In this paper, the current profile of the environmental engineer and the programming of the subject "Environmental Engineering and Technology" corresponding to the studies of Mining Engineering at the University of Oviedo in Spain, is discussed. Professional profile, student knowledge prior to and following instruction as well as available teaching time, are taken into account in order to define the subject objectives. These objectives were the starting point for the design of the program. Information regarding the student perspective is gathered by means of anonymous surveys at the beginning and end of the teaching period. Some of the results are collected in this paper. (Contains 4 tables and 3 figures.)