Course descriptions

Course name	Credits
Mathematical principles in water technology	5 EC
Transport phenomena in water technology	5 EC
Biological water treatment and recovery technology	5 EC
Global water cycle	5 EC
Chemical reactor design	5 EC
Water microbiology	5 EC
Multicomponent mass transfer in membrane processes	5 EC
Bioreactor design	5 EC
Colloid chemistry	5 EC
Internship	15 EC
Business Case Design project	10 EC
Thesis	38-40 EC

Mathematical principles in water technology

A solid knowledge and flexible use of mathematics is a often required in understanding problems in the domain of the water treatment. This course contains the essential mathematics to solve engineering problems and prepares students to be proficient in mathematics through differential equations, calculus-based physics and linear algebra. Students learn to perform a vector/matrix manipulations in Matlab.

Transport phenomena in water technology

Mass and heat transport phenomena with a focus on water technology. The basic principles will be outlined following a phenomenological rather than strictly mathematical approach. Emphasis will be on application, preferably in the area of water technology. Topics discussed during the course include general balances, dimension analysis, hydrodynamics and flow, heat and mass transport and analysis of diffucion/reaction problems with Matlab.

Transport phenomena in Water technology

Global water cycle

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 three types of country environment: low- income countries, emerging markets and high-income countries. Each of these country categories grapples with a different set of issues. Low-income countries prioritise meeting basic human needs for water and combating waterborne infections, Emerging markets face the challenge of solving the water quantity and quality problems caused by rapid industrial growth and urbanisation. High-income countries seek ways of closing urban and industrial water cycles in order to protect their ecological integrity.

Chemical reactor design

In this course students acquire a critical understanding of the characteristics of chemical reactors and conversion processes and the ability to set up a reactor design and mathematical reactors models with Matlab.

Water microbiology

The Water Microbiology course addresses various aspects of physiology and ecology of microorganisms that are important for the functioning of natural and man-made aquatic ecosystems. The lectures will deal with the following topics: diversity of microorganisms in aquatic ecosystems, microbial cycling of nutrients, bioenergetics of microbial processes, microbial growth, microbial interactions with their living and abiotic environment, molecular methods for detection and identification of microorganisms and their metabolic activities. In the experimental part, the students will be introduced in the application of standard microbiological and molecular methods relevant for biotechnological applications.

Multicomponent mass transfer in membrane processes

The course comprises three parts. First, the theoretical framework of Maxwell-Stefan is introduced to describe multi-component mass transport. Secondly, the Maxwell-Stefan modeling is applied to molecular separation problems based on adsorption, absorption and membrane separations. Third, the students are given a membrane related case study problem, to be studied with Matlab simulations. Students will carry out some case studies in Matlab to deepen the presented theory.

Bioreactor design

This course provides students with knowledge of the charateristics of applied bioreactors in (waste) water engineering. They learn how to design bioreactors by means of making and using mathematical models. The construction of mathematical models will be based on balances for elemants, reactants or products, combined with appropriate equations for conversion and transport kinetics. The use of these models to find allowed or required flow rates, concentra-tions, conversion rates or vessel volumes.

Colloid chemistry

The course provides relevant knowledge and understanding of basic scientific and technological aspects of (mainly) physico-chemical interactions between (bio)colloids and their effects on water treatment processes. In particular attention is also paid to engineering aspects of colloids, formation, properties and applications.

Internship

At the end of the first year an internship offers students the opportunity to work in an academic-professional level company engaged in water technology. During their internship students apply knowledge and skills acquired during their study, and also acquire relevant new knowledge, insights and skills through work experience. Students learn to work independently and develop a feeling for the context of the organisation. Students can do their internship in the Netherlands and/or abroad. There is a huge and diverse group of participating companies in water technology business and quite a number of this group is international-oriented.

Business Case Design project

During the Business Case Design project, academic research and design skills are developed and trained to a high level. Students apply knowledge and learned design principles and concepts while making a sustainable design. During the project supporting skills will be trained (e.g. entrepreneurial skills) and additional topics (e.g. different approaches of sustainability) will be presented to deepen students’ knowledge. The approach chosen is a research-oriented design of a water process, supported by simulations. Students will use research results and new insights in designing new processes and/or research proposals. They will have to defend their final design to a jury of peers and professionals from the field. Reflection on their own and other students’ performances, social, environmental, economic and ethical aspects are an integral part of the process.

Thesis

The master thesis is the culmination of the whole program aimed at preparing students to do research independently and to combine all acquired skills. It gives them the opportunity to become experts in the field of a topic that fits their personal interests and preferred future career in the area of water technology. Crucial to the thesis is that students show that they are able to critically analyse, discuss and summarise the topic concerned. For the thesis, students can participate in on-going research project at Wetsus or at the involved universities.