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Welcome to the study programs Sustainable Systems Engineering (SSE)

Connecting technology with sustainability and training engineers to change the world for the better!

With this goal in mind, the University of Freiburg founded the new Institute for Sustainable Systems Engineering (INATECH) at the Faculty of Engineering in October 2015. The study programs Sustainable Systems Engineering provide a new engineering discipline with excellent development opportunities: Elements of mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science, electrical engineering and material sciences create the foundation for a fundamental understanding of technical systems. Building on this, you will acquire the competencies needed to develop and implement innovative systems that contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations (UN).

Smartphones, laptops, cars, bicycles and smart buildings as well as small and large, real-life and virtual infrastructure systems (such as storage power plants, transport systems, energy networks or the Internet) – these are all things that enable us to live a modern and comfortable life and on which we are highly dependent. The necessary components and systems are researched, developed and built by engineers. Imagine you're not just talking about sustainability, but actively contributing to how the materials, energy systems and technologies of the future are developed.

Our website will give you an overview of our different degree programs. But we'll give you the most important answer to the question why you should study Sustainable Systems Engineering right away:

 

What are sustainable systems?

Compared to traditional systems sustainable systems

  • protect the environment (environmental sustainability) by replacing polluting substances with recyclable or bio-based substances or by recovering and storing energy from renewable sources rather than finite sources.
  • protect our long-term budget (economic sustainability) by considering the entire life cycle of products and plants and thus also taking the costs of dismantling and scrapping or recycling and upcycling into account.
  • contribute to social justice within and across generations (social sustainability, inter- and intragenerational justice) by considering the implications for today’s world and future generations responsibly.

 

Research areas and examples at INATECH

You can find INATECH's three main research areas and numerous research examples on our website.

Our chairs briefly present their work on our YouTube channel (German):

Why study Sustainable Systems Engineering at the University of Freiburg?

  • Modern study program
    At INATECH, research and teaching are closely interlinked, so that the latest research findings are directly incorporated into what is taught. Students participate actively in solving the social and technical issues of the future.
  • Attractive department
    INATECH combines the expertise and infrastructure of the five Fraunhofer Institutes in Freiburg with the excellence of the university.
  • Strong faculty
    On its own campus, the Faculty of Engineering has an excellent infrastructure: short distances, modern technical equipment (e.g. clean room), extensive e-learning offers, its own library and extensive opening hours.
  • Vibrant university town
    Freiburg offers a wide range of leisure and cultural activities, a high quality of life, short travel distances and an international atmosphere.

 

And here are 10 more good reasons why studying at the Faculty of Engineering is worthwhile!

 

Not sure yet? Then test yourself!

With our online study choice assistant OSA Engineering, you can test whether an engineering degree program suits you. You can compare your expectations with the requirements of the degree program and find out more from lecturers and students: https://www.osa.uni-freiburg.de/ingenieurwissenschaften/ 

 

Find more information about our different programs:

We hope that you are able to find all the information you are looking for on our website. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.