Location:

Leuven, Belgium

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Academic Year

Program Overview

Program Description:

Rheology is an interdisciplinary science concerned with the flow and deformation of matter. It encompasses processing problems encountered with complex industrial fluids such as plastics, food products, coatings, industrial slurries, etc. The objective of this programme is to offer an advanced education programme in rheology and its applications to different engineering areas. As an interdisciplinary science, it links the following fields: o Mathematics o Physics o Chemistry o Molecular biology o Chemical and mechanical engineering o Textile and food technology EURHEO combines the expertise of six leading European universities in the field of rheology. The curriculum is designed to provide graduates with the necessary skills to understand the relevance of rheology in materials science and engineering and to apply that knowledge to solve real-world engineering problems both autonomously and as a member of a multidisciplinary research team. The EURHEO study programme is tailored individually to the needs of each student. At KU Leuven, the programme is closely linked to the Master of Science in Engineering: Chemical Technology. Each EURHEO student is required to study at a minimum of two universities in two countries. Upon completing their studies, students receive multiple degrees from the universities at which they completed their coursework and training. This is an initial Master's programme and can be followed on a full-time or part-time basis.

Rheology studies the deformation and flow of matter. It is a relatively young and multidisciplinary science that encompasses such different industrial areas of activity as plastics, ceramics, cosmetics, pharmaceutics, food and biotechnology, but also paints and inks, adhesives, lubricants and surfactants. There are many situations in which the deformation, or the flow of matter (which depend on the rheological characteristics of the materials involved) determines the performance of a product, the effectiveness of a service and/or the rate of a manufacturing process. Techniques and procedures developed for specific types of materials and industries within the context of rheology often are later found to be useful in completely different areas. A good example is the increasing use of computational, theoretical and experimental tools developed for polymers and the plastics industry in the food industry.

By the end of the programme the student will possess the required knowledge, understanding and skills to apply key elements of chemical engineering and will have mastered rheology at an advanced level. The student will have acquired a thorough technological knowledge, a multidisciplinary perspective and the required insight in the larger context (environmentally, sociologically, culturally, politically, economically and technical-industrially). Building on strong personal and professional interaction during the programme, the student will be able to create synergies within the different areas of rheology and contribute to its advancement in Europe and beyond. The student will have acquired a perspective based creativity, systematic and scientific study, and an awareness of the larger context and the engineer's role in society.

Setting Description:

Situated in the heart of Western Europe, KU Leuven (University of Leuven) has been a centre of learning for nearly six centuries. Today, it is Belgium's largest and highest-ranked university and, founded in 1425, one of the oldest and most renowned universities in Europe. As a leading European research university and co-founder of the League of European Research Universities (LERU), KU Leuven offers a wide variety of programmes in English, all supported by high-quality, innovative, interdisciplinary research. KU Leuven is home to a vibrant community of international scholars spread out over its various campuses. 14% of the university’s 54,000 students are international representing 140 countries. KU Leuven's three doctoral schools provide internationally oriented PhD tracks for more than 4,000 doctoral students. Boasting an outstanding central location, KU Leuven offers a truly international experience, high-quality education, world-class research and cutting-edge innovation.

Cost:

The Flemish Government's generous co-financing system ensures that tuition fees for Bachelor's and initial Master's programmes remain relatively low: 890 EUR per academic year (subject to change without notice).