COURSE CURRICULUM

Graduates of the MEng in Industrial Ecology program will possess the knowledge and practical skills necessary to address complex sustainability challenges across industries and sectors. A central outcome of the program is the ability to assemble and quantify energy and material flows within industrial systems at a variety of scales—from individual facilities to entire economies. Students learn to apply systems-based thinking to understand how these flows interact within broader social, environmental, and economic contexts. They gain experience in developing and using analytical tools that assess the environmental and economic impacts of infrastructure, enabling them to make informed decisions about resource use, system design, and policy implementation. In addition, graduates will be well-versed in planning and evaluating systems for material reuse, recycling, and circular economy strategies, helping to reduce waste and extend the lifecycle of products and resources. The program also ensures that students develop a solid understanding of the scientific foundations of environmental impacts caused by human activity, including emissions, pollution, and resource depletion. With this foundation, students can effectively communicate the significance of their findings to technical and non-technical audiences alike. A key strength of the program is its emphasis on the real-world application of industrial ecology methods. Graduates are able to explain how the tools and frameworks they’ve learned—such as life cycle assessment, input-output analysis, and sustainability metrics—can be applied within business operations, economic modeling, and public policy development. Whether working in engineering, environmental consulting, government, or research, MEng graduates leave the program prepared to lead sustainability initiatives and contribute to the development of more efficient, equitable, and environmentally responsible systems.