Course Details

Course Information Package

Course Unit TitleWATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
Course Unit CodeCEH419
Course Unit Details
Number of ECTS credits allocated5
Learning Outcomes of the course unitBy the end of the course, the students should be able to:
  1. Evaluate the complex processes (biological, chemical, geological, physical) governing the cycling of water at the regional scale and the factors affecting the process.
  2. Discuss the science and policy influencing the availability of water resources on a global, national and local scale.
  3. Appraise the variables to be considered in scientific and policy decision-making.
  4. Recognize the analytical techniques used in developing management strategies and scenarios.
  5. Highlight the limitations of current water resource management strategies to provide opportunities for considerations of alternative strategies.
Mode of DeliveryFace-to-face
PrerequisitesCEH370,AMAT300,AMAT314Co-requisitesNONE
Recommended optional program componentsNONE
Course Contents

Introduction

        The “systems” approach

        Challenges in addressing water management problems

Systems to be examined

        Engineered systems, (e.g. Water supply blending, Wastewater treatment plant operation)

        Regional systems (i.e. watersheds) managed through regulatory programs

Search methods

        Manual

        Graphical

        Mathematical programming [e.g. Linear programming (LP), Nonlinear programming (NLP), Integer programming (IP), Global search methods overview]

Analysis

        Sensitivity analysis

        Multi-objective methods (e.g. Generating trade-off curves)

        Alternatives generation (i.e. Modelling to generate alternatives)

        Uncertainty analysis (i.e. Monte Carlo methods)

        Alternative regulatory programs, e.g.

        Command and control

        Charges

        Transferable discharge permits

 Overview of decision support tools
Recommended and/or required reading:
Textbooks
  • Revelle, C., Whitlatch, E.E., and J. R. Wright (2004). “Civil and Environmental Systems Engineering“. Prentice Hall.
References
  • Winston, W.L. (1997).“Operations Research Applications and Algorithms“, Duxbury Press.
  • Otto J. Helweg (1992) “Water Resources Planning and Management”, John Wiley & Sons.
  • Journal Papers
  • World Wide Web Sites (i.e. EU Environmental Commission, USEPA, USDA.)
Planned learning activities and teaching methodsThe course will be presented through theoretical lectures in class. The lectures will present to the student the course content and allow for questions. The material will be presented using visual aids (i.e. PowerPoint presentation slides, documentaries, etc.). The aim is to familiarize the student with the different and faster pace of presentation and also allow the instructor to present related material that would otherwise be very difficult to do. The learning process will be enhanced with the requirement from the student to carry in-class discussions and tackling of hypothetical scenarios in small-group exercises. In-class problem-solving as well as homework exercises (mostly numerical) will allow students to practice their design skills in a controlled setting.  A final project, which will be required as part of the students assessment for the course, will allow students the opportunity to carry out independent research, synthesize basic concepts presented in class, as well as hone their writing and presentation skills. Besides from the notes taken by students in class, all of the course material will be made available through the class website which will be available through the University’s E-learning platform. The instructor will be available to students during office hours or by appointment in order to provide necessary guidance.
Assessment methods and criteria
Homework15%
Term project15%
Tests20%
Final Exam50%
Language of instructionEnglish
Work placement(s)NO

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