Hydrobiology – Water Quality Management

The water management is an extremely increasingly complex challenge and it has policy priority facing global society. Unprecedented climate, economic, technological and demographic change require a new generation of dedicated professionals who are committed to and trained in the interdisciplinary nature of water science and management. This water management MSc course develops knowledge and understanding in physical, chemical, and ecological aspects of water science in temperate, tropical and semi-arid zones. It provides a foundation in basic processes in each key subject areas, as well as interactions throughout the hydrological cycle, and the various hydrological processes and function, and the impact this has on health.

The staff will lead a series of field practice training sessions:

• Running Water Field Practice at various water types from creeks to rivers;
• Standing Water Field Practice at various water types such as, oxbows, ponds, reservoirs and lakes, which will improve the practical knowledge and build transferable skills in the theoretical and practical knowledge. These field skills training will both focus on strengthening capabilities to conduct high quality research for their dissertation and for their future professional development.

The intended learning outcomes are that students will develop a knowledge and understanding of:

• the physical, chemical and biological nature of water and their variations in time and space;
• the key concepts concerning various water types and water quality problems in relation to water use and sustainability;
• practical methods and techniques for water quality, monitoring and management;
• the key concepts concerning health issues associated with water.