Hydrology and Water Quality (MHW) / MSc

Introduction

Water plays a very important role in modern society in terms of both its quantity and quality. On a global scale, water demand is still increasing and the quantity and quality of available water is threatened. The MSc programme Hydrology and Water Quality is aimed at adequate management of water resources. It focuses on water-related processes from the micro scale to the global scale. The behaviour and interactions of water in the unsaturated zone, in aquifers and in surface water are measured, described and modelled. Physics and mathematics are important tools for the quantitative aspects, whereas chemistry, biology and mathematics are important for water quality and ecological aspects. This programme also deals with the interaction between people and water. The programme comprises four specializations:
- Soil and Ecosystem Hydrology
This specialization focuses on water flow and solute transport in the unsaturated zone and the groundwater system in interaction with the soil, vegetation and the atmosphere at field and regional scales;
- Hydrology and Quantitative Water Management
Students in this specialization identify and quantify hydrological processes in catchments at various scales. Focus is on the interaction of precipitation, groundwater and surface water. They also learn about quantitative water management and its implications for integrated water management;
- Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management
This specialization focuses on the physical, chemical and biological processes in fresh surface waters and on water quality management techniques. Multidisciplinary studies are conducted at various scales: the laboratory, local, regional ecosystem and national scales. The expertise acquired is applied to the development of integrated models for ecosystem management and water quality management;
- Integrated Water Management
This specialization focuses on the understanding that water management requires a holistic approach. Students are trained to cope with management- and policy issues relevant for water management, to connect these with scientific concepts and methodologies and to present knowledge and insights to decision makers. Students learn to assess the quantitative and qualitative demands of all (potential) uses and users and to devise water management strategies taking the specific hydrological, environmental, socio-economic and political characteristics of a river basin into account.

Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of this MSc programme graduates are expected to be able to:
- demonstrate state-of-the-art knowledge in their field of specialization;
- independently formulate and execute research in accordance with academic standards within their field of specialization, thus contributing to the development of the body of knowledge in this field;
- develop and apply research techniques independently;
- apply paradigms in their field of expertise and question them;
- convert knowledge of complex physical, chemical and biological processes into useful modelling concepts and apply these to real world situations;
- link theory, field observations and modelling across different scale levels (time and space);
- recognise, understand and apply new concepts as they emerge in the water disciplines;
- operate in a multidisciplinary environment;
- communicate with a wide range of stakeholders;
- translate scientific knowledge in their field of specialization into policy recommendations;
- monitor socio-economic developments, estimate their significance for the environment, especially water bodies, take a position and participate in debate.
Graduates find jobs as hydrologist, water manager, aquatic ecologist, consultant, or positions in basic and applied research.

Specializations

- Soil and Ecosystem Hydrology;
- Hydrology and Quantitative Water Management;
- Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management;
- Integrated Water Management.

Programme Director

Ir Th.M. Lexmond
Phone: 0317-(4)83304
Email: theo.lexmond@wur.nl

Study Adviser(s)

Ir A.M. Leemans
Phone: 0317-(4)82171
Email: alet.leemans@wur.nl

Programme Committee

Chair: Dr E. Hoffland
Secretary: Ir Th.M. Lexmond

Internet

http://www.mhw.wur.nl

Study Association

Pyrus
Email: pyrus.bwa@wur.nl
Internet: http://www.pyrusbwa.nl