How would you like the job of studying something that is both elusive and all around us? We are talking about a natural resource that all life depends on: water. Water makes up some 71% of the Earth’s surface – so, maybe our blue and green planet should be called Water instead. Even so, the supply of fresh water is limited and inconstant, as is the quality. No wonder that water management professionals are in great demand. Still interested? Our Water System Analysis minor programme will prepare you for this very responsible job.

Why is water system analysis so important?
Abiotic factors, climate change, land use and hydro-morphological changes strongly influence our fresh water resources. Simply increasing the influx from these resources is not the solution to the problem, as there is a delicate balance between human needs and the biota and environment. Water systems are complex and vulnerable, which is why measures to improve or regenerate ecological water quality must be taken from a comprehensive understanding of the entire water system. This is why eco-hydrologists, aquatic ecologists and spatial planners involved in area redevelopment and environmental redesign develop sustainable plans that are based on thorough water system analysis and are in accordance with national water policies and the EU Water Framework Directive.

What will you learn?
In this minor, you will learn everything there is to know about the functioning of the water system. You will study possible future changes to a specific water system in the EU, using the tool of water system analysis. You will learn to set up and use scenarios of climate change and land use changes within your water system analysis.

The minor consists of courses in geology, geomorphology, soils and land use, climate and hydrology, water systems and (water dependent) flora and fauna communities. You will be trained how to use geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing (RS), and how to model a water balance and substance.

Looking to further your studies?
This minor is part of our 1-year Aquatic Ecosystem Analysis bachelor’s programme. It was specially developed to cater to the professional field’s demand for graduates who have a comprehensive understanding of water systems and the effects on ecological water quality. It consists of the Water System Analysis minor programme, the Water Quality Analysis minor programme, an integrated group project abroad and a full-time internship concluded with the writing of a thesis. We recommend following the whole programme, however Dutch students may follow the minors separately. For specific information on the programme, please contact the coordinator Christoph Langhans at c.langhans@aeres.nl.

The following competencies can be developed by following this minor:
- To cooperate
- To research
- To organise
- To endorse sustainable behaviour
- To appreciate the global perspective

Your competency development will be discussed with your personal coach. Ask the coach for more detailed information on where these competences are reflected in the minor elements.

You can participate in this minor if you have:

• Successfully completed two to three years of a related bachelor programme, such as Applied Biology in Almere or Den Bosch or an additional degree in a related course such as Water Management, Geo-hydrology, Physical geography or Aquatic ecology,

or

• several years of relevant work experience either with or without an academic qualification,

and

• English level of IELTS 6.0 or equivalent for EU students; a test can be taken at an intake session of the course, without extra costs. Overseas students need to provide authenticated proof in advance.

Holden, J. 2017. An introduction to physical geography and the environment. 4th edition.
Harlow UK, Pearson Education Limited
ISBN: 978-1292083575

Semester 1 2024-2025

Minor days are Mondays and Thursdays in the weeks: 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50 and 51.

• Theory and project coaching takes place on both Mondays and Thursdays
• Practical training takes place on Thursdays
• Introductionary field week in Germany in week 37 or 38 (Sept 12-16 or Sept 19-23) mind that this is an obligatory fieldweek.           

The programme will take place in autumn and close in January. The language of instruction is English.
The table below shows how different elements in the module are examined and the literature that will be used.

Code: AWSA 01
Name: Assessment
EC: 6
Type exam: Assessment
Period: 2

Code: AWSA 02
Name: Water system modelling and GIS techniques
EC: 3
Type exam: Portfolio
Period: 2

Code: AWSA 03
Name: Water system theory
EC: 5
Type exam: Written exam
Period: 2

Aeres UAS – Green at heart
The professional field is in need of graduates that have insight in the functioning of the water system and effects on ecological water quality. This has become more important since the EU works with the Water Framework Directive, which focuses on ecological water quality and sets the ecological goals for different water bodies in the EU.

For this reason Aeres Hogeschool Almere developed a full year programme named Aquatic Ecosystem Analysis, open to both Dutch and international students. It contains two minors, an integrated group-project abroad and a company placement coupled with a thesis. The presented minor Water System Analysis is embedded in this programme. It is very much recommended to follow the whole programme, however for Dutch students it is also possible to follow the minors separately.

Apply now!
So, what do you think? Can you see yourself playing your part in sustainable water management? Students who took this programme before you, rated this programme with an average of 8.5+. So, apply now or click the link for more information on the Water System Analysis minor.