About this Course: Water and Climate: Engineering Approaches

This course explores the essential role of water in climate dynamics and the impactful engineering interventions that can be taken to enhance water systems for climatic, societal, and environmental benefits. Held under the auspices of Delft University of Technology, the course bridges theoretical knowledge with practical engineering solutions, addressing the challenges posed by climate changes to water systems globally.

What Students Will Learn

  • Processes within the global water cycle and their effects on climate and environment.
  • Analysis of water and sand flows across rivers, coastal settings, and oceans.
  • Identification of climate change mechanisms and their interactions with atmospheric and hydrological phenomena.
  • Strategic planning of engineering interventions in various water-related scenarios.
  • Management strategies for urban and agricultural water demands and supply optimization.
  • Future-oriented approaches to adapt water systems against the prospective impacts of climate change over the next decades.

Prerequisites or Skills Required

  • Knowledge of secondary school level algebra and basic mathematics.

Course Coverage

  • Introduction to the physics of water systems in climate.
  • Engineering solutions for enhancing coastal safety and water supply.
  • Interactive case studies on water-related issues from various global perspectives.
  • Practical assignments on water management and engineering interventions.
  • Discussions on the adaptation strategies for climate impacts on water systems.

Who This Course is For

This course is targeted at students and professionals involved in engineering, environmental sciences, climate studies, and anyone interested in understanding and solutions the hydro-climatic challenges on a regional to global scale.

Real-World Application of Skills

Skills acquired from this course can be applied in urban planning for sustainable water management, in environmental consultancy providing climate adaptation strategies, and in policy-making for long-term climate resilience. These skills are also vital for careers in hydraulic engineering, water resource management, and environmental impact assessment.

Syllabus Overview

  • Lesson 1: Introduction to the Global Water Cycle and Climate
  • Lesson 2: Hydraulic Analysis and Sand Flow Dynamics in Water Systems
  • Lesson 3: Climate Change Mechanisms and Their Impact on Water Systems
  • Lesson 4: Engineering Interventions for Coastal, Riverine, and Urban Water Systems
  • Lesson 5: Water Management Strategies: Urban and Agricultural Focus
  • Final Assessment: A Comprehensive Examination and a Project on Water System Adaptation