Soil and Water Systems – (M.Sc.)

Water is one of the most important natural resources on earth. This programme is for you who want to work with the latest techniques in soil remediation and water treatment in order to contribute to sustainable development.

EDUCATION

In this master programme, you will gain knowledge about environmental technology used to obtain clean water and soil. You will learn about methods to remediate soil and purify water, as well as ecological risks and potential effects on water systems.
This programme gives you a choice between a one year or a two year masters degree. The first 45 credits are the same. The first semester begins with an introduction to environmental engineering, which provides a basic knowledge in environmental engineering and sustainable development. This is followed by courses in soil and water processes and waste water treatment. During the first semester you will also take a course in statistics, which will provide you with relevant skills in sampling, data processing and the presentation of results. During the second semester you will take courses that include ecological risk assessment and various techniques for treating contaminated soil. For you who wish to finish with a one-year master's degree, the second semester ends with a thesis of 15 credits.
You who aim for a two-year master's degree will instead take courses in sampling and measurement techniques and environmental law. The third semester begins with two courses that include risk management and the environmental impact of accidents. This is followed by a course on water and waste in society. The course covers techniques that are important for the treatment of storm water and land fill leakage, management of landfills and organic waste. The third semester ends with a course in decentralized water systems, with a focus on local water treatment solutions. The programme ends with a 30 credit master’s thesis.
The learning activities include traditional lectures, but also require active participation in exercises, laboratory sessions, study visits, projects and seminars.
Teaching methods used include lectures, seminars, study visits and project work. Examination is in the form of written exams and assignments, individual and in groups.

COLLABORATION AND RESEARCH

Research projects concerning soil and water systems currently take place in several areas: industrial water treatment, water and waste in society, decentralized waste water treatment and waste management, and soil remediation and ecological risk assessment. All projects and the master thesis involve collaboration with industry. The laboratory research projects can be integrated into students' assignments and projects.

FUTURE AND CAREER

At present there is a shortage of professionals qualified to adequately address the comprehensive scientific and regulatory requirements of the Water Framework Directive (WFD). The need for educated people in soil and water systems is considerable. The EU (European Union) has a goal that all surface and groundwater in Europe should be of good quality in 2015. To achieve this, the importance of the active participation of various stakeholders and the public is emphasized. Furthermore, the European Commission proposes shared goals concerning the prevention of land destruction, the preservation of land-related functions, and the restoration of degraded land.

DEGREE

Master of Science (one year) in environmental engineering*
Master of Science (two years) in environmental engineering*
*The programme will start on the condition that a decision is taken to that effect.