Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The intended learning outcomes of the 15 ECTS course are divided in two parts: first part describes the knowledge and context of the field, while the other part the skills required in the field

After the completion of the course the student is able to

  • Recognise and describe the main characteristics of the water and environmental engineering field, including its link to sustainability [knowledge]
  • Understand the principles of the hydrological cycle and water resources management, including the role of hydraulic structures [knowledge] 
  • Understand the key principles of good environmental and water quality [knowledge]
  • Define the main aspects of water and environmental services and related infrastructures, particularly those related to water supply and sewerage systems [knowledge]
  • Identify the broader societal context relevant to water and environmental engineering, including the key covernance and entrepreneurial aspects [knowledge]
  • Create his/her Personal Learning Portfolio, and in this way is able to recognise, assess and communicate his/her own key competences and strengths [identity]
  • Work interactively as part of the group, with relevant communication and group working skills [identity]

In addition, the student:

  • knows the key computational methods (see below) related to water and environmental engineering [knowledge]
  • can apply basic water and environmental measurement methods and related basic analyses in the laboratory and in the flume [skill]
  • understands the basic concepts of storing and processing spatial data in GIS [knowledge]
  • knows how linear regression and statistical testing can be applied in water and environmental engineering related problems [knowledge]
  • is able to quantify errors associated with hydro-environmental measurements [skill]
  • understands basic concepts of applying simulation models to problems related to water and environmental engineering [knowledge]
  • is aware of the potential of using computational methods in solving water and environmental problems [identity]

Credits: 15

Schedule: 07.09.2021 - 27.10.2021

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Meeri Karvinen

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):

Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):

Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    The course introduces the key contents and principles of water and environmental engineering. The course covers the following themes: sustainability and global resources; environmental and water quality; hydrological cycle and water resources management; water and environmental services and related infrastructures; and environmental management. The course also introduces the general setting for water and environmental engineering field, including key governance contexts.

    The course also introduces the key computational methods related to water and environmental engineering: GIS in water and environment related problems; application of statistical methods to analyze water and environment related problems; life cycle analysis; calibration, validation, and application of environmental simulation models; measurements in the laboratory and in the hydraulic flume.

    The course is structured according to weekly themes, with each week providing introduction to a selected theme and including individual and/or group assignments specific for that theme. The weekly themes are coordinated by Thematic Leaders (WAT staff).

    During the course, the WAT Master s Students also create their Personal Learning Portfolio, building on their existing skills and knowledge as well as their studies. The portfolio process runs through the entire duration of the Master s studies, and includes meetings with peer students and mentors. Non-WAT Master s Students compensate the portfolio work with additional assignment done at the end of the course. 

Assessment Methods and Criteria
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Assessment is based on group work and individual assignments as well as on Peer and Self Assessment.

     

Workload
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Contact sessions, group work, individual assignments and Personal Learning Portfolio. 

DETAILS

Study Material
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Material given during the Contact Sessions and in MyCourses + Personal Learning Portfolio.

Substitutes for Courses
Prerequisites
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals

    6 Clean Water and Sanitation

    11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

    13 Climate Action

    14 Life Below Water

    15 Life on Land

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Kindly note that the times announced in Sisu are tentative only, and also differ between the weeks: final times will be announced in MyCourses. The student must prepare to be available for sessions, assignments and group work during Period I from Monday to Friday from 9am till 4 pm. 

    As the student groups are formed at the beginning of the course, participation in the course is confirmed by attending the first Contact Session. Due to the course format, participation in other sessions is required as well. 

    Please note that while the course starts during Period I, the work on Personal Learning Portfolio and group work continues for the entire Master's Programme and also includes a synthesis workshop during Period V in the first year.

    Course components are valid until the next time the course is given, or as arranged separately

    Teaching Period:

    2020-2021 Autumn I

    2021-2022 Autumn I

    Course Homepage: https://mycourses.aalto.fi/course/search.php?search=WAT-E1100

    Registration for Courses: In the academic year 2021-2022, registration for courses will take place on Sisu (sisu.aalto.fi) instead of WebOodi.

    A limited number of students will be accepted to the course, with preference given to our own Master's Programme students. Other students may be selected based on Motivation Letter and/or other criteria.

    The course may not be organized if fewer than 5 students register to the course.