficients, formulation of differential equations, Laplace transform, applications in mechanics and electrical engineering; • Mathematical software: use of a computer algebra system in the chapters mentioned above. Mathematics II Semester: 2 Type: compulsory course, Practice-oriented session ECTS: 2 Exam type: continuous assessment • Integral calculus: definite and indefinite integrals, methods of inte-gration (partial integration, substitution, partial fraction decomposi-tion), improper integrals, applications of integral calculus (area, arc length, volume and lateral surface area of a solid of revolution, cen-ter of gravity, moment of inertia, work), Derivation of formulae using the differential approach; • Ordinary differential equations: definition of the concept, separable differential equations, linear differential equations with constant co-efficients, formulation of differential equations, Laplace transform, applications in mechanics and electrical engineering; • Mathematical software: use of a computer algebra system in the chapters mentioned above.
Physics	3	3
Physics Physics I: Graduates possess knowledge and an understanding of the fundamental concepts in the fields of optics, electrical engineering, and mechanics. They can formulate simple physics problems mathematical-ly and solve computational problems, and are familiar with the concepts of force, mechanical stress, friction, internal friction, and viscosity. They can analyze simple, planar states of equilibrium and calculate reaction forces. Graduates are familiar with the concept of the (angular) velocity vector and have mastered the fundamentals of optics necessary to un-derstand various measurement methods used in quality control. They are familiar with the concepts of current, voltage, electrical power, and ohmic resistance. Physics II: Graduates understand the fundamental concepts of thermal physics, electromagnetism, and atomic and nuclear physics. They can describe heat transfer mechanisms and are familiar with magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction, and their role in sensors and meas-urement instrumentation. Graduates have mastered the fundamentals of atomic structure and the electromagnetic spectrum needed to under-stand spectroscopic measurement methods, and are familiar with the basics of radioactivity, radiation protection, and sound propagation relevant to environmental noise assessment. Physics I Semester: 1 Type: compulsory course, Integrated course ECTS: 3 Exam type: continuous assessment • Fundamentals: International system of units, orders of magnitude; • Mechanics: kinematics (velocity, acceleration, circular motion), dy-namics (force, work, energy, power); • Oscillations and waves; • Fluid mechanics: hydrostatics, flow, rheology; • Electricity: charge, current, voltage, resistance, energy, power; • Optics: wave propagation, reflection, refraction, lenses, optical in-struments. Physics II Semester: 2 Type: compulsory course, Integrated course ECTS: 3 Exam type: continuous assessment • Thermal physics: temperature, heat, thermal expansion, heat trans-fer (conduction, convection, radiation); • Electromagnetism: magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction, ba-sics of AC circuits; • Atomic structure and the electromagnetic spectrum; • Radioactivity and ionizing radiation: fundamentals, detection, radia-tion protection; • Acoustics: sound waves, intensity, basics of noise measurement; • Physical principles of spectroscopic measurement methods (link to analytical chemistry/quality control).
Water Technology			7
Water Technology Water Technology: The students understand the main technological processes used for drinking water supply and wastewater treatment, including mechanical, biological, and chemical treatment steps. They know how to apply basic process design principles (mass and energy balances, dimensioning) and are familiar with membrane processes and other advanced treatment technologies. They understand sludge treatment and disposal options as well as the regulatory framework relevant to technology selection, and are able to compare and select appropriate treatment technologies for a given application. Water: The students gain insight into industrial practice in the water sector through company excursions and guest lectures. They are able to relate the technological and scientific content of the semester to real-world processes and current industry challenges, and know how to reflect on and summarize what they have learned from professional practitioners. Water Semester: 3 Type: compulsory course, Seminar ECTS: 2 Exam type: continuous assessment • Company excursions to water-sector organizations (utilities, treat-ment plants, industry); • Guest lectures ("impulse talks") by industry professionals on current challenges in the water sector; • Observation and documentation of real-world processes and tech-nologies; • Discussion and reflection linking coursework to industrial practice; • Insight into career paths and professional requirements in the water sector; • Preparation of short summaries/reflections on excursions and talks. Water Technology Semester: 3 Type: compulsory course, Integrated course ECTS: 5 Exam type: continuous assessment • Water supply and drinking water treatment processes; • Wastewater treatment: mechanical, biological, and chemical treat-ment steps; • Membrane processes and advanced treatment technologies; • Sludge treatment and disposal; • Process design basics: dimensioning, mass and energy balances; • Comparison and selection of treatment technologies for specific applications; • Regulatory framework relevant to water technology.
Engineering			6
