phd topics in water resources engineering

Doctor of Philosophy in Hydrology and Water Resources

Description.

(Effective Fall 2019) TIMEFRAME: The program is designed for students interested in the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of the hydrologic cycle, as well as water resources systems, environmental studies, or water policy and the social sciences related to water resources. Students may concentrate in one or a combination of these areas but are expected to acquire fundamental proficiency in all aspects of hydrology and water resources. Research-based study programs are individually planned to meet the student's special interests and professional objectives. Time-to-completion for the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Hydrology is approximately 3.5-5 years (coursework, research, writing the dissertation, all exams) for well-prepared students.  All candidates must submit a dissertation or dissertation publication manuscript which has been judged by the student's committee to be eligible for publication in appropriate scientific journals and present the results at two regional, national, or international scientific meetings.

STUDY TOPICS:  Active research areas include hydrogeology, hydrogeochemistry, hydrometeorology, hydroclimatology, environmental hydrology, ground-water hydrology, surface water hydrology, vadose zone hydrology, mathematical and statistical methods in hydrology (including stochastic and numerical modeling), water resources sytems, and water resources policy.

PREPARATION: Doctoral applicants should have completed a Master of Science degree with a major in hydrology, water resources, environmental sciences, environmental engineering, or a related field.  (Holders of a Bachelor's degree cannot enter the program directly.)  Students who have completed all of the required undergraduate mathematics and science prerequisites may have a decreased time to completion. NOTE: Students must have completed at least 2 semesters of calculus and have no more than 4 outstanding course deficiencies at the time of matriculation. All students are expected to acquire basic computer programming/coding skills (e.g. Python, MATLAB, Fortran, C++) and complete a field methods/laboratory-field synthesis course sequence. To satisfy the professional development requirement, students are required to attend weekly seminars and colloquia at the beginning of academic residency, officially enroll in the HWRS colloquium (595A) for at least one semester at some time during residency, and make two formal seminar presentations of their dissertation research (at least one oral presentation) at approved regional, national, or international conferences near the end of their academic residency.

FORMAL EXAMINATIONS: Where gaps exist in background knowledge of basic hydrology and water resources (primary areas of surface water hydrology, subsurface hydrology, water quality-chemistry, water resources systems), first-year doctoral students may be required to complete fundamental core courses in preparation for the Doctoral Qualifying Examination. This exam must be passed by the end of the second semester in residence. After all course work for the Major and Minor has been completed (typically by the end of 2 1/2 to 3 years in residence), the Comprehensive Examination process -- which will include multiple Written exams and one Oral exam -- is initiated. When the Comprehensive Exams have been passed, the student becomes an official doctoral degree candidate. A Final Doctoral Oral Examination, or Dissertation Defense, is required in the final semester. See the  PHD HWRS Program Guide for full details.                                                                                                                                                     

Apply at the Graduate College website : Click on the Apply Now button for the Program of Study "Hydrology (PHD)."  You will be required to upload a variety of documents, including:

• All Applicants:
• Scanned copies of original transcripts (do not send original transcripts with official seal and signature until after you are accepted into the program)
• Names/contact information for three (3) letters of recommendation (referees will submit letters to us online)
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Statement of research interests
• International Applicants Only: English Proficiency scores also required (details below)

English Proficiency Guidelines: Non-native speakers of English should consult the Graduate College website for information about documenting their proficiency in English . Currently, these minimum scores satisfy the English Proficiency requirement:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Minimum score 79 (or 60 on the revised PBT, with no section score lower than 15). Individual MyBest scores must also be dated within 2 years of the enrollment term to be considered valid.
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Minimum composite score of 7, with no subject area below a 6
• Pearson PTE Academic : Minimum score of 60
• Graduate English Language Endorsement from the University of Arizona's Center for English as a Second Language (CESL)
• CEPT Full Academic Test at the University of Arizona's Center for English as a Second Language (CESL), minimum total score of 110
• Exemptions by Country from submitting English proficiency scores may be found at the Graduate College website, Requirements by Country

Admission deadlines:

• Domestic Applicants:  January 15 for Fall Semester.  October 1 for Spring Semester.
• International Applicants:  January 15 for Fall Semester.  August 1 for Spring Semester.

Students may be eligible for support through Graduate Assistantships in research and teaching, fee waivers (scholarships), and fellowships. Other funding opportunities are provided by the Graduate College at their Financial Resources website .

Degree Program Reqs

(Effective Fall 2019) The degree requires a minimum of 54 semester units in the Major field of study (HWRS) which includes 36 course units and 18 dissertation units. A complementary Minor field of study (number of units varies) is also required (see Doctoral Minor below). All undergraduate prerequisite courses in math and science should be completed by the end of the first year in residence. See the PHD HWRS Program Guide for full details.

UNDERGRADUATE COURSE PREREQUISITES*

• Physical geology:  1 semester
• College chemistry:  2-semester sequence in inorganic/analytical chemistry
• College physics:  2-semester sequence, one course in mechanics and one course in electricity/magnetism or optics/thermodynamics
• Fluid mechanics:  1 semester
• Mathematics:  Calculus 1, calculus 2, vector calculus, and introductory differential equations
• Statistics:  1 semester in statistics or probability theory for the physical sciences or engineering
• *You must have received a grade of C or higher to satisfy these course prerequisite requirements. Grades below C are not recognized the UA Graduate College.
• *Please note that we cannot accept students with more than four undergraduate course deficiencies, and you must have completed at least two semesters of calculus. If you have a course in progress or course/courses to be completed prior to beginning our program, you may note this on the graduate application.

CORE COURSES

No specific core courses are required for doctoral students, although inclusion of one or more in the plan of study may help students prepare for the Doctoral Oral Qualifying Examination (end of second semester/Year 1).  Consult with the Director of Graduate Studies-Hydrology for advice. 

• HWRS 517A Fundamentals of Water Quality (3 units) Fall
• HWRS 518 Fundamentals in Subsurface Hydrology (3 units) Fall
• HWRS 519 Fundamentals in Surface Hydrology (3 units) Spring
• HWRS 528 Fundamentals: Systems Approach to Hydrologic Modeling (3 units) Fall

HWRS PRIMARY FACULTY ADVANCED ELECTIVES

Advanced elective course work must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies-Hydrology. The Doctoral Plan of Study must include a minimum of 21 semester units in this category (includes core courses and HWRS Primary Faculty advanced elective courses). (Independent study, professional development enrollment, and field methods are not included in this category.) Refer fo the  PHD HWRS Program Guide for a  list of approved HWRS Primary Faculty courses .

