Water security in a changing climate

Water is one of the most vital resources on this planet, yet it is under immense threat from climate change and pollution. Ensuring water security is one of the grand challenges of the 21st century. Here we explore the principles and practical approaches to water and river management, with a focus on securing sustainable and equitable water futures. We study how engineers and scientists calculate ‘how much’ water is available and ‘how clean’ that water is for our various water uses. This unit involves a mixture of computer-based modelling and laboratory work. We also discuss the human dimension of water management, including governance, equity, and the role of stakeholders in decision-making. By the end of the unit, students will be equipped to critically evaluate and design strategies for managing water resources in a changing climate, balancing technical, environmental, and societal considerations.

Problem-based learning - The unit consists of lectures and practice classes with some computer laboratory classes. Learning in the unit is mainly through two group assignments. The main learning approach is “Problem-based learning” which requires students to be involved with the assignment and become proactive learners. There are no right or wrong answers to many of the assignment questions. This does not imply that any answer is adequate. Some answers will be better than others as they achieve the criteria in a better way.

Teaching Approach

The pre-lecture activities and lectures deal with technical skills and topics related to water resources management. These skills will be learned by doing the problems and assignments set in the practice classes, while the acquired knowledge will be consolidated by reading the course notes and other supporting resources (e.g. recommended reading).

Each week in the practice class you will work in groups on practical activities, exercises and aspects of the assignments related to the topics covered in the previous lectures. You will also have an opportunity in the practice classes to discuss any difficulties that you are having with the assignments. The practice class is your best time to seek help from the lecturers and demonstrators – please do not waste this opportunity.

Both assignments and the practical class exercises are aligned with problem-based learning as this facilitates learning through an interactive process, which encourages you to direct your own education and development. This approach makes use of inclusive teaching practices and thus enables you to apply your own preferred learning style(s). It also “brings to life” the principles and concepts that are delivered in the theoretical component of the unit and allows you to gain experience using the tools you may require in your subsequent employment.

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.