
M-TECH in Environmental Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee


Haridwar, Uttarakhand
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About the Specialization
What is Environmental Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee Haridwar?
This Environmental Engineering program at IIT Roorkee focuses on equipping future professionals with advanced knowledge and practical skills to tackle pressing environmental challenges. With India''''s rapid industrialization and urbanization, there is an urgent demand for experts in pollution control, sustainable resource management, and environmental protection. This program integrates scientific principles, engineering design, and policy frameworks to develop comprehensive solutions for a sustainable future.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for engineering graduates, particularly from Civil, Environmental, Chemical, or Biotechnology backgrounds, who possess a valid GATE score and a strong desire to contribute to environmental sustainability. It also attracts working professionals seeking to specialize or upskill in areas like water treatment, air quality management, or waste disposal, enhancing their career prospects in both public and private sectors in India. Candidates committed to research are also encouraged.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse and impactful career paths in India, including roles as environmental consultants, project managers in pollution control boards, research scientists, or engineers in industries focusing on water, sanitation, and waste management. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 6-12 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The program fosters leadership for addressing India''''s complex environmental issues and aligning with national sustainable development goals.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Environmental Science & Engineering- (Semester 1)
Dedicate significant time to understanding the fundamental scientific principles and engineering concepts introduced in the first semester. Regularly review lecture notes, solve problems from recommended textbooks, and maximize learning during practical laboratory sessions in EED-505 by actively analyzing water, air, and soil samples.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses on Environmental Science/Engineering, IITR library resources, Peer study groups, Laboratory equipment operation manuals, Academic advisors
Career Connection
A solid theoretical and practical base is crucial for advanced subjects and for understanding real-world environmental problems, directly impacting performance in technical interviews and problem-solving roles.
Develop Computational and Data Analysis Skills- (Semester 1)
Prioritize proficiency in environmental statistics and computational methods (EEL-504). Engage deeply with quantitative courses, practice data analysis using environmental datasets, and learn to use software like R, Python, or MATLAB for robust data analysis and environmental modeling.
Tools & Resources
Online courses (Coursera, edX) for R/Python, University computing labs, Environmental data repositories (e.g., CPCB data), Faculty-led workshops
Career Connection
Strong analytical and computational skills are highly valued in environmental consulting, research, and regulatory agencies for impact assessment, monitoring, and policy formulation in India.
Engage in Departmental Seminars & Workshops- (Semester 1)
Actively participate in department events like seminars, guest lectures, and introductory workshops on emerging environmental technologies or research areas. Network with senior students, research scholars, and faculty to broaden your perspective and identify potential areas of interest for your future dissertation.
Tools & Resources
Departmental notice boards and websites, Faculty connections, IIT Roorkee''''s various centers (e.g., Centre of Excellence for Water Resources Management)
Career Connection
Early exposure to current research and industry trends helps in defining a specialized career path and connecting with potential mentors or employers for future internships and placements.
Intermediate Stage
Apply Core Principles to Real-world Problems- (Semester 2)
Focus on applying knowledge from courses like Water & Wastewater Engineering (EEL-506), Air Pollution (EEL-507), and Waste Management (EEL-508). Actively participate in case studies and group projects to understand how theoretical concepts translate into practical solutions for India''''s specific environmental challenges and regulatory frameworks.
Tools & Resources
Case studies from environmental consulting firms in India, CPCB guidelines and reports, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) reports
Career Connection
This practical application knowledge is directly relevant for roles in environmental project execution, compliance, and design engineering across industries and government bodies in India.
Explore Specialization through Electives- (Semester 2)
Begin exploring the wide range of elective options offered by the department (e.g., Environmental Biotechnology, Remote Sensing, Industrial Waste Treatment) and align them with your career interests. Research faculty working in these areas and consult with your academic advisor to select electives that build specific, market-relevant skillsets.
Tools & Resources
Departmental faculty profiles, Elective course descriptions, Career counseling services, Industry reports on specialized environmental sectors
Career Connection
Strategic elective choices help in building a specialized professional profile, making you more competitive for targeted roles in areas like smart cities, sustainable energy, or environmental policy, which are growing sectors in India.
