Bachelor of Science in Energy and Environmental Systems Engineering

Our faculty’s breadth of perspectives makes all the difference. It equips the graduates of this program with the tools to assess, adapt and design energy and environmental systems from a technological, economic, ecological and social perspective. 

One special feature is that students learn to connect the thematic areas of mechanical engineering, electrical and environmental engineering with the world of business, developing a holistic, systemic approach in the process. 

The future is in the hands of the next generation – on its campus and through its leading-edge projects, the HSLU provides the know-how, the network and the technology for them to take the chance and effect change.

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• Energy service providers: You oversee varied areas including renewable energies, energy efficiency, sustainability or innovation. In this capacity, you help the energy service provider to transform itself for a sustainable future in a dynamic environment.
• Technology providers: Your task is to configure technologies or to develop new technologies that can be used efficiently in energy and/or environmental systems.
• Planning/Consulting: In this role, you analyze existing energy and/or environmental systems and design strategies and detailed plans for new solutions that take different requirements and objectives into account.
• Research: You develop new impulses and solutions that help to answer fundamental questions concerning energy and/or environmental systems.
• Start-ups: You found your own company in a dynamic environment in which the traditional way of conducting business does not always lead to success.
• Public administration/NGOs: In this field, you promote and implement socially accepted and sustainable energy and environmental systems for a municipality, canton, the federal government, in an international context or for an NGO.

With its Smart-up scheme, the HSLU offers support and advice to students looking into future self-employment or realizing a business idea even before graduation.
 
Our graduates are increasingly sought-after by international companies and organizations and in the field of development cooperation. The program is taught in English: together with an understanding of complex energy and environmental systems, this provides an excellent basis for a wide range of global tasks.

Of course, there is also the HSLU’s Career Service, which helps graduates to launch a successful career.

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If you have acquired a foreign university entrance qualification abroad or in Switzerland (e.g. an international baccalaureate), the head of program will assess its equivalency. Equivalency is determined in accordance with the specifications laid out by swissuniversities and assessed after you have submitted your application (please consult the flow charts for further information).

A sound knowledge of Mathematics is required to study Energy and Environmental Systems Engineering. If you are admitted to the program, you will be asked to complete a mandatory online math assessment no later than two months before the commencement of studies. Your results will help you to identify any gaps in knowledge you should address before the start of your program. We will support your preparatory efforts.

At the Lucerne School of Engineering and Architecture you have the unique opportunity to attend a one-year, German-taught admission program if you have previously completed an apprenticeship and have at least three years of work experience.

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If you have no or no relevant work experience, please consult our Work Experience website to learn about the options available.

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You are required to submit a copy of the corresponding language certificate along with your application or to submit it separately no later than before the start of the course.

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• Interest in mathematical-scientific contexts
• Initiative and a sense of responsibility
• Communication skills and assertiveness
• Interconnected thinking
• Ability to work in a team and to accept criticism
• Open-mindedness towards environmental, economic and social issues
• Willingness to deal with uncertainty and risk
• Interest in related disciplines

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Core modules

Core modules make up 50% of the program workload. They deliver key specialist and methodological skills and knowledge. Students must earn at least 90 ECTS credits of this type, of which 84 must be from compulsory core modules. There are also elective core modules available, which develop advanced skills in both specializations.

Project modules

Around 30% of the modules are project modules, in which challenging real-life problems are being discussed (39 ETCS minimum). In the project modules, students acquire project management as well as written and oral communication skills through individual and group assignments. It is a step-by-step preparation for senior positions in global companies with English as the corporate language.

Related modules

10% of the modules are related modules. They give students an opportunity to familiarize themselves with themes from a larger disciplinary context and to develop specific specialist skills (15 ECTS minimum). 

Supplementary modules

(not in the chart)

The remaining 10% are supplementary modules, which cover non-specialist skills and knowledge and empower students to consider their expertise and decision-making in a societal, cultural, ethical and economic context (15 ECTS minimum).

Students successfully complete the program if they have earned at least 180 credit points (ECTS – European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System). One credit corresponds to approximately 25 to 30 hours of study (e.g., lectures, exams, assessed assignments, preparation and rectification).

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Energy Systems

A specialization in Energy Systems enables students to develop integrated, holistic solutions for renewable, affordable and climate-neutral energy systems. Students in this specialization attend the following elective core modules:

• Energy Storage Systems
• Electrical Power Grids
• Renewable Energies – Solar and/or Bioenergy
• Energy Trading, Economics and Policies

Environmental Systems

Students who specialize in Environmental Systems advance their knowledge in the fields of sustainable resources and waste management to preserve the natural environment and to promote the well-being of humanity. This specialization encompasses the following elective core modules:

• Water Management and Treatment
• Air Pollution Control
• Waste Management and Recycling
• Environmental Law and Regulations

Thanks to a unique and flexible system, students may also select both specializations and combine the skills and knowledge they deliver.

Business Certificate

Students obtain a Business Certificate if they attend business modules amounting to 12 ECTS minimum, of which the following two are compulsory:

• Strategic Management and Product Management (6 ECTS)
• Controlling (3 ECTS)

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Practice-Integrated Bachelor’s Program (PiBS)

As of 2022/23 study year: For its Energy and Environmental Systems Engineering program, the HSLU has made the special Practice-Integrated Bachelor’s Program (PiBS) time model available for candidates with an academic baccalaureate. In the Practice-Integrated Bachelor’s Program (PiBS) model (German level C1 required), students study and gain the required work experience concurrently over the course of eight semesters. It takes the same amount of time to complete as a year of work experience plus a full-time bachelor’s program.

International experience

Throughout the degree program, students are immersed in an international environment. This opportunity enhances the overall study experience and offers a wider perspective of the entire energy and environmental sector. Meetings and projects with partner companies, the possibility of international student exchange semesters and living and learning with fellow students and faculty members with a multi-cultural background are hallmarks of this unique environment.

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