Description
Objectives
Sensitize students to the sustainability of the use of raw materials, materials, and the environment. In the socio-economic and legal context of evolution to the circular economy students learn to: identify, characterize and classify waste, components and materials; know the physical / chemical and biological principles associated with the collection, storage and selection of unit operations and transformation processes; prepare flowcharts of material and / or energy recycling processes; establish energy and mass balances; analyze in an integrated way the technological issues associated with the intensification of recycling and obtaining secondary raw materials. The UC also aims to develop in students methods of teamwork, division of tasks, research and organization of information, contact with stakeholders, meeting objectives and deadlines, and effective communication through the development of a case study.
Syllabus
Classes of materials (metals, ceramics, glass, polymers and composites). Typical properties of each class of materials: examples. Physical (electrical, magnetic, optical) and mechanical properties; other properties. The need for materials: Raw materials from the various classes of materials. Definition, source, classification and characterization methods of different types of resources. Critical raw materials. Circular economy. Resource management. Strategies and legal framework. Material and/or energetic valorization and obtaining of secondary raw materials. Unitary operations of separation, fragmentation and homogenization, processes of chemical and biological transformation. Examples.
Prerequisites
No prerequisites to attend the curricular unit.
Cross Competence Component
Autonomous tasks should develop the following skills: teamwork, self- discipline (limited deadline and limited question sessions), ability to locate and access information (data for example resolution will be partly obtained by students from access sources). Theoretical-practical classes will be partly devoted to task-solving guidance, requiring students to self-discipline in advance preparation of questions. Soft skills contribute with 1.0 ECTS to the Grading.
Laboratorial Component
Without laboratory component.
Programming And Computing Component
Standalone tasks include examples of spreadsheet resolution (eg, Excel). Abstraction competence with 0.5 ECTS.
Ethical Principles
All members of a group are responsible for the group’s work. In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used. In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.