Initiate Dissertation Research- (Semester 2)
Leveraging knowledge from Environmental Impact Assessment (EEL-509), begin preliminary literature review and identify potential dissertation topics and supervisors. Attend research presentations, read recent publications, and engage in discussions with faculty to formulate robust research questions for your M.Tech dissertation.
Tools & Resources
Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, IITR research repository, Faculty office hours
Career Connection
Early engagement in research hones critical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific writing skills, which are essential for research roles, higher studies (PhD), and innovation-focused positions in India.
Advanced Stage
Deep Dive into Dissertation and Project Execution- (Semester 3-4)
Focus intensely on your M.Tech Dissertation (EED-602, EED-603). Execute experiments or modeling, analyze data rigorously, and prepare a high-quality thesis. Work closely with your supervisor, consistently meet deadlines, troubleshoot experimental challenges, and aim for quality publications or conference presentations.
Tools & Resources
Advanced laboratory equipment or computing resources, Statistical and modeling software, Thesis writing guides, Scientific presentation tools, Research collaboration platforms
Career Connection
A well-executed dissertation showcases your ability to conduct independent research, solve complex problems, and contribute original work, which is highly valued in R&D, academia, and specialized consulting roles in India.
Network and Engage with Industry- (Semester 3-4)
Actively participate in industry interactions, guest lectures from environmental professionals, and career fairs specifically targeting environmental engineering roles. Leverage IIT Roorkee''''s strong alumni network and placement cell for internship or job opportunities. Attend relevant national conferences to meet professionals and explore career paths.
Tools & Resources
IITR Placement Cell, LinkedIn for professional networking, Professional environmental engineering associations (e.g., Indian Environmental Association), Career workshops
Career Connection
Direct engagement with industry professionals can lead to valuable mentorship, internship opportunities, and eventually, successful placements in top environmental firms or public sector undertakings across India.
Prepare for Placements or Further Studies- (Semester 3-4)
Systematically prepare for campus placements by refining your resume and practicing mock interviews, focusing on core environmental engineering concepts. If pursuing further studies, prepare strong research statements and connect with potential PhD advisors at leading institutions in India or abroad.
Tools & Resources
IITR career services, Online aptitude test platforms, Interview preparation guides, Professional mentors, Alumni network for guidance
Career Connection
Targeted preparation ensures you are job-ready or academically prepared, maximizing your chances of securing a desirable role in India''''s growing environmental sector or pursuing advanced research for a long-term academic or R&D career.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil/Environmental/Chemical/Biotechnology/Agricultural/Metallurgical/Mining/Biomedical/Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering or M.Sc. in Environmental Science/Chemistry/Geology/Biosciences with valid GATE score in CE/CH/BT/AG/MT/MN/BM/AE/XL.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 60 (minimum) Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EEL-501 | Environmental Chemistry | Core | 3 | Fundamentals of environmental chemistry, Chemical equilibria and kinetics, Acids, bases, and redox reactions, Water and wastewater chemistry, Atmospheric chemistry, Soil chemistry and pollution |
| EEL-502 | Environmental Microbiology | Core | 3 | Introduction to microbiology, Microbial cell structure and function, Microbial metabolism and growth, Microbes in water, wastewater, and soil, Environmental applications of microbes, Pathogenic microorganisms |
| EEL-503 | Environmental Fluid Mechanics | Core | 3 | Fluid properties and statics, Kinematics and dynamics of fluid flow, Bernoulli''''s and momentum equations, Viscous flow and boundary layers, Open channel and pipe flow hydraulics, Environmental applications of fluid mechanics |
| EEL-504 | Environmental Statistics and Computational Methods | Core | 3 | Probability and statistical distributions, Hypothesis testing and ANOVA, Regression and correlation analysis, Time series analysis, Numerical methods for environmental problems, Data analysis and environmental modeling |