OTHER ELECTIVES & TRANSFER COURSE WORK

The plan of study should also include 12 additional units from: 1) the HWRS Primary Faculty course list, 2) approved transfer course work, and/or 3) approved graduate-level courses from other UA departments. Refer fo the  PHD HWRS Program Guide for a list of pre-approved courses outside the department. Consult with the Director of Graduate Studies-Hydrology regarding potential transfer course work.

FIELD METHODS

• HWRS 513A Field Methods (2 units) Spring
• HWRS 513B Field Synthesis (1 unit) Summer Presession (completed by end of May)

DISSERTATION

• HWRS 920 Dissertation (18 units total) -- delete any excess units from Doctoral Plan of Study prior to submission

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Enrollment in HWRS 595A Weekly Colloquium, Current Topics in Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences, for at least one semester is required.  These units are not included in the Doctoral Plan of Study.
• Two oral or poster presentations (minimum one oral) of the doctoral dissertation research at approved regional, national, or international conferences is required. No academic credit is awarded for oral or poster presentations.
• Submit an email memo with details to the Director of Graduate Studies-Hydrology (see Program Guide for instructions)

DOCTORAL MINOR

• A doctoral minor area of study (outside the department) that complements and supports the dissertation research is required.  The minimum semester units required vary by department, ranging from 9-15 semester units (the average is 12 units).
• Common Minors and their course prefixes include Applied Mathematics (APPL), Arid Lands Resource Science (ARL), Atmospheric Sciences (ATMO), Chemical Engineering (CHEE), Civil Engineering (CE), Computer Science (CS), Geography and Development (GEOG), Geological Engineering (GEN), Geosciences (GEOS), Global Change (GC), Mining Engineering (MNE), Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis (REM), Renewable Natural Resource Studies (RNR), Soil-Water-Environmental Sciences (ENVS/SWES), and Systems Engineering (SIE).  Other Minor areas of study may also be possible.

EXAMINATIONS

• End Year 1/Second Semester: Doctoral Qualifying Examination in the Major -- Contact the HAS Program Coordinator for details
• End Year 1 Doctoral Qualifying Examination for the Minor -- May be optional, so consult Minor Department
• End Year 3 Doctoral Written and Oral Comprehensive Examinations in the Major and Minor -- Initiate after all course work completed
• Year 4-5 Doctoral Final Oral Examination -- Dissertation Defense

DISSERTATION ARCHIVAL

Electronic submission of the doctoral dissertation to the Graduate College and archival with ProQuest UMI is required. The department does not require a copy, although members of the student's faculty committee may request a copy of the manuscript.

Be aware of the Graduate College's Steps to Your Degree requirements timeline when planning your examinations (Comprehensive Process and Final Oral/Defense). Allow yourself enough time to make any required revisions of the doctoral dissertation before submission to the Graduate College. The Graduate College's electronic degree audit system includes the following GradPath forms which are required for all Doctor of Philosophy degree candidates. You can complete these forms by logging on to the university's Student UAccess system. You can also refer to the department's PHD HWRS Program Guide and the  Dissertation Manuscript Options for instructions and guidance:

• Responsible Conduct of Research Form
• Only if using external transfer courses
• Doctoral Plan of Study
• Comprehensive Exam Committee Appointment Form
• Announcement of Doctoral Comprehensive Examination
• Submitted by Committee Chair
• Candidacy Fees charged to student bursar's account upon advancement to doctoral candidacy
• Verification of Prospectus/Proposal Approval
• Doctoral Dissertation Committee Form
• Must be submitted and approved at least one week before the date of final examination/defense
• Submission of Final Dissertation Manuscript for Archiving
• Exit Survey

Learning Outcomes

Refer to the Assessment section for learning outcomes and measures.

General Inquiry:

[email protected]

Admissions Contact:

Lupe Romero

Director of Graduate Studies:

Martha P.L. Whitaker

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Environmental and Water Resource Engineering M.S. & Ph.D.

Research and courses within the Environmental and Water Resources Systems (EWRS) group are concerned with the development and application of quantitative methods for the evaluation, planning and operation of water resource and environmental systems. Efforts address the integration and analysis of engineering and economic-policy issues posed by the need to manage water, land, air and human resources, as well as environmental remediation efforts. The fundamental sciences upon which such analyses are based include hydrology, hydraulics, environmental sciences, biology, and environmental engineering. For this reason, individuals in this area frequently interact with the other environmentally-orientated groups within CEE, as well as with other departments in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

The systems sciences, including operations research, computer science, statistics and risk analysis, economics, and planning provide the integrating analytical methodologies that are used to evaluate environmental issues. By examining engineering, socio-economics, ecology and public policy issues using analytic model-oriented frameworks, we strive to communicate estimates of the impact and risks of alternative decisions to the many possible stakeholders associated with environmental management decisions. Student projects have addressed regional water resources management issues in California, New York State, New Jersey, Mexico, North Africa, Europe, and parts of Asia. Specialized software packages for water resources system simulation, support of negotiations, stochastic streamflow generation and flood frequency analysis have been used around the world. In a time of quantum leaps in computing technology, when local and national governments face tight budgets, and when society as a whole has a desire for economic efficiency and sustainability, an interest in the intelligent use of environmental resources, and a concern for risks to human health, we believe environmental systems engineering is an important and promising area for research and study. To that end we strive to advance the quality and capability of analytical methodologies for environmental management, and to facilitate the application of such techniques to the solution of real problems.

We believe that in collaboration with faculty from a number of fields across the Cornell campus, our research and our course offerings represent one of the strongest environmental systems programs in the country.

Learn more by viewing the  M.S./Ph.D. in EWRS brochure  (pdf). Additional information can be found in this document:  EWRS pamphlet  (pdf).

If you need an accessible copy of these documents contact [email protected]

Faculty in the EWRS area include:

Patrick Reed

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Water resources engineering research.