Engineering Data Analysis: The students understand the fundamentals of descriptive and inferential statistics and know how to apply them to environmental and laboratory data sets. They are able to select and use appropriate statistical tests, evaluate measurement uncertainty, and visualize data for interpretation. They are familiar with the basics of AI-supported data analysis methods and know how to apply them to support pattern recognition and evaluation in scientific data. Thermodynamics: The students understand the fundamental laws of thermodynamics and know how to apply them to energy and mass bal-ances in technical processes. They are familiar with the concepts of heat transfer, phase changes, and thermodynamic cycles, and under-stand their relevance as a basis for the technological courses in the water, soil, and air blocks. Data Analysis Semester: 3 Type: compulsory course, Lecture ECTS: 3 Exam type: written examination • Descriptive statistics: distributions, measures of central tendency and dispersion; • Inferential statistics: hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, corre-lation and regression; • Measurement uncertainty and error propagation; • Data visualization and interpretation; • Introduction to AI-supported data analysis (e.g. pattern recognition, basic machine learning applications); • Practical application to environmental, biotechnological and labora-tory data sets using standard software. Thermodynamics Semester: 3 Type: compulsory course, Integrated course ECTS: 3 Exam type: continuous assessment • Basic concepts: temperature, heat, work, energy; • Laws of thermodynamics (first and second law); • Heat transfer mechanisms: conduction, convection, radiation; • Phase changes and phase equilibria; • Energy and mass balances in technical processes; • Application basics relevant to water, soil, and air technology.
Soil Technology				7
Soil Technology Soil Technology: The students understand the main technological pro-cesses used for soil remediation, protection, and management, includ-ing mechanical, biological, and chemical treatment approaches. They know how to apply basic process design principles (dimensioning, mass balances) and are familiar with in-situ and ex-situ remediation technologies as well as strategies for erosion control and sustainable land use. They understand the regulatory framework relevant to tech-nology selection. Soil: The students gain insight into industrial practice in the soil sector through company excursions and guest lectures. They are able to relate the technological and scientific content of the semester to real-world processes and current industry challenges, and know how to reflect on and summarize what they have learned from professional practitioners. Soil Semester: 4 Type: compulsory course, Seminar ECTS: 2 Exam type: continuous assessment • Company excursions to soil-sector organizations (remediation firms, agriculture, waste management); • Guest lectures ("impulse talks") by industry professionals on current challenges in the soil sector; • Observation and documentation of real-world processes and tech-nologies; • Discussion and reflection linking coursework to industrial practice; • Insight into career paths and professional requirements in the soil sector; • Preparation of short summaries/reflections on excursions and talks. Soil Technology Semester: 4 Type: compulsory course, Integrated course ECTS: 5 Exam type: continuous assessment • Soil remediation approaches: mechanical, biological, and chemical treatment; • In-situ and ex-situ remediation technologies; • Soil protection: erosion control, compaction prevention, sustainable land use; • Waste and residue management in soil-related processes; • Process design basics: dimensioning, mass balances; • Regulatory framework and technology selection criteria.
Air Technology					8
Air Technology Air Technology: The students understand the main technological pro-cesses used for air pollution control and industrial exhaust air treatment, including mechanical, chemical, and biological treatment methods. They know how to apply basic process design principles (dimensioning, mass and energy balances) and are familiar with filtration, separation, and scrubbing technologies as well as odor and emission control sys-tems. They understand the regulatory framework relevant to technology selection and are able to compare and select appropriate air treatment technologies for a given industrial application. Air: The students gain insight into industrial practice in the air technolo-gy sector through company excursions and guest lectures. They are able to relate the technological and scientific content of the semester to real-world processes and current industry challenges and know how to reflect on and summarize what they have learned from professional practitioners. Air Semester: 5 Type: compulsory course, Seminar ECTS: 2 Exam type: continuous assessment • Company excursions to air-sector organizations (filtration and plant engineering companies, industrial emission sources); • Guest lectures ("impulse talks") by industry professionals on current challenges in the air sector; • Observation and documentation of real-world processes and tech-nologies; • Discussion and reflection linking coursework to industrial practice; • Insight into career paths and professional requirements in the air technology sector; • Preparation of short summaries/reflections on excursions and talks. Air Technology Semester: 5 Type: compulsory course, Integrated course ECTS: 6 Exam type: continuous assessment • Sources and characterization of industrial exhaust air and emis-sions; • Particulate separation technologies: filters, cyclones, electrostatic precipitators; • Gas cleaning technologies: scrubbers, adsorption, catalytic and thermal oxidation; • Biological waste air treatment: biofilters, biotrickling filters; • Odor control and emission monitoring systems; • Process design basics: dimensioning, mass and energy balances; • Comparison and selection of air treatment technologies for industri-al applications, including current developments from filtration and plant engineering companies; • Regulatory framework relevant to air technology.

