Water Resources and Management
Curriculum
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About the Program
This two-year program is designed to train specialists in the analysis and management of water resources. Graduates acquire the essential knowledge and skills to work in research centers, higher education institutions, as well as local and international companies. The programās main goal is to develop expertise in innovative water management and decision-making, focusing on sustainable solutions that respond to societal needs and environmental changes. The curriculum includes lectures, practical exercises, and field training.
Admission requires a strong foundation in Earth sciences, including geology, hydrology, and geochemistry, as well as skills in mathematics and computer programming.
The program is taught by professors from various French universities and is further enriched with lectures from local experts (e.g., Azerbaijan State Water Resources Agency, Center for Agrarian Research, Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Scientific Research Institute of Water Management and Reclamation) and European organizations (e.g., International Water Organization, Caspisnet).
Courses are structured around three main themes:
- Studying natural water resources using a hydrogeological approach;
- Assessing water quality through sanitary standards and chemical/biological indicators;
- Managing water resources in the context of socio-economic issues and sustainability.
The spring semester of the first year concludes with a five-week field practice, while in the final semester of the second year, students complete a five-month internship either in a research laboratory or an industrial organization.
Graduates of the Water Resources and Management program receive diplomas from both theĀ Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University (ASOIU)Ā and theĀ University of Strasbourg (UNISTRA).
Knowledge and Skills Acquired
The program employs an analytical, interdisciplinary, and integrative teaching approach that allows students to understand various aspects of water resources assessment and management. By working on projects, students apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired to analyze and solve real-world problems. This process enables them to practically adopt and develop the āobserve ā understand ā solveā approach.
The goal is to train scientists with strong analytical, numerical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Students gain invaluable practical experience by combining their technical knowledge with applied capabilities in the following areas:
Data acquisition and analysis
- Design and supervise a sampling and measurement strategy.
- Master statistical and modeling tools including geographic information systems.
- Analyze hydrological data to understand water availability and distribution.
- Interpret data in a multidisciplinary context.
Integrated understanding of natural systems
- Assess and monitor water quality using hydrological, chemical and biological parameters.
- Diagnose the state and functioning of a hydrosystem.
- Analyze and solve complex problems related to water resources.
- Draw parallels between regional and international water resource and management challenges.
Management and decision-making
- Understand how water management decisions impact the environment.
- Integrate sustainability concerns into water management.
- Integrate legal, socio-economic and ethical aspects into decision making.
- Manage water-related projects, from planning to execution and evaluation.
- Monitor technological advances and develop innovative strategies in water management
Communication and stakeholder engagement
- Communicate and convince in English through written and oral technical presentations.
- Convey complex technical information to diverse audiences, including researchers, industries, government agencies and public communities.
- Collaborate efficiently with experts from various disciplines.
Admission Requirements
Candidates applying for the Masterās program in Water Resources and Management are required to have a strong academic background in geology, as well as skills in mathematics and data analysis. Proficiency in English, high motivation, and diligence are other essential qualities for the program. Applicants should be committed to continuous learning, acquiring new knowledge, and open to an interdisciplinary and integrative approach.