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THT313 Water Management in Changing Conditions

Credits (ECTS):5

Course responsible:Harsha Chandima Ratnaweera

Campus / Online:Taught campus Ås

Teaching language:Engelsk

Limits of class size:80

Course frequency:Anually, lectures in June, Project report submission in August.

Nominal workload:Ca. 40 hours of lectures, exercises, excursions within one intensive week, and 85 hours project work during July - August.

Teaching and exam period:The course starts in June block and ends in the August block.

About this course

Background

Cold and temperate climates, variations in the servicing population, and precipitation changes present special challenges when it comes to the management of water, water supply, and wastewater treatment. Some of the most pristine environments are located in colder climates, and water pollution by emerging contaminants and nutrients is an increasing challenge. Most treatment processes are temperature-dependent, requiring additional volume and time due to the slowing down of conventional processes at lower temperatures. Water distribution and sewer systems need special care to minimise operational problems during winters and snow-melting periods. Climate change often further negatively impacts these conditions.

Course contents:

Lectures on water quality status, water resources management, water treatment, wastewater treatment related to cold climates, challenges related to changing servicing population and precipitation patterns - including arctic and temperate climates, and the impact of climate change.

Project report/scientific writing.

Excursions to water and wastewater treatment plants focusing on relevant challenges and solutions.

Learning outcome

Knowledge: Students will have an extended understanding of relevant issues regarding pollution states and management, treatment, and operational aspects of treatment systems.

Professional skills: Students will be able to make conceptual designs for water supply and wastewater treatment systems that address the challenges in cold climates. They will also be able to carry out a literature review using modern scientific databases and the Internet and prepare a well-structured project report.

General competence: Students shall have an extended understanding of the pollution trends in cold climates and specialised techniques to manage challenges related to water supply and wastewater treatment processes. They will be able to identify the advantages/weaknesses in current systems and propose improvements based on modern practices.

  • (1) Lectures, (2) analytical work in small teams, (3) excursion to the treatment plant(s) to learn how the unit processes are integrated and their operational challenges, (4) instructions and hands-on practice in the use of scientific databases and reporting. The excursion can be combined with THT311.
  • By email or pre-agreed meetings with lecturers
  • THT271 or similar

  • Basic knowledge of water resources management

    THT310 or THT311

  • Combined assessment:

    • Multiple Choice Questions at the end of the 1 week of lectures (50%)
    • Evaluation of project work (50%)

    Both parts must be passed to pass the course.

    Grading system A - E/Fail



    Project work Grading: Letter grades Permitted aids: C1 All types of calculators, other aids as specified MCQ Grading: Letter grades Permitted aids: A1 No calculator, no other aids
  • External evaluator (sensor) is used in the design of exams and calibration of the markes.
  • Compulsory participation in all activities during the intensive period (usually 5 working days in June) and a project report to be submitted by August.

  • Part-I: One week of intensive, full-time work: 40 hours of lectures, group work, excursions.

    Part-II: Project work (can be carried out outside of NMBU).

    Part-III: Submission of the project report

  • M-VM
  • None
  • REALFAG (special requirements in science)