Introduction

Immerse yourself in the dynamic world of water engineering with our Minor AquaCycle: Circular Water Technology. You will dive deep into the vital role that water plays in our environment and society. You'll explore technologies to manage and protect this precious resource in a sustainable, circular approach.

In the first 10 weeks of this minor, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the water chain, from precipitation, use of drinking water and process water, sewage systems, wastewater treatment to reuse, by combining a solid theoretical foundation with practical experience. In the last 10 weeks, you'll design and develop innovative systems related to circular water technology at a company, and tackle real challenges. This will be done with a small multidisciplinary group of students as an internship.

This minor is tailor-made for the pioneers, the problem-solvers, and the planet-protectors. If you have a passion for engineering, sustainability, and making a difference, then the minor AquaCycle is the next step in your educational journey. Join us as we make waves in the field of water technology, shaping the future one drop at a time.

Other information: in the first quarter, education will take place for certain weeks at Avans in Breda and other weeks in Den Bosch.

Job market perspective

During the minor AquaCycle, you will work on water-related problems and the second quarter will be a group internship at a company. Examples of companies: Water boards, such as Waterschap Brabantse Delta, Waterschap de Dommel, Waterschap Aa en Maas, or a drinking water company, such as Brabant Water, or engineering and environment consultancy, such as Sweco, or water technology company, such as Water Future or Pure Water Group, etc.

Many of these companies are waiting for you as an employee with knowledge about circular water technology and a broad view of all aspects involved in this field. There are possibilities to do a graduation project for these companies after this minor with even the chance to get employed afterwards.

The minor AquaCycle consists of 3 learning outcomes. The first two in the first quarter and the last one in the second quarter.

Learning outcome - Integration of theory and practice in water technology (10 EC): You will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of circular water technology. This includes the ability to perform area analysis, quantify available water, and apply biological, physical, and chemical purification techniques. You will also demonstrate the ability to set up mass balances, understand sewage systems, and explore innovative technologies for water reuse. In addition to this theoretical knowledge, you will gain practical skills, including the ability to utilize advanced modelling techniques in fluid dynamics and perform water quality analyses. These competencies will be developed and assessed through a combination of examinations and practical assignments, ensuring that you will be equipped to apply your knowledge and skills in real-world situations in the field of water engineering.

Learning outcome project (5 EC): You will optimize a part of a given water chain of a real-life project in a multidisciplinary group, based on the principles of circularity, taking into account the water quality, water quantity and the environment. Your group will make one design sketch from all partial results and relate this to the relevant SDGs 6, 9, 11, 13 and 14. (SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation, SDG 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities, SDG 13: Climate action and SDG 14: Life below water.)

Learning outcome group internship (15 EC): You will apply circular water technology knowledge and skills to a case study at a company in a multidisciplinary group. This results in a relevant professional product for the company.

Open to students who have a sufficient level of English in speaking and writing.

Students need to have a technical or technological background and an interest in water-related problems. Students will work in multidisciplinary groups.

Students will successfully complete the minor if they receive a passing grade for the following: 

Integration of theory and practice in water technology - assessment

Project - design sketch

Group internship -  delivery of a relevant professional product

• The language of the minor AquaCycle will be English.
• Students must obtain VCA (Veiligheid, gezondheid en milieu Checklist Aannemers) in 1st quarter (if not obtained yet). VCA in English: Safety Certificate for Contractors (SCC). The certificate comes with an additional cost of €90 (excl. VAT). 
• Theory and practice in the first quarter will be given at two locations: certain weeks in Breda and other weeks in Den Bosch.
• The second quarter will be a group internship at a company.

For more information, you can contact Michiel Michels: mha.michels@avans.nl