• Computational Modeling of Groundwater Flow
• Nanoparticle Transport in Porous Media
• Impacts of Climate Change on Water Resources
• Efficient Use of Water Resources for Food Security
• Analytical Solutions to Hydraulic Problems
• Numerical Modeling of Bridge Scour
• Hydraulic Instrumentation
• Streambank Erosion
• Complex Physical Models
• Evapotranspiration
• Remote Sensing of Vegetation, Land Use, and Water Consumption
• Spatial Characteristics of Water Resources using Geographic Information Systems
• Hydraulic Engineering Education
• Multi-criteria Decision Making
• Stormwater Quality Modeling

Water Resources Engineering

David Admiraal

George Hunt

Peter McCornick

Sorab Panday

Chittaranjan Ray

Tirthankar Roy

Exploring Research Topics for Ph.D. in Hydrology, Groundwater, and Water Resources

Hydrology, groundwater, and water resources are critical fields of study for environmental science and engineering. This article discusses potential research topics for Ph.D. students in these fields, including groundwater recharge estimation and modelling, water quality modelling and management, climate change and water resources, water resource management and policy, and remote sensing and hydrology. The article then presents 50 research topics for Ph.D. students. These research topics are essential for advancing knowledge and understanding of hydrology, groundwater, and water resources, and their sustainable management.

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Groundwater is the main available freshwater resource and therefore its use, management and sustainability are closely related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, Land Use Land Cover (LULC) and climate change are among the factors impacting groundwater recharge. The use of land-use and climate data in conjunction with hydrological models are valuable tools for assessing these impacts on river basins. This systematic review aimed at assessing the integrated modeling approach for evaluating hydrological processes and groundwater recharge based on LULC and climate change. The analysis is based on 200 peer-reviewed articles indexed in Scopus, and the Web of Science. Continuous research and the development of context-specific groundwater recharge models are essential to increase the long-term viability of water resources in any basin. The long-term impacts of natural and anthropogenic drivers on river basin interactions require integrating knowledge and modeling capabilities across biophysical responses, environmental problems, policies, economics, social, and data.

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Overview Novel forms of urban development aim to engineer systems that replicate natural hydrologic functioning. This includes preservation of near-natural groundwater recharge through infiltration of stormwater close to impervious surfaces where stormwater is generated. A small watershed in the Piedmont province of Maryland, USA is one of the first instrumented watersheds that was recently developed entirely with novel, distributed stormwater management techniques and is used as a case study for the proposed work. This study seeks to understand how these alterations to the natural landscape impact subsurface flow systems and groundwater – surface water interactions. A network of field observations will be used, including measurements of streamflow, precipitation, hydraulic head, infiltration from and specifications of stormwater control measures, and hydraulic conductivity. The field data will inform the application of ParFlow, a three-dimensional, distributed hydrologic model, bui...

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10 Groundwater recharge is one of the important factors determining the groundwater 11 development potential of an area. Even though recharge plays a key role in controlling 12 groundwater system dynamics, much uncertainty remains regarding the relationships between 13 groundwater recharge and its governing factors at a large scale. The aims of this study were to 14 identify the most influential factors on groundwater recharge, and to develop an empirical 15 model to estimate diffuse rainfall recharge at a global-scale. Recharge estimates reported in the 16 literature from various parts of the world (715 sites) were compiled and used in model building 17 and testing exercises. Unlike conventional recharge estimates from water balance, this study 18 used a multimodel inference approach and information theory to explain the relation between 19 groundwater recharge and influential factors, and to predict groundwater recharge at 0.50 20 resolution. The results show that meteorological f...

DR Kehinde Mogaji

In this paper we developed a simple multiple linear regression (MLR) recharge model that relates the recharge estimates obtained from rainfall to the geophysical parameters obtained from the interpretation of twodimensional (2D) resistivity imaging data for the purpose of efficient groundwater resources management in the southern part of Perak, Malaysia through recharge rate estimation and prediction. Through application of linear regression model, the estimated recharge from rainfall and the corresponding estimated unsaturated layer resistivity and its thickness (Depth to aquifer top) parameters obtained from geophysical measurements were regressed in R software written code environment for generating a MLR recharge model. The sensitivity of analyzed results of the MLR recharge model based on the parameter estimation of the model predictors (resistivity and depth) evaluated at Pr B 0.05 is 5.39 9 10-06 and 8.39 9 10-04, respectively. The accuracy and predictive power test conducted on the developed model using both t test and v2 distribution at a = 5 % significance level established the model estimation and prediction capability. The obtained results of v2 distribution test and parameters estimation test confirmed the reliability and accuracy of the proposed model in recharge rate estimation and prediction in the area. The application of the MLR recharge model gives estimate of 242.30 mm/year for regional groundwater recharge rate in the area. Through GIS tool, the MLR recharge model was used to produce groundwater recharge rate prediction map. A quick and independent estimate of recharge by simple geophysical measurement has been established based on these results. The information on the prediction map could serve as a scientific basis for groundwater resources management and exploration in the area. The approach suggests a new application of geoelectric parameters in determining recharge rate due to infiltration. The technique provides a good alternative to other methods used for this purpose. Keywords Multivariate regression recharges model  Groundwater recharge prediction  2D resistivity imaging  Geophysical parameters  2D resistivity imaging  Hydrogeological

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Environmental and Water Resources Engineering PhD

School of engineering and applied sciences, program description.

Research conducted in environmental engineering aims to gain a deeper understanding of the physical, chemical and biological processes that influence the health of our environment. Students in the Environmental and Water Resources Engineering PhD program acquire a comprehensive understanding of these processes and apply their knowledge to develop innovative engineering solutions for pollution prevention and treatment, environmental restoration, and sustainable resource management. Additionally, PhD students engage in original research to expand the scientific knowledge base and drive advancements in engineering practices.

School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Office of Graduate Education 415 Bonner Hall Buffalo, NY 14260 Email: [email protected]

Instruction Method

• In Person   (100 percent of courses offered in person)

Full/Part Time Options

Credits required, time-to-degree, application fee.

This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).

Online programs/courses may require students to come to campus on occasion. Time-to-degree and number of credit hours may vary based on full/part time status, degree, track and/or certification option chosen. Time-to-degree is based on calendar year(s). Contact the department for details.

Water Resources Engineering

Water resouces engineering faculty.

Fabian Bombardelli

Alexander Forrest

• Associate Professor

Jonathan Herman

M. Levent Kavvas

• Distinguished Professor

Veronica Morales

Holly Oldroyd

• Assistant Professor

S. Geoffrey Schladow

• Professor & Director of the Tahoe Environmental Research Center

Bassam Younis

Thomas Harter

• Professor, LAWR

Samuel Sandoval Solis

• Associate Professor, LAWR

Developing and Applying Advanced Analytical, Computational and Experimental Methods to Study Water in Natural and Engineered Systems

The research in the UC Davis Water Resources Engineering (WRE) Group encompasses a broad range of subjects,including hydrology, hydraulics, contaminant transport, atmospheric flows, and systems analysis, through a combination of numerical, laboratory, and field experiments. Specific topics include: impacts of climate change and contaminant transport in rivers, estuaries, and seas (both deterministic and stochastic); colloid and nanoparticle fate in soils; transport in porous, heterogeneous media; biochar engineering; land-water-atmosphere interactions and evapotranspiration; autonomous underwater vehicles; aquatic chemistry and ecosystems; turbulence modeling for complex shear flows; sediment transport; vortex shedding and its control; industrial aerodynamics; multiphase flows; water resources planning and management. Faculty members of the WRE Group direct the Jaime Amorocho Hydraulics Laboratory (JAHL); the Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC); and the Center for Watershed Sciences. The WRE Group leads research on Lake Tahoe, on the Delta of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Rivers, the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Coast.

Graduate School

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• Jen Hayes, Horticulture, PhD
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• Jordan Spradlin, Public Health, MPH
• Kalina Fahey, Psychology, Ph.D.
• Katie Stelling, Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, Ph.D.
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Water resources engineering (ph.d., m.s., minor).

Students enrolled in this degree will be broadly trained to undertake life-long careers in water resources system design, and will have the option to focus on groundwater, surface water, or watershed engineering.

Students will be required to take a minimum of 12 (M.S.) or 15 (Ph.D.) credits of graduate level engineering courses, and at least 6 (M.S.) or 9 (Ph.D.) credits of water science courses to support the engineering analysis. Water science courses may be selected from non-engineering departments across the campus, and are required to provide the students with the scientific context to understand the non-quantitative aspects of water resource systems.

Students completing the WRE program will meet the coursework requirements to attain Professional Hydrologist certification through the American Institute of Hydrology (AIH). Prior to graduation, all students in WRE will be required to show competence in mathematics to the level of applied differential equations (MTH 256), have a year of calculus-based physics and chemistry at the undergraduate level.

  Water Resources Engineering Website

  Graduate School

  Checklist for WRE

 Corvallis

Admissions Requirements

Required tests.

The GRE is not required.

English Language Requirements ?

English language requirements for international applicants to this program are the same as the standard Graduate School requirements .

Additional Requirements

Application requirements, including required documents, letters, and forms, vary by program and may not be completely represented here. The processing of your application will not be completed until these requirements have been met. Please, before applying to this program, always contact the program office to confirm application requirements.

Application Process

Please review the graduate school application process and Apply Online .

Dates & Deadlines ?

Admissions deadline for all applicants, funding deadline for all applicants, concentrations , mais participation.

This program is not offered as a MAIS field of study.

AMP Participation ?

This program does not participate in the Accelerated Master's Platform (AMP)

Contact Info

Graduate School Heckart Lodge 2900 SW Jefferson Way Oregon State University Corvallis, OR 97331-1102

Phone: 541-737-4881 Fax: 541-737-3313

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Water Resources Engineering

Degrees offered.

• M.S. Civil Engineering: Water Resources Engineering Specialty
• M.E. Civil Engineering: Water Resources Engineering Specialty
• Ph.D. Civil Engineering: Water Resources Engineering Specialty

What is Water Resources Engineering?

Water resources engineering has its roots in the tasks of supplying water for human use, removing water when humans are finished using it and developing methods of avoiding damage from excess water (floods). Much of the work of water resource engineers involves the planning and management of constructed facilities that address these tasks. Positions for undergraduates and graduates who specialize in water resources engineering can be found in both engineering consulting firms and in government entities charged with supplying water or dealing with its hazards.

In the past few years, students in the water resources concentration have largely taken jobs with consulting engineering firms in the big cities of Texas, although a number have joined firms on the west coast. The growing demand for water supplies and flood control in developed land lead our students to fulfilling careers.

Degree Information

Students can earn an M.S., M.Eng. and Ph.D. degrees in civil engineering in the water resources division of emphasis.

Master of Engineering and Master of Science (Non-Thesis)

The Master of Engineering and Master of Science (Non-Thesis) have identical requirements and are intended for students who seek a Master’s degree to prepare them for engineering practice. A minimum of 30 semester credit hours of approved courses is required for the Master of Engineering degree (MEng) and the Master of Science (Non-Thesis).

Master of Science (Thesis)

The Master of Science (Thesis) degree requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework. All students must also meet the program prerequisites. Students generally complete the degree requirements in 15 to 24 months. Students must take 9 hours in both the fall and spring semesters to have full-time student status.

Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree is a research-oriented degree requiring performance of independent research that is the original work of the degree candidate. The Ph.D. degree prepares students for careers in engineering practice, education, leadership, and research, including industry, government laboratories and academia. The final basis for granting the degree shall be the candidate’s grasp of the subject matter of a broad field of study and a demonstrated ability to do independent research. In addition, the candidate must have acquired the ability to express thoughts clearly and forcefully through both oral and written communication.

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College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

Water Resources Program

Physical Address: College of Natural Resources, Room 203B

Mailing Address: 875 Perimeter Drive MS 1133 Moscow, ID 83844-1133

Phone: 208-885-0111

Email: [email protected]

M.S. and Ph.D. Water Resources

Career information is not specific to degree level. Some career options may require an advanced degree.

Current Job Openings and Salary Range

in ID, WA, OR, MT and HI

Entry-Level

Senior-Level

• Career Options
• Chief Sustainability Officer
• Farmer, Rancher, or Other Agricultural Manager
• Natural Sciences Manager
• Water Resource Specialist
• Regulatory Affairs Manager
• Compliance Manager
• Brownfield Redevelopment Specialist and Site Manager
• Environmental Compliance Inspector
• Sustainability Specialist
• Water/Wastewater Engineer
• Environmental Engineer
• Soil and Plant Scientist
• Conservation Scientist
• Range Manager
• Park Naturalist
• Environmental Scientist and Specialist, Including Health
• Environmental Restoration Planner
• Hydrologist
• Remote Sensing Scientist and Technologist
• Environmental Economist
• Urban and Regional Planner
• Environmental Science Teacher, Postsecondary
• Fish and Game Warden

Regional Employment Trends

Employment trends and projected job growth in ID, WA, OR, MT & HI

*Job data is collected from national, state and private sources. For more information, visit EMSI's data sources page .

