This module deals with two subjects:

For Water Management:

Do you wonder how climate change, land use and SDGs influence water management? In this minor you will get a deeper understanding of water-related issues and their physics. You will work on possible solutions with external clients and experts. Topics include drought and flood management, nature-based solutions, and advanced hydrological modelling. Through hands-on assignments, you will learn to integrate theory and practice, gaining skills relevant for sustainable water management.

For Future Cities we see that the future is challenging the way we build our cities. In this module you will work in interdisciplinary teams on an integral design research for a city district in 2050. You research and design future solutions that enhance the quality of life, cut cities’ carbon emissions and build resilience to extreme weather. You research critical infrastructure services like mobility, energy, food, water and waste and their impact on urban structure and public space.

 

The expected learning outcomes for water management are given per course:

You work on a water management project and translate complex challenges into a professional advisory or design report. You apply hydrological and geohydrological principles in modeling and analyzing water flows. You develop and implement hydraulic models for water management and integrate them into future-proof strategies. Additionally, you apply Nature-Based Solutions and adaptive design methods to create sustainable and resilient water management solutions. You reflect on your professional development and contribute to innovative, interdisciplinary water management approaches.

 

Water management Project and Professional development
This topic provides an overview of key water management challenges, including climate change, land use, and sustainable development goals (SDGs). Students work in teams on complex international projects addressing drought and/or flooding issues. Deliverables include a report and presentation, emphasizing collaboration and professional communication.

Physical hydrology and modelling
This topic consists of two components. Geohydrology & hydrology introduces the principles of physical hydrology, covering atmospheric, surface, soil, and groundwater dynamics. Students engage in numerous practical exercises, applying theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios. Advanced water management (modelling) focuses on computational modelling for surface- and groundwater systems. Participants learn 1D-flow modelling and basin runoff analysis, effectively integrating soil and surface water data for comprehensive assessments.

Futureproof watermanagement
This topic emphasizes sustainable and adaptive strategies for water management. Nature-based Solutions (2,5 EC) explores engineering approaches inspired by natural processes, addressing challenges like flood prevention, drought mitigation, and water quality improvement, while highlighting sustainability and ecosystem benefits. Scenarios and adaptive design (2,5 EC) focuses on designing flexible strategies for uncertain future conditions, teaching students to account for climate change and evolving societal needs in their solutions.

The learning outcomes for Future Cities, per course:

 

Kick Off Future Cities

Getting to know each other and kicking off the projects and courses in the module. Lectures, excursions, workshops and a welcome party.

 

Project Future Cities

You will work in an interdisciplinary team of international students on an integral design research for a city district in 2050. You research and design future solutions that enhance the quality of life,

cut cities’ carbon emissions and build resilience to extreme weather.

 

Lectures & Field Trip Future Cities

In this course you will gain knowledge for your studio project by attending presentations by keynote speakers with expertise in different fields. You will stay in a European city outside the Netherlands for one week to understand, feel and experience that particular city. We will visit interesting projects, exhibitions etc. You will participate in organizing and preparing the field trip.

 

Intercultural Co-operation

This course helps you to study and work in an interdisciplinary, international environment. You will develop your skills in cross-cultural communication and teamwork. Workshops, assignments and guest lectures.

 

Professional Skills

You will develop your skills to express yourself in English in a professional and proficient way. Aspects of spoken English such as grammar, fluency, pronunciation and idiom will be central in presentation exercises. Understanding of written English will be developed through reading and writing assignments. 

Basic understanding of fluid dynamics is necessary, along with a minimum of two years of education in civil engineering, water management, or a related field, and English B2 level.

The student is eligible for this minor with two years of  bachelor studies in civil or environmental engineering and English at B2 level. 

Introduction to Physical Hydrology, Martin Hendriks, January 2010, ISBN  9780199296842.

Additional readers and information will be supplied. 

The minor watermanagement runs from November to January. Each week includes one project day, multiple course sessions, and excursions to relevant sites. Activities are designed to connect theoretical knowledge with practical application, fostering a comprehensive learning experience.

The schedule will be available two weeks for advance.

Each topic in this minor will have a form of examination like written exams, portfolios, reports, presentations etc. The way of examination per course will be clarified in the study guides.