Course Objectives

After completing the course the students will be able to explain the hydrological cycle and physical, chemical and biological processes in surface water and ground water. They will also learn about various environmental problems and measures related to water. The course will also provide students with knowledge of basic hydrology theory. The students will gain knowledge about localisation, protection and use of drinking water sources and the management of drinking water, waste water and waste. They will learn how to carry out field investigations of surface and ground water, with chemical and biological analyses of water sources and interpret the data related to recipient use.

Course Description

The course provides a fresh water ecological foundation for the management and exploitation of surface and ground water resources.
Central themes:

• Aquatic ecosystem
• Ground water in sediment deposits and mountains
• Lake formation
• Choice of water sources
• Ground water flows
• Water and sediment chemistry
• Interpretation of limnological data
• Field water and infiltration
• Hydro-geological field and calculation methods
• Metabolism via micro-organisms
• Important plant and animal groups in fresh water
• Acidification and liming
• Eutrofication and restoration
• Ground water modelling
• Interactions surface water/ground water
• Ground water pollution
• The adoption of the EU Water Directive

Learning Methods

100 hours of lectures and practical exercises
Obligatory: 2 days of laboratory practice, 1 day study trip, 2 field trips (5 days limnology and 6 days hydrogeology).

Assessment Methods

Two graded assessments will be given: a group project assignment on ground water counts for 20%, a group project on the interpretation of limnological data counts for 20%, and a final examination (5 hours) counts for 60% of the final grade.
In order to sit for the final examination, the following must be approved or have received a pass mark: laboratory exercises, field reports from each of the two field courses, the two group exercises on ground water and the interpretation of limnological data. In the event of absence from the group exercises, these may be completed individually.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean