Sustainable Material Cycles

11B2335

Bachelor

German

5.0

only winter term

1 semester

The efficient and resource-conserving utilisation of materials is a fundamental component of sustainable management. Students are first familiarised with the general principles of sustainability, the concepts and objectives of the circular economy and their evaluation methods. The special focus is then on the material-specific consideration of sustainable material cycles of the material groups plastics, metallic materials as well as glass and ceramics. Current developments, political framework conditions and successful implementations from the respective material groups provide students with a broad overview and in-depth knowledge of the potential of sustainable material utilisation. The issue of conflicting goals in the context of sustainability is addressed and discussed in order to promote reflective and evaluative skills.

1. Introduction to the topic of ‘sustainability’: definitions, political demands, climate targets, significance for environmental protection and resource conservation
2. Circular economy: material cycles, concepts of the circular economy and their significance, legislation
3. Waste management and recycling: strategies for waste avoidance, disposal, utilisation, recycling concepts, economic aspects of recycling paths
4. Sustainability assessment: life cycle assessment, carbon footprint
5. Conflicting goals in the context of sustainability: resource use, economic efficiency, environmental protection, recyclability, social responsibility
6. Specific sustainability aspects for plastics, metallic materials and glass/ceramics
- Plastics: plastics and the environment, recycling of plastics, microplastics, biopolymers, innovations
- Metallic materials: metal recycling, circular economy in the metalworking industry, innovations and technologies
- Glass and ceramics: recycling, circular economy in the glass and ceramics industry, challenges and opportunities
7. Case studies and practical examples: concrete examples from various industries and sectors, analysis of successful implementations of sustainable material cycles.

Selected recycling concepts of the three material groups are made tangible in practice as part of the practical course.

The total workload for the module is 150 hours (see also "ECTS credit points and grading").

• Written examination or
• Written examination and Homework / Assignment

• Field work / Experimental work

The examiners choose the type of examination from the options provided and inform the students at the beginning of the semester.

The weighting for the examination component ‘K1 and term paper’ is 50% for each individual component.

- Written examination: see applicable study regulations
- Term paper: approx. 10 pages
The term paper may be completed as group work.

- Experimental work: approx. 3 - 5 experiments in total

This module assumes basic knowledge of materials technology for the materials groups plastics, metals, glass and ceramics.

Students will be able to categorise and describe the concept of sustainability and its significance for material cycles. They have in-depth knowledge of specific sustainability aspects of the material groups plastics, metals, glass and ceramics.

Students are able to critically discuss new sustainability concepts. Graduates are able to relate and clarify various aspects of sustainability in the area of material cycles.

Students can analyse the production, processing and application of materials in the context of sustainability and derive recommendations for action.

Students can present the results of their practical work orally and in writing in a clearly structured form.

• Susoff, Markus Lothar

• Strickstrock, Monika
• Mola, Javad
• Susoff, Markus Lothar