Objectives of Programme's Learning Outcomes

• Mobilise a structured set of scientific knowledge and skills and specialised techniques in order to carry out missions of chemical engineering and materials science, using their expertise and adaptability.
• Master and appropriately apply knowledge, models, methods and techniques specific to the field of chemistry and materials science.
• Analyse and model a problem/process/producing pathway by critically selecting theories and methodological approaches (modelling, calculations), and taking into account multidisciplinary aspects.
• Identify and discuss possible applications of new and emerging technologies in the field of chemistry and materials science.
• Assess the validity of models and results in view of the state of science and characteristics of the problem.
• Plan, manage and lead projects in view of their objectives, resources and constraints, ensuring the quality of activities and deliverables.
• Define the project in view of its objectives, resources and constraints.
• Respect deadlines and the work plan, and adhere to specifications.
• Communicate and exchange information in a structured way - orally, graphically and in writing, in French and in one or more other languages - scientifically, culturally, technically and interpersonally, by adapting to the intended purpose and the relevant public.
• Argue to and persuade customers, teachers and a board, both orally and in writing
• Adopt a professional and responsible approach, showing an open and critical mind in an independent professional development process.
• Show an open and critical mind by bringing to light technical and non-technical issues of analysed problems and proposed solutions.
• Exploit the different means available in order to inform and train independently.
• Contribute by researching the innovative solution of a problem in engineering sciences.
• Adequately interpret the results taking into account the reference framework within which the research was developed.
• Communicate, in writing and orally, on the approach and its results in highlighting both the scientific criteria of the research conducted and the theoretical and technical innovation potential, as well as possible non-technical issues.

Learning Outcomes of UE

The objective of this teaching unit is to raise students' awareness of the issues related to material recycling and sustainable resource management. It covers the main waste collection and treatment sectors, as well as the regulatory framework governing recycling. Within the framework of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), students will be able to:
- Master the LCA methodology and associated standards (notably ISO 14040 and 14044);
- Understand, interpret, and critique the results of an LCA study;
- Explain the advantages, areas of application, and limitations of this approach;
- Conduct a simplified LCA study using existing databases, in demonstration cases;
- Explain the principles of environmental communication concerning the results of an LCA.

UE Content: description and pedagogical relevance

This teaching unit addresses the challenges of materials recycling and sustainable resource management, integrating technical, environmental, regulatory, and societal dimensions. It is structured around two complementary themes: materials recycling and life cycle assessment (LCA).
1. Materials Recycling and Waste Management
- Recycling challenges: resource dependence, definition of waste, regulatory framework.
- Presentation of the major collection and treatment sectors: source reduction, reuse, recycling, regeneration (with or without energy recovery), and landfilling.
- Treatment processes: physical, physicochemical, and thermal methods.
- Recycling by material type: metals (steel, aluminum, copper, lead, zinc, precious metals), glass and ceramics, polymers, composites.
- Illustrated through industrial and semi-industrial visits. - Writing a critical report based on a scientific article in English dealing with recycling in the broad sense (content analysis, scientific evaluation).
2. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
- Context and key concepts: History and definition of LCA; Main characteristics: life cycle approach, multi-criteria, multi-component, types of LCA; Regulatory framework (ISO 14040, ISO 14044).
- The four stages of LCA: Definition of the objective and scope; Inventory analysis: data collection, LCI databases, LCA software; Impact assessment: category selection, classification, characterization, standardization, weighting;
Interpretation of results.
- Applications and tools: LCA as an eco-design tool; Environmental communication and environmental declarations;
Practical case studies using LCA software.
The entire course is anchored in contemporary issues related to environmental, climate, and societal transitions and aims to train engineers capable of integrating these dimensions into their technical and strategic decisions.
 

Prior Experience

Not applicable