| EED-505 | Environmental Engineering Laboratory-I | Lab | 2 | Water quality parameter analysis, Wastewater characteristic testing, Air and soil sample analysis techniques, Microbial enumeration and identification, Operation of analytical instruments, Data collection and interpretation |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EEL-506 | Water and Wastewater Engineering | Core | 3 | Water demand and quality standards, Conventional water treatment processes, Advanced water treatment technologies, Wastewater characteristics and generation, Biological wastewater treatment systems, Sludge management and disposal |
| EEL-507 | Air Pollution and Control | Core | 3 | Sources and types of air pollutants, Health and environmental effects of air pollution, Atmospheric dispersion modeling, Air quality standards and regulations, Particulate matter control technologies, Gaseous pollutant control methods |
| EEL-508 | Solid and Hazardous Waste Management | Core | 3 | Solid waste generation and characteristics, Collection, transport, and disposal methods, Recycling, composting, and energy recovery, Hazardous waste definition and classification, Treatment and disposal of hazardous waste, Waste management policies and regulations |
| EEL-509 | Environmental Impact Assessment and Management | Core | 3 | Principles and stages of EIA, Screening, scoping, and baseline data collection, Impact prediction and evaluation, Mitigation measures and EMP formulation, Public participation and decision-making, Risk assessment and Indian EIA regulations |
| EED-510 | Environmental Engineering Laboratory-II | Lab | 2 | Advanced water and wastewater treatment experiments, Air pollution control system simulations, Solid waste characterization and testing, Environmental modeling software applications, Field monitoring techniques and equipment, Process optimization and performance evaluation |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EEL-601 | Design of Environmental Engineering Systems | Core | 3 | Design principles for water treatment plants, Wastewater treatment facility design, Air pollution control device design, Solid waste management system design, Process selection and hydraulic design, Cost estimation and project management |
| EED-602 | Dissertation Part-I | Project | 6 | Extensive literature review, Problem identification and formulation, Development of research methodology, Experimental design and planning, Preliminary data collection and analysis, Preparation of dissertation proposal |
| Elective-I | Elective Course I | Elective | 3 | Students choose from a wide pool of specialized topics, Covers advanced concepts in various environmental domains, Allows specialization based on research interests, Examples include Remote Sensing, Biotechnology, Waste Treatment |
| Elective-II | Elective Course II | Elective | 3 | Further specialization in environmental engineering sub-disciplines, Focus on emerging technologies or policy aspects, Complements core knowledge with advanced practical skills, Examples include Climate Change, Advanced Water Treatment, Air Quality Modeling |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EED-603 | Dissertation Part-II | Project | 6 | Execution of advanced experimentation/modeling, Comprehensive data analysis and interpretation, Discussion of results and findings, Thesis writing and scientific communication, Oral presentation and defense of dissertation, Contribution to original knowledge |
| Elective-III | Elective Course III | Elective | 3 | Final opportunity for specialized learning, Integration of various environmental concepts, Preparation for specific industry roles or research careers, Examples include Disaster Management, Environmental Health, Sustainable Development |
Semester pool
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EEL-603 | Remote Sensing and GIS in Environmental Engineering | Elective | 3 | Remote sensing principles, GIS concepts, Data acquisition, Image processing, Environmental applications, Spatial analysis |
| EEL-604 | Environmental Biotechnology | Elective | 3 | Microbial ecology, Bioremediation, Bioenergy, Wastewater treatment technologies, Molecular techniques, Environmental applications |
| EEL-605 | Industrial Waste Treatment | Elective | 3 | Industrial waste characteristics, Treatment technologies, Effluent standards, Zero liquid discharge, Case studies, Waste minimization |
| EEL-606 | Ecological Engineering | Elective | 3 | Ecosystem principles, Ecological restoration, Wetlands for treatment, Bioengineering solutions, Sustainable designs, Conservation |