Laboratory Management

	3.	4.	5.
Laboratory Management I	3	2
Laboratory Management I Quality Management/Quality Assurance: The students understand the fundamental principles and standards of quality management systems (e.g. ISO 9001) as applied to laboratory and analytical settings. They know how to apply quality assurance and quality control procedures to ensure the reliability of measurement results, and are familiar with con-cepts such as validation, traceability, and accreditation (e.g. ISO/IEC 17025). They understand the role of documentation and continuous improvement processes as a basis for future responsibilities in laborato-ry and project management. Good Laboratory Practice: The students understand the principles of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and know how to apply them to ensure the integrity, traceability, and reproducibility of laboratory work. They are familiar with relevant occupational safety, chemical handling, and haz-ard communication regulations, and know how to assess risks and ap-ply appropriate protective measures in a laboratory environment. They understand the responsibilities associated with GLP and safety compli-ance at different levels of laboratory management. Quality Management/Quality Assurance Semester: 3 Type: compulsory course, Lecture ECTS: 3 Exam type: written examination • Fundamentals of quality management systems and standards (ISO 9001); • Quality assurance and quality control in laboratory processes; • Method validation, measurement uncertainty, and traceability; • Laboratory accreditation basics (ISO/IEC 17025); • Documentation, audits, and continuous improvement (PDCA cycle); • Role of quality management in career progression toward project, laboratory, and department leadership. Good Laboratory Practice Semester: 4 Type: compulsory course, Lecture ECTS: 2 Exam type: written examination • Principles and history of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP); • Documentation, traceability, and data integrity requirements; • Standard operating procedures (SOPs) and their role in laboratory quality; • Occupational safety regulations and hazard communication (e.g. GHS/CLP labeling); • Handling of hazardous substances, risk assessment, and protective measures; • Responsibilities and compliance obligations across laboratory management levels.
Laboratory Management II			5
Laboratory Management II Project Management: The students understand the fundamental con-cepts, phases, and methods of project management. They know how to define project goals, scope, and milestones, and are able to apply basic planning tools (e.g. work breakdown structure, Gantt charts) to organize project work. They are familiar with resource planning, risk manage-ment, and team communication as a basis for taking on project leader-ship responsibilities in their future careers. Scientific Writing: The students know how to independently plan and draft a longer academic text, such as a thesis chapter or scientific report. They are able to structure arguments coherently, integrate literature critically, and apply correct citation practice consistently throughout a longer document. They know how to revise and refine their own writing for clarity, precision, and academic style. Good Manufacturing Practice: The students understand the principles of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and know how to apply them to ensure product quality and safety in production and laboratory-related manufacturing environments. They are familiar with GMP documenta-tion requirements, hygiene and contamination control concepts, and understand how GMP builds on and complements the GLP and quality management principles from previous semesters, relevant to future roles in laboratory and production management. Good Manufacturing Practice Semester: 5 Type: compulsory course, Lecture ECTS: 2 Exam type: written examination • Principles and scope of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP); • GMP documentation: batch records, SOPs, change control; • Hygiene, contamination control, and premises/equipment qualifica-tion; • Personnel qualification and training requirements under GMP; • Relationship between GMP, GLP, and quality management sys-tems; • Relevance of GMP for career progression in laboratory and produc-tion management. Project Management Semester: 5 Type: compulsory course, Integrated course ECTS: 2 Exam type: continuous assessment • Fundamentals and phases of project management; • Defining project goals, scope, and deliverables; • Planning tools: work breakdown structure, Gantt charts, milestones; • Resource planning and budgeting basics; • Risk identification and management; • Team communication, roles, and leadership in project work. Scientific Writing II Semester: 5 Type: compulsory course, Practice-oriented session ECTS: 1 Exam type: continuous assessment • Planning and structuring longer academic texts (e.g. thesis chap-ters); • Developing a coherent argument and integrating literature critically; • Consistent citation practice and reference management in extended texts; • Data and results presentation in written form; • Revision techniques: clarity, precision, and academic style; • Peer feedback and self-review of written drafts.

Practical Application

	1.	2.	3.	4.	5.	6.
Internship						23
Internship Graduates are able to solve a specific biotechnological or environmen-tal engineering problem within a company or research laboratory, whilst also carrying out scientific research. They are challenged both in terms of specialist problem-solving – combining theory and practice – and in organising projects independently, and are able to write a scientific thesis (Bachelor’s thesis) independently. Bachelor Thesis Semester: 6 Type: compulsory course, Project ECTS: 8 Exam type: continuous assessment The Bachelor’s thesis is to be written in accordance with the academic guidelines set out in the literature. The topic is directly related to the work placement. Internship Semester: 6 Type: compulsory course, Project ECTS: 15 Exam type: continuous assessment Students work independently on a project within a company or a re-search laboratory, the subject matter of which they also study from a theoretical perspective. In terms of content, the topic of the work place-ment must relate to several modules within the degree program.

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Telephone +43 5 0804 43020

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Bachelor degree programs at the Wels campus

Alle 77 degree programs of the FH OÖ