XWT-20805 Water Technologies in Global Context

Course

Credits 5.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

Students are expected to have basic knowledge of biotechnology or/and chemical engineering.

Contents:

This module introduces students to the demand for water process innovation in an international context. In order to achieve this goal, first students are presented with the current global challenges related to water such as water scarcity, water pollution and its effects on health. State of the art technologies for the production of drinking water and treatment of wastewater are introduced in this course. Main characteristics of these technologies are presented such as influent quality requirements, energy demands, land use, chemical use among others. Based on this information, the applicability of a determined technology is discussed in two types of country environment: low- and high-income countries. Each of these country categories grapples with a different set of issues. Low-income countries prioritize meeting basic human needs for water and combating waterborne infections, while high-income countries seek ways of closing urban and industrial water cycles in order to protect their ecological integrity. Furthermore, countries may deal with the challenge of solving the water quantity and quality problems caused by rapid industrial growth and urbanization. During the course students' , capacity to recommend a suitable technological solution based on given circumstances will be tested. Students will be asked to write a scientific report by doing a critical literature review on a topic relevant to current research in Water Technology. Furthermore, they will be required to present briefly the results of their literature review.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- acquire advanced knowledge and understanding of worldwide water problems and the need for water technology;
- apply principles and concepts of existing and new technologies, applicable for the water processes, also in the context of sustainability;
- critically reflect on the limitations of existing water technologies in the context of various economic and environmental circumstances;
- search scientific literature efficiently and effectively;
- link scientific literature with on-going water technology research;
- critically review scientific papers;
- critically assess a research project with respect to the scientific state-of-the-art;
- formulate recommendations for further research;
- develop advanced presentation and academic writing skills.

Activities:

- attending lectures and cases presented by guest lecturers;
- studying course notes and literature;
- participating in excursions and presenting in groups a summary of main observations;
- interviewing PhD-students and reporting on a problem-oriented literature study.

Examination:

The final exam of the course consists of:
- written exam (40%);
- literature review (40%);
- presentation literature review (10%);
- presentation excursion (10%).
Students need to have a minimum partial grade of 5.5 for all components.

Literature:

Handouts.
Factsheet on wastewater and drinking water treatment.
Lecture notes and additional literature.