| EEL-607 | Noise Pollution and Control | Elective | 3 | Sound basics, Noise sources, Measurement, Health effects, Control techniques, Legislation |
| EEL-608 | Environmental Systems Analysis | Elective | 3 | Systems approach, Modeling, Optimization, Decision making, Cost-benefit analysis, Environmental policy |
| EEL-609 | Climate Change and Environmental Management | Elective | 3 | Climate science, Impacts, Mitigation strategies, Adaptation, Policy frameworks, Carbon management |
| EEL-610 | Advanced Water Treatment | Elective | 3 | Membrane processes, Advanced oxidation processes, Adsorption, Ion exchange, Disinfection, Water reuse |
| EEL-611 | Air Quality Modeling | Elective | 3 | Atmospheric chemistry, Dispersion models, Receptor models, Source apportionment, Model validation, Policy applications |
| EEL-612 | Environmental Quality Monitoring | Elective | 3 | Sampling techniques, Analytical methods, Instrumentation, Data management, Quality assurance, Monitoring networks |
| EEL-613 | Disaster Management and Environmental Restoration | Elective | 3 | Disaster types, Risk assessment, Preparedness, Response, Recovery, Ecological restoration |
| EEL-614 | Environmental Health and Risk Assessment | Elective | 3 | Environmental epidemiology, Toxicology, Exposure assessment, Risk characterization, Health impact assessment, Risk management |
| EEL-615 | Green Technology and Sustainable Development | Elective | 3 | Sustainable principles, Green chemistry, Renewable energy, Sustainable materials, Eco-design, Circular economy |
| EEL-616 | Environmental Geotechnology | Elective | 3 | Soil pollution, Contaminant transport, Site characterization, Remediation technologies, Landfill engineering, Geosynthetics |
| EEL-617 | Sustainable Construction Materials | Elective | 3 | Green materials, Recycled materials, Life cycle assessment, Energy efficiency, Carbon footprint, Building rating systems |
| EEL-618 | Life Cycle Assessment | Elective | 3 | LCA methodology, Goal and scope definition, Inventory analysis, Impact assessment, Interpretation, Software tools |
| EEL-619 | Urban Environmental Management | Elective | 3 | Urbanization impacts, Sustainable cities, Green infrastructure, Urban planning, Waste management in cities, Policy |
| EEL-620 | Sustainable Energy Systems | Elective | 3 | Renewable energy technologies, Energy efficiency, Energy storage, Grid integration, Policy and economics, Environmental impact |
| EEL-621 | Environmental Management Systems and Audit | Elective | 3 | EMS standards (ISO 14001), Environmental policies, Auditing procedures, Legal compliance, Performance evaluation, Certification |
| EEL-622 | Hydrology and Water Resources Management | Elective | 3 | Hydrologic cycle, Precipitation, Evaporation, Streamflow, Groundwater, Water resource planning |
| EEL-623 | Environmental Law and Policy | Elective | 3 | Indian environmental laws, International agreements, Regulatory frameworks, Pollution control boards, Judicial role, Policy analysis |
| EEL-624 | Integrated Water Resources Management | Elective | 3 | IWRM concepts, Water demand management, Water supply optimization, Stakeholder participation, River basin management, Policy |
| EEL-625 | Water Resources Planning and Management | Elective | 3 | Planning methodologies, Demand-supply analysis, Storage and conveyance, Decision support systems, Economic analysis, Conflict resolution |
| EEL-626 | Surface and Groundwater Hydrology | Elective | 3 | Hydrologic processes, Runoff generation, Groundwater flow, Aquifer characteristics, Pumping tests, Contaminant transport |
| EEL-627 | Water Quality Modeling | Elective | 3 | Water quality parameters, Modeling principles, River and lake models, Estuarine models, Eutrophication, Model calibration |
| EEL-628 | Advanced Hydraulic Engineering | Elective | 3 | Unsteady flow, Water hammer, Surge tanks, Hydraulic transients, Computational fluid dynamics, Advanced pipe networks |
| EEL-629 | River Engineering | Elective | 3 | Fluvial hydraulics, Sediment transport in rivers, River morphology, Bank protection, River training works, Flood control |
| EEL-630 | Sediment Transport | Elective | 3 | Sediment properties, Erosion mechanisms, Bedload transport, Suspended load transport, Total load estimation, Morphological changes |
| EEL-631 | Coastal Engineering | Elective | 3 | Wave theory, Tides and currents, Coastal processes, Erosion and accretion, Coastal structures, Integrated coastal zone management |
| EEL-632 | Water Resources Systems Engineering | Elective | 3 | System analysis techniques, Optimization methods, Simulation models, Reservoir operations, Water allocation, Uncertainty analysis |




