Considering a Course in Environmental Engineering?
Access to clean water and the removal of human waste has been a priority to humans since the beginning of time and with the exponential growth in population and advancements in industry and technology, our basic needs have also grown and become more complex. The need for water, waste removal, pollution control, food, buildings, public health, and clean energy, etc., the things we need to survive and thrive on our planet have led to some solutions that are doing more harm than they are good.
Environmental Engineers work to ensure these needs are met while also making sure that the planet is protected for future generations. This means looking into the future; if the population were to double would everyone still have access to all of the vital resources that they need? What can we do about the rising Carbon Dioxide levels? If we continue producing energy with fossil fuels what will happen to our planet?
All of these very important questions and much more are the very issues that Environmental Engineers work on to create solutions and alternatives that will save and sustain the planet, and the great news is that there are many Environmental courses currently available for you to get started.
What is Environmental Engineering?
Mechanical, Electrical, structural, and Civil Engineers all work on the structures like solar panels, hydroelectric power dams, and wind turbines – but the creation of these renewable energy sources requires further energy which results in something called a Payback Period. A Payback Period is the amount of time it takes to recover the cost of investment – In this case, does the building of a renewable source of energy cost more energy than it will save?
This is where Environmental Engineering comes in; Environmental Engineers look at renewable energy solutions like wind, solar and hydroelectric power and any other alternatives and work out the Payback Period and viability of these solutions.
An example of this is in recycling – aluminum cans create carbon dioxide emissions when they are manufactured so Environmental Engineers look at making the most out of these materials and how their impact can be reduced. If you were to recycle an aluminum can this could save 95% of the energy needed to make the metal again, so you can see why Environmental Engineers are so keen on improving recycling techniques – they are always looking into what is causing problems to the planet and where our efforts should be focused to make changes.
Environmental Engineers truly understand that unlimited growth on a limited resources planet is impossible and are doing everything they can to make sure we have a sustainable planet to live on for many more years to come.
What Will I Learn about Environmental Engineering?
- You will learn and understand more about the basic needs of the planet and the various solutions to these issues currently available as well as theoretical solutions and how they may impact the environment in the future.
- You will learn about basic engineering principles and how they relate to the environment.
- You will learn about topics such as fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, engineering, mathematics, thermodynamics, and process engineering.
- You will learn about various materials and engineering physics, solid waste management, environmental chemistry, ecology, and environmental impact.
- You will learn about the basics of electrical engineering and biotechnology.
Career Opportunities in Environmental Engineering
After completing your course in Environmental Engineering, you can expect to work as an Environmental Engineer, Environmental Health & Safety Director, Environmental Engineering Consultant, Water Project Manager, or Green Building Engineer in industries like Public Health, Water and Waste Management, Recycling, Biology, Agriculture, Geology and Ecology.
If you’re serious about doing a course in Environmental Engineering and would like to learn more about the environment and renewable solutions, check out courses in the Nightcourses.co.uk national course finder.
