Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The aim of this module is to explore and analyse the multiple issues and challenges involved in the practice of sustainable water management, following the introduction of catchment systems concepts and process in hydrosystems analysis. This module will expand further the knowledge of the competing issues that water managers have to deal with and need to integrate, with focus on the interplay of the different institutional arrangements in British river basins. It will start with an introduction to global issues for sustainable water management presenting the key challenges and drivers, including current thinking on how they will evolve during this century taking into account environmental, social and technical changes. Historical evolution and current institutions in charge of river basins and water services in Britain will be explored, and key issues related to water resources, flooding, pollution control, ecosystems, climate change and the socio-economic considerations for decision-making will be explored in depth. The students will analyse how these issues are really managed in the context of British river basins.

Outline Of Syllabus

•Introduction Module
•Library Skills
•Writing Skills
•Water and Sustainability
•River Basin Management (Water Framework Directive)
•Water Utilities (Asset Management Planning)
•Water Resources
•Flooding
•Climate Change
•Water Quality
•Environmental Flows

Practical case study-led sessions from:
•Rivers Trust (if possible)
•Environment Agency (if possible)
•Northumbrian Water (if possible)
•Practicing Consultants (ARUP)

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By the end of this module, students will be able to:
•Understand major issues and challenges in water management, locally and globally.
•Explain the multiple technical and social factors to be taken account of in a sustainable water management approach. (M7)
•Critically review key objectives of economic efficiency, social equity and environmental sustainability which underpin sustainable water management (M6)
•Describe and critique water management institutions and processes in Britain.
•Evaluate challenges in key areas of water management such as: water resources, flooding, pollution control, ecosystems and climate change.
•Analyse key challenges in integrating multiple drivers of water management, and critically evaluate proposed solutions. (M1, M2, M4)

Intended Skill Outcomes

•Identification of key issues and challenges in water management.
•Capacity to distil, judge and present key information from a case study.
•Rigorous, rational problem-solving based on analysis of actual situations.
•Public presentation of complex analysis and key findings. (M17)
•Producing a well-researched, well-structured, critical analysis of a contemporary water management challenge. (M16)
•Engagement in teamwork (M16)
•Working to deadlines
•Reporting on time and focused delivery. (M17)

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The module will combine on-line preparatory and additional material, on-line consultation, group student directed learning, presentations to workshops, individual study and report writing. After an introduction to the module, groups of students will receive every day a task for research that will build up towards an integrated understanding of water management in Britain. Groups will report to tutors every day. On the final day there will be group presentations and interactive discussions of the findings. Students will have access to one to one consultations with lectures for the individual reports. Speakers from industry will be involved in this module, thus ensuring an appropriate balance between theory and practice, and an understanding from the outset of what the ‘real world’ of water management is all about. The module teaching methods are designed to allow the students to build up knowledge of theory, together with practical skills that are relevant to the real world of water management. This is achieved through a mix of taught material with a strong emphasis on developing individual and group work skills, which reflect how professionals work in the water industry

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The development of material and delivery of the oral presentation will be assessed to cover skills in group working and understanding and concise presentation of a wide range of material under short timescale, as would be experienced in a professional setting. The individual written report assesses the student’s individual understanding in depth of the course material and concepts, as well their report writing skills.

General Notes

N/A