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Technical University of Munich

Sustainability in Automotive Engineering

Lecturer (assistant)
Martin Härtl
Sebastian Wolff
Number 0000000835
Type lecture
Duration 2 SWS
Term Wintersemester 2024/25
Language of instruction English
Position within curricula See TUMonline
Dates See TUMonline

Admission information

See TUMonline

Objectives

After successful participation in the module, students will be able to ...
... understand the basic sustainability concepts and apply them in the context of automotive engineering.
... understand the ambivalence of the concept of sustainability and transfer the implications of this to the engineering context.
... understand different methods for quantifying sustainability's environmental, economic, and social dimensions.
... classify, analyze, and interpret the results of the methods learned.
... apply the methods to support decisions in everyday engineering.

Description

Basics of sustainability
- Origin and definition of the term
- Dimensions of sustainability
- Product life cycle
- Sustainability in a social and industrial context
Ecological sustainability
- Basics of Life Cycle Assessment
- Types of environmental impacts
- Raw material cycles and supply chains
Economic sustainability
- Total cost of ownership
- Macroeconomic aspects
- Circular Economy
Social sustainability
- Sustainable Development Goals
- Raw material extraction and availability
- Social supply chains

Prerequisites

- Interest in the topic of sustainability
- Basic knowledge of vehicle technology and production is helpful

Teaching and learning methods

The module consists of a lecture with attendance dates. The theoretical basics are taught by means of lectures and presentations. The methods are explained in more detail using three case studies (what if ...). Through the case studies, the multiple perspectives on the topic of sustainability and its complexity are demonstrated. The case studies enable students to understand the complexity and to select an appropriate method for evaluating the three dimensions of sustainability depending on a planned application. To reinforce the content, students can make up the individual dates in the form of homework assignments, which will be counted towards a grade bonus if completed in full.
All teaching materials are made available online.

Examination

The module examination is a written examination (60 min). By means of comprehension and transfer questions, it will be checked whether the students, for example, understand the concept of sustainability and its ambivalence and can transfer it to the complexity of the societal or industrial application. Evidence of an understanding of the methods used to quantify sustainability will also be assessed. A non-programmable calculator, set square, and ruler are permitted as aids. In addition, students may earn a grade bonus per APSO §6, Section 5 for the exam by submitting at least 8 out of 10 homework assignments on each date. Homework assignments will be graded pass/fail.

Recommended literature

Hauschild, Michael & Rosenbaum, Ralph & Olsen, Stig. (2017). Life Cycle Assessment: Theory and Practice. 10.1007/978-3-319-56475-3.

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