MSc. Water Resources and Management
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This two-year master program is dedicated to training specialists in the analysis and management of water resources who will be able to work in the world of academic research, higher education and local or international companies. The level of expertise targeted will enable innovative development and decision support on water management. The interdisciplinary approach will provide an integrated vision of water resources and enable sustainable management in line with societal issues and environmental changes.
The program combines lectures, practical work and field training. It requires strong background in earth sciences, including geology, hydrology and geochemistry but also in mathematics and computer programing. Teachers are professors from various French universities, supplemented by specialized courses given by local professionals (Azersu, Agro Economics research Center, Ministry of Ecology) and experts from European organizations (International office of water, Caspisnet).
The course is organized around three main axes:
1) Resources of natural water through a hydrogeological approach;
2) Water quality through chemical/biological indicators and sanitation techniques;
3) Management of water resources in relation to socio-economic issues and sustainability.
CURRICULUM
Follow the link to learn more about the curriculum.
SKILLS DEVELOPED BY THE PROGRAM
We place a strong emphasis on analytical, interdisciplinary and integrated reasoning, enabling to understand the different aspects of water resource assessment and management. Students are guided to integrate all the knowledge and skills they acquire and apply them to the analysis and resolution of practical problems in a project-oriented framework. They will develop skills to follow the “observe – understand – solve” strategy.
The aim is to train well-rounded scientists and future decision-makers with strong analytical, numerical, and problem-solving skills.
Students will acquire skills and a solid experience by combining technical knowledge and practical abilities 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.
PREREQUISITES
Students must have a strong background in earth sciences and in mathematics. They must be hard-working, highly motivated and fluent in English. They should be curious and open to interdisciplinary approaches