• Degree Prep

To prepare for courses required to earn a master's or doctoral degree in water resources, we recommend that you possess:

• A bachelor’s degree in an engineering, natural science, social science or a related field.
• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, computer and/or communication skills
• Please see our graduate handbook (pdf)  for more extensive information
• Degree Roadmap

Find a wealth of knowledge to help you succeed — from taking care of preliminary items associated with starting your graduate studies at the University of Idaho to finishing your degree.

Follow the detailed graduate admission requirements  before filling out your application to the College of Graduate Studies .

To find out about deadlines and eligibility requirements, please visit the University of Idaho Financial Aid office .

• Scholarships

Graduate student research and teaching assistantships are frequently provided by faculty advisors for students accepted into the Water Resources Graduate Program. To find more about potential funding opportunities, please contact individual faculty members or the program director.

• Hands-on Learning
• Access to indoor and outdoor laboratories
• Unique combination of research, networking and community involvement
• Clubs & Organizations
• Idaho Water Resources Research Institute
• H2IdahO is a student club for those interested in water
• Graduate and Professional Student Association
• IdaH2O is a Master Water Stewards Program for community outreach
• Job Openings and Salary Range
• Employment Trends

Explore the World's Water Issues

In this unique distinctive program, you will learn to collaborate effectively with peers in other fields and with key stakeholders and professionals to define, research, and achieve creative and sustainable solutions to contemporary water problems. Earn an interdisciplinary master's or doctoral degree in any of three emphasis areas: engineering and science; science and management; or law, management and policy.

• Graduate handbook (pdf)
• Follow us on Facebook
• University-wide curriculum offering a broad range of classes
• Three option areas provide targeted training
• Easy access to indoor and outdoor laboratories for hands-on training
• Concurrent degree available with Law (J.D./M.S.)

Meet Our Faculty

Over 60 faculty members from seven colleges and 15 departments participate in the Water Resources Program.

Meet our faculty

Meet Our Students

Learn about our students and their research in addressing water resources challenges.

Meet our students

Meet Our Alumni

Our alumni have found career opportunities in a variety of areas, including academia, government and private industry.

Meet our alumni

Our Research

Research teams utilize diverse natural laboratories and state-of-the-art facilities to address water resources challenges.

Our research

U of I Grads Making a Splash

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Civil Engineering (Water Resources) MPhil, PhD

Newcastle University have a broad range of civil engineering water resource research. It has global consequences and our academics are leaders in their field.

You are currently viewing course information for entry year:

Start date(s):

• September 2024
• January 2025

Our School of Engineering has a successful research group that focuses on water. The group is striving to make catchments, cities and infrastructure more productive, safer and sustainable . Our mission is to foster, promote and conduct research of international quality. We attract high-quality graduates and researchers and train them to international standards. Our range of expertise is broad and includes the development of practical responses to address global change challenges . This is from a local all the way to the global scale.

Our research themes include:

• flow and transport processes in surface and subsurface systems.
• planning and control of hydraulic networks
• sustainable management of the water environment, including urban, rural agricultural and forestry environments
• climate change impact assessment, including flood ris k
• environmental hazard assessment and mitigation, including landslide hazard
• integrated surface and groundwater pollution controls
• integrated assessment of coupled natural, technological and human systems

Visit our research group pages

• catchment hydrology and sustainable management
• flood risk and coastal management
• climate change impacts and adaptation

We supervise MPhil and PhD students in the following areas:

• flow and transport processes in surface and subsurface systems. This includes river mechanics and contaminant and sediment transport
• climate change impact assessment, including flood risk

Our research has access to facilities and centres in the  Newcastle Institute for Sustainability :

• Water Resource Systems Research Laboratory
• Centre for Earth Systems Engineering Research (CESER)
• Centre for Land Use and Water Resources Research (CLUWRR)

View our Civil Engineering research  water research pages .

Important information

We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our  Academic experience page , which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2023-24.

See our  terms and conditions and student complaints information , which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

Related courses

Qualifications explained.

Find out about the different qualification options for this course.

An MPhil is available in all subject areas. You receive research training and undertake original research leading to the completion of a 40,000 - 50,000 word thesis.

Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications

A PhD is a doctorate or doctoral award. It involves original research that should make a significant contribution to the knowledge of a specific subject. To complete the PhD you will produce a substantial piece of work (80,000 – 100,000 words) in the form of a supervised thesis. A PhD usually takes three years full time.

How you'll learn

Off-campus study may be available in some circumstances, particularly if you have industrial sponsorship. Our programme includes intensive subject-specific supervision training in research methodologies and core skills.

You may also have an opportunity to:

• undertake paid laboratory demonstrations
• tutor, to gain teaching experience

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

We offer a wide range of projects for the thesis. These will either be provided by our academics, or you can propose your own topic.

Our mission is to help you:

• stay healthy, positive and feeling well
• overcome any challenges you may face during your degree – academic or personal
• get the most out of your postgraduate research experience
• carry out admin and activities essential to progressing through your degree
• understand postgraduate research processes, standards and rules

We can offer you tailored wellbeing support, courses and activities.

You can also access a broad range of workshops covering:

• research and professional skills
• careers support
• health and safety
• public engagement
• academic development

Find out more about our postgraduate research student support

The Water subject group page links to our specialist research areas. You'll be able to:

• explore possible research programmes
• find out more about staff working in these research areas
• identify a potential research supervisor

Your development

Placement opportunities.

We have extensive UK and international contacts. Our research can be carried out in collaboration with industry and government agencies. Research projects are supervised by staff with a wide range of industrial and academic experience.

Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering (SAgE) researcher development programme 

Each faculty offers a researcher development programme for its postgraduate research students. We have designed your programme to help you:

• perform better as a researcher
• boost your career prospects
• broaden your impact

Through workshops and activities, it will build your transferable skills and increase your confidence.

You’ll cover:

• techniques for effective research
• methods for better collaborative working
• essential professional standards and requirements

Your programme is flexible. You can adapt it to meet your changing needs as you progress through your doctorate.

Find out more about the SAgE researcher development programme

Doctoral training and partnerships

There are opportunities to undertake your PhD at Newcastle within a:

• Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT)
• Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP)

Being part of a CDT or DTP has many benefits:

• they combine research expertise and training of a number of leading universities, academic schools and academics.
• you’ll study alongside a cohort of other PhD students
• they’re often interdisciplinary
• your PhD may be funded

Find out more about doctoral training and partnerships

If there are currently opportunities available in your subject area you’ll find them when you search for funding in the fees and funding section on this course.

The following centres/partnerships below may have PhD opportunities available in your subject area in the future:

• EPSRC Aura Centre for Doctoral Training in Offshore Wind Energy and the Environment
• IAPETUS2 Doctoral Training Partnership
• ONE Planet Doctoral Training Partnership
• EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Water Infrastructure and Resilience (WIRe)

Your future

Our careers service.

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Check the government’s website for more information .

The School of Engineering has an exceptional range of laboratories. These are equipped with a wide range of analytical instrumentation.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2024 entry (per year).

We are unable to give an exact fee, this is why the fee is shown as a range. This fee range takes into account your research topic and resource requirements.

Your research topic is unique so it will have unique resource requirements. Resources could include specialist equipment, such as laboratory/workshop access, or technical staff.

If your research involves accessing specialist resources then you're likely to pay a higher fee. You'll discuss the exact nature of your research project with your supervisor(s). You'll find out the fee in your offer letter.

Home fees for research degree students

For 2024-25 entry, we have aligned our standard Home research fees with those set by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) . The standard fee was confirmed in Spring 2024 by UKRI.

If your studies last longer than one year, your tuition fee may increase in line with inflation.

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here .

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See  our   searchable postgraduate funding page  for more information.  

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

• matriculation
• registration
• tuition (or supervision)
• library access
• examination
• re-examination

Find out more about:

• living costs
• tuition fees

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section .

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.

Search for funding

Find funding available for your course

Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2024 entry.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English language requirements, admissions policy.

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

Download our admissions policy (PDF: 201KB) Other policies related to admissions

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course

• How to apply

Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.

You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.

If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.

Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages .

Open days and events

You'll have a number of opportunities to meet us throughout the year including:

• campus tours
• on-campus open days
• virtual open days

Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually

Overseas events

We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.

Visit our events calendar for the latest events

• Get in touch

Questions about this course?

If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:

Postgraduate Research Administrator School of Engineering Email:  [email protected]   Telephone +44 (0) 191 208 6323

For more general enquiries you could also complete our online enquiry form.

Fill in our enquiry form

Our Ncl chatbot might be able to give you an answer straight away. If not, it’ll direct you to someone who can help.

You'll find our Ncl chatbot in the bottom right of this page.

Keep updated

We regularly send email updates and extra information about the University.

Receive regular updates by email

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Chat online with current students with our Unibuddy platform.

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Get involved with the School of Engineering   social media

• How You'll Learn
• Your Development
• Your Future
• Quality and Ranking
• Fees and Funding
• Entry Requirements
• Open days & events

Water Resources - Research Topics

Water resources.

• Information
• Related Courses
• Research Topics
• Research Projects

Last Updated:

• Agricultural Crop Classification
• Bridge hydraulics
• Climate change impact studies
• Crop Yield Prediction
• Data assimilation and analysis
• Decision making, optimization, fuzzy set theory
• Design of hydraulic structures
• Drought Analysis and Risk Assessment
• GIS/RS modeling and application in hydrology and water resources
• Hydrometeorology/hydroclimatology
• Hydrosystems reliability and risk assessment
• Land Cover Classification
• Modeling for numerical weather prediction and climate prediction
• Operation of water distribution networks
• Renewable energy (Hydropower, wind, and solar)
• River engineering and river basin management
• Seasonal Weather Forecasts
• Short-term Weather Predictions
• Snow hydrology
• Water resources management

Developing optimum operational strategies for pumped-storage hydropower system. 

While temperature increases significantly snowmelt-runoff peak time (Center time) shifts earlier.

Satellite Snow Products for Hydrology: http://hsaf.meteoam.it

Operational snow products are produced on daily basis

Non-existence or scarcity of ground observations of hydrometeorological variables in space and/or time limits the decision making processes or applications that are heavily dependent on such datasets. We can help these decision making processes by providing the cutting-edge remote sensing-based investigations supported by advanced data analysis techniques and machine learning methodologies.

Measuring snow depth, snow water equivalent at the field : 

Snow Analyses  :

Spatial distribution of snow depth, snow water equivalent and snow pack obtained from GPR analyses 

Accurate predictions of hydrometeorological variables such as precipitation, temperature, soil moisture, and runoff are essential in hazard early warning systems (e.g., floods, droughts, and heat-waves) and improved financial decision making systems (e.g., hydro-power, wind energy, and crop yield).  

Use of High-resolution (3-km) WRF Model:

6. Data Analysis Supported By Machine Learning :

We can detect spatial and/or temporal signals existing in time series or spatially extensive datasets by utilizing various artificial intelligence and statistical techniques. The relevant information that is hidden in the big datasets can be mined at high precision.

We can carry out site selection, optimization and prediction studies for hydropower, wind, and hybrid power systems by exploiting the hydrometeorological variables acquired from remote sensing observations, model simulations and relevant data. 

8. Design of Hydraulic Structures, Analyses of Hydrosystems, Safety Assessment

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Date published July 31 2020 by Barbara Neil

A good dissertation topic is the most crucial part of your dissertation writing process. Why you might ask? It is because a good dissertation topic not only helps you in achieving maximum possible marks,  but it helps in establishing your dissertation’s academic credibility and gives you the opportunity to voice your opinion in your respective field. Therefore, it is immensely important for you to thrive for the best possible dissertation topic for yourself.

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• To evaluate the possible outcomes of artificial canal system and the ways to minimise them.
• To design high efficiency and environment friendly urban water distribution system.

The study aim To Design an Efficient and Effective Water Distribution System in High Rise Building

• To find the major issues in the existing water distribution system of high rise building and the ways to address them.
• To analyse the concept of cost-effective water distribution in high rise buildings.
• To analyse the possible failure points and its impact on building structure and health and safety of the residents.
• To provide the quality control measures that can prevent the leakage and corrosion problems.

The study aim to evaluate effective Water Drainage System in Urban Infrastructure By using Computational Modelling.

• To evaluate the effective water drainage system for urban infrastructure by using computational modelling.
• To evaluate the simulated study for the effectiveness of water drainage system under uncontrollable and controllable variables.
• To analyse the sustainable water drainage system design for maximum benefits.
• To determine the maintenance cost and the reliability of the system in the event of natural emergency.

The research aims to design robust pipe network system that can handle the industrial needs of manufacturing plants within economical limits.

• To analyse the challenges related to the design of robust pipe network.
• To evaluate the roles of robust pipe network in modern industry.
• To perform the economic analysis of robust pipe network.

The study aims to assess the risk of urban flooding using twin Digital technology analyse the impact on urban communication.

• To study the risks of urban flooding using twin digital technology.
• To evaluate the efficiency and accuracy of hydrodynamic models from urban development and planning.
• To evaluate the techniques that can help in minimizing the impact of urban flooding.

The research aims to analyse the effects of accelerated glacier melting rate on irrigation system and the ways to minimise the consequences.

• To analyse the effects of accelerated glacier melting on irrigation.
• To design the water irrigation system with better flood resistance.
• To evaluate the possible ways to minimise the effects of accelerated glacier melting rate.
• The research aims to analyse the use of polluted sewage water for the production of electricity using Bio gas and Hydro energy methods.
• To evaluate the cost of energy by the sewage water electricity production process.
• To evaluate the need of treatment of water before using it for energy generation.
• To analyse the economic and social challenges related to the project and ways to minimise them.

The research aims to design porous concrete material to store the rainwater in urban roads.

• To design the porous material for the transfer of rain water and proper way for storage.
• To determine the challenges related to the application of porous concrete on urban roads and the ways to address them.
• To evaluate the environmental impact for using porous concrete material.

Research Aim

This exploratory research aims to explore the impact of the dynamics of water distribution systems on water pipe leakage in a high rise building. The purpose of selecting this subject area is that currently leakage is observed to occur in all water distribution systems. However, scholars have been investigating about certain types of systems that can significantly assist in improving water leakage. Other than this, this study has emphasized on this specific subject area as very few researchers have discussed about the effects of water distribution systems on leakage of water pipes.

Research Objectives

The aim of this study can be achieved by addressing secondary objectives which are enlisted as follows;

• To determine and evaluate factors accountable for substantially increased leakage exponents.
• To assess leakage methods that focus on quantifying the amount of water leaked from water distribution pipe in high rise building.
• To explore about the leakage control models which can significantly contribute in controlling present and future leakage levels efficiently. \
• To analyze the impact of leakage on the sustainability of high rise buildings, the surrounding of such buildings, as well as, health and safety issues of population residing within those buildings.

This research is conducted to critically assess excessive urban flooding risks on traffic networks. However, this study focuses on digital twin technology to acquire crucially significant research outcomes. This subject area has been taken into consideration specifically because of the fact that the impacts of urban flooding are predicted to be increasing substantially. It is because of increased urbanization, growth of population and climate change. In addition to this, it has been observed that drainage systems in most of the urban areas are not sufficiently efficient to overcome increased volume of water gathered after rainfall. Thus, this study would thereby, emphasize on analyzing the role of digital technology in this respect.

In order to achieve the goal of this study, secondary objectives have been proposed and enlisted as follows;

• To identify the stimulation of flood events on the basis of different climate change scenarios.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of hydrodynamic model, digital twin and traffic model in the planning and development of urban areas.
• To assess the exposure and vulnerability, in the context of mobility disruption in the current transport development plan.

This study has been proposed to carry out the analysis of fostering robust pipe network design when setting up large manufacturing plant. This study significantly focuses on the cement manufacturing factories in the United Kingdom. In the recent era, it has been observed that robustness is one of the significant component which plays significant role to meet the demands of customers. Other than this, it has been found that very few scholars have focused on the use of robustness in the management of segment isolation, as well as, detection of pipe burst. Thus, the current study focuses on these aspects with reference to cement manufacturing factories in UK.

Secondary research objectives have been proposed and enlisted below to meet the aim of this study.

• To explore the aforementioned issues related to the designing of robust pipe network.
• To assess the role of robust pipe network in the manufacturing of large plants.
• To understand the current and future advantages and disadvantages of robust pipe network design in setting up large manufacturing plant.

Research Aim The aim of this research is to conduct the exploratory study on the benefits of cooperation in transboundary river basins. Further, this research aims to investigate that how does it make the water resource system more efficient and benefits riparian stakeholders. Within the Water Convention, cooperation is considered as one of major obligations. States are implementing the convention and preparing for accession to the benefits of cooperation that can help in enhancing the environmental sustainability, improving the human well-being, accelerating economic growth, and increasing the political stability. Cooperation aids in producing the funds for the projects in transboundary basins. It is also one of the great way of endorsing the local population.

Research Objectives The primary objective of this research is to achieve the research aim that is to conduct the exploratory study on the benefits of cooperation in transboundary river basins. Secondary objective of the research are as follows:

• To study the cooperation in transboundary river basins.
• To evaluate the benefits of cooperation in transboundary river basins.
• To investigate the benefit of the water resource system.
• To evaluate the ways through which the water resource system more efficient.
• To investigate the method through which the water resource system can provide benefit to the riparian stakeholders.

Research Aim The aim of this research is to critically evaluate the flood and drought assessment in a human-dominated water cycle. Further, this research aims to investigate the anomalies introduced in the water cycle due to human domination when compared to the natural cycle. There is the great role played by the water cycles on the planet. The intervention of the human within the water cycle alters the dynamic role of the water. It is seen that human has produced some variance and anomalies within the water cycle. Therefore, it is very crucial to understand these glitches and compared it with the natural water cycle. Research Objectives The primary objective of this research is to achieve the research aim that is to critically evaluate the flood and drought assessment in a human dominated water cycle. Secondary objective of the research are as follows:

• To conduct the evaluation of the flood assessment within the human dominated water cycle.
• To conduct the evaluation of the drought assessment within the human dominated water cycle.
• To evaluate the anomalies introduced in the water cycle due to human domination.
• To evaluate the anomalies introduced in the water cycle due to natural cycle.

Research Aim The aim of this research is to study the removal of toxic and poisonous metals from synthetic waste water of industrial factories in water recycling plants. The untreated wastewaters released from the factories causes an increase of toxic pollutants within the aquatic climate as well. It is not only harmful to the aquatic climate but also for the water recycling plant. Toxic and poisonous metals are considered as one of the most dangerous contaminants present in the water and even their low concentrations can be hazardous for the health. Therefore, it is very essential to remove the toxic and poisonous metals from synthetic waste water of industrial factories in water recycling plants.

Research Objectives The primary objective of this research is to achieve the research aim that is to study the removal of toxic and poisonous metals from synthetic waste water of industrial factories in water recycling plants. The secondary objective of the research are as follows:

• To assess the risk of toxic and poisonous metals in to the water.
• To evaluate the ways through which the toxic and poisonous metals can be removed from the synthetic waste water of industrial factories.
• To understand the process of water recycling.
• To evaluate either it is safe to use the recycled water from the water recycling plants.

Research Aim The aim of this research is to conduct the managerial study on the state estimation for monitoring structures during extreme loading and environmental conditions. Further, this research aims to evaluate Japan’s tsunamis of 2011. The environmental event can drastically damage the structure, therefore it is essential to assess and monitors the structures that are

subjected to these kinds of such events before and after the occurrence of potential damage.

Research Objectives The primary objective of this research is to achieve the research aim that is to conduct the managerial study on the state estimation for monitoring structures during extreme loading and environmental conditions. The secondary objective of the research are as follows:

• To formulate the state estimation algorithms for imaging structures subjected to extreme loading present.
• To validate the algorithms by means of using experimental data from structural testing.
• To assess the 3D progression of damages.
• To gain an insight into the physical processes occurring within structures subject to extreme loading.
• To gain an insight into the damages occur due to Japan’s tsunamis of 2011.

Research Aim The aim of this research is to study the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) applications for better management and effective development and upgradation of urban drainage. Computational Fluid Dynamics is considered as one of the hi-tech tools for the

Severe problems. Upgrading and developing urban drainage is one of the critical tasks, therefore it is essential to use high tech tools. CFD in this concern can help in yielding maximum benefits.

Research Objectives The primary objective of this research is to achieve the research aim that is to study the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) applications for better management and effective development and upgradation of urban drainage. The secondary objective of the research are as follows:

• To evaluate how the computational fluid dynamic can be used for management of the urban drainage.
• To assess the ways through which computational fluid dynamic can develop and upgrade the urban drainage.
• To visualize the 3D flow patterns of the material within the urban drainage.

Research Aim The aim of this research is to critically evaluate the flow patterns and pollutant retention in vegetated sustainable drainage system (SuDS) ponds. Sustainable urban drainage systems comprise great significance within the green infrastructure. It is essential to view the 3D flow patterns of the material within the sustainable drainage system ponds by using the computational fluid dynamic for better visualisation. Therefore, this research is conducted for efficiently evaluating the pollutant retention within the sustainable drainage ponds.

Research Objectives The primary objective of this research is to achieve the research aim that is to critically evaluate the flow patterns and pollutant retention in vegetated sustainable drainage system (SuDS) ponds. Secondary objective of the research are as follows:

• To gain insight into the 3D flow patterns of the material within the sustainable drainage system ponds.
• To analyse the sustainable drainage system ponds.
• To develop the strong CFD-modelling method to integrate better design.
• To critically evaluate the pollutant retention in vegetated sustainable drainage system ponds.

Research Aim The aim of this research is to conduct the study for formulating a structure for the enhancement of runoff detention in green roofs and storm water planters. There are various methods that helps in minimising flood risks and surface water run-off in an eco-friendly manner such as sustainable drainage system . Therefore, it is essential to conduct the research on constructing structure for the enhancement of runoff detention in green roofs and storm water planters.

Research Objectives The primary objective of this research is to achieve the research aim that is to conduct the study for formulating a structure for the enhancement of runoff detention in green roofs and storm water planters. Secondary objective of the research are as follows:

• To construct a structure for the enhancement of runoff detention in green roofs.
• To construct a structure for the enhancement of runoff detention in storm water planters.
• To evaluate the benefits of the storm water planters.
• To evaluate the benefits of the green roofs.

Research Aim The aim of this research is to conduct the study for optimization and characteristics of copper pickling wastewater treatment in a single reactor using bio electrode process. Further, this research aims to study how effective is this technique in removing toxic and poisonous metals. Research Objectives The primary objective of this research is to achieve the research aim that is to conduct the study for optimization and characteristics of copper pickling wastewater treatment in a single reactor using bio electrode process. The secondary objective of the research are as follows:

• To gain complete insight into the copper pickling wastewater treatment.
• To understand the complete process of using bio electrode.
• To evaluate optimization and characteristics of copper pickling wastewater treatment in a single reactor using bio electrode process.
• To assess the effectiveness of the optimization and characteristics of copper pickling wastewater treatment in a single reactor using bio electrode process.
• To evaluate either the optimization and characteristics of copper pickling wastewater treatment in a single reactor using bio electrode process is useful in removing toxic and poisonous metals or not.

Aims The aim of this study is that, to develop efficient model surrogates for water resources and subsurface containment management. The surrogate modelling is also said to be metamodeling which used from last few decades. This research reviews the efforts on the surrogates' model for the water resources because EnviroForensic/Arcient provides a comprehensive array of the surface water services and groundwater. This study investigates the contamination extent in the subsurface and evaluates the potential impact on the water supplies. The temporally and spatially variables parameters have been used with sensitivity and uncertainty analysis. Objectives The objectives of this study are the following:

• To analyse the model surrogates for water resources.
• To analyse the model surrogates for subsurface containment management.
• To develop the novel efficient model surrogates for water resources and subsurface containment water management.
• To identify the water quality assessment and groundwater supply.
• To analyse the reservoir quality models.
• To observe the impact of the surrogate model for water resources and subsurface containment management.

Aims This study aims that the critical analysis for the modelling of geomechanical inverse and the uncertainty quantification for the natural geysers. The predictive modelling of the coupled geomechanical processes at the scale of the continuum for addressing the decision making in the area of geological carbon sequestration surface waste disposal development of the geothermal and groundwater