Water Systems and Global Change
Solution-oriented science for sustainable water system management, that is our approach. Because due to ongoing human population growth, increasing use per capita and unequal spatial and temporal distribution of resources, human water demands frequently exceed the carrying capacity of aquatic and wetland ecosystems. As a result, over-exploitation of surface water and groundwater resources occurs, leading to shortages and making water a contested resource. Freshwater resources are further reduced by pollution. Some 2 million tons of waste per day are disposed of in surface water.
We analyse and assess the impacts of climate change and population growth on water systems by conducting integrated water system assessments. And we propose and test adaptation strategies. We thus take an integrated approach across water, food and energy systems, at multiple spatial and temporal scales.
More about this thesis track
Research Focus
Our research is encompassing themes like: water pollution, water scarcity and water stress analysis, water-food-energy nexus, adaptation planning, use of nature based solutions in adaptation, climate smart agriculture, land-use climate interactions, etc.
As a group we have two cross-cutting research themes:
1. Climate-water information services
We develop excellent science-based climate and water services, tailored to the needs and in interaction with users such as farmers and water managers.
2. Future water stress
We develop novel tools to identify and evaluate solutions for future water stress. These tools account for the demand for water by society and nature, the availability of water, and the quality of water. We will study this on the basin, regional, continental and global scale, in spatially explicit models.
We use simulation models, earth system observations, scenario analysis and field studies and we invite students from different backgrounds, and skills and interests to take part in our courses and research.
Students can learn more about the education and research programme related to this discipline by visiting the website of the Water Systems and Global Change group.
Courses
The following courses are part of the MSc programme Environmental Sciences when selecting the thesis track Water Systems and Global Change. Besides these courses, for the common part of the programme several supporting courses are available which have to be taken if your study adviser deems it necessary (these are not listed in the table below, but summarized in the programme outline). Also, there is room for optional subjects which you may use to broaden your scope or to deepen your knowledge on a topic in your specialisation. For more information visit the study handbook or contact the study adviser.
| Subject | Code | Period* | Phase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory unless advised otherwise | |||
| Environmental Quality and Governance | ENP-35806 | 2AF, 5AF | M1 |
| Principles of Environmental Sciences | ESA-20806 | 1AF, 4WD | M1 |
| Research Methods in Environmental Science | YRM-20306 | 1MO, 2MO | M1 |
| Restricted optional: select one out of these three options** | |||
| European Workshop Environmental Sciences and Management | ESA-60312 | 1WD, 6WD | M1 |
| Environmental Education and Learning for Sustainability and Teaching, Learning and Capacity Building for Sustainable Development | ELS-31806+ ELS-32806 | 6WD | M1 |
| Academic Consultancy Training and Modular Skills Training (MOS) | YMC-60809+ YMC-60300 | 1WD, 2WD, 3WD+4WD, 5WD,6WD | M1 |
| Subject | Code | Period* | Phase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory unless advised otherwise | |||
| Modelling Future Water Stress | WSG-35306 | 2MO | M1 |
| MSc Internship Water Systems and Global Change | WSG-70424 | 1,2,3,4,5,6 | M2 |
| MSc Thesis Water Systems and Global Change | WSG-80436 | 1,2,3,4,5,6 | M2 |
| Restricted optional: select (at least) two | |||
| Integrated Water Management | WSG-33806 | 2AF | M1 |
| Climate Change Adaptation in Water Management | WSG-34806 | 4WD | M1 |
| Water Governance: Concepts and Practices | ENP-37306 | 3WD | M1 |
| Natural Hazards and Disasters | SDC-35306 | 5MO | M1 |
| *MO = morning; AF= afternoon; WD = whole day | |||
| **The restricted optional subjects have to be selected in consultation and agreement with the study adviser. | |||
| This course overview is based on the Wageningen University study handbook. The study handbook is guiding in case of any discrepancy. |
Below you can see how your schedule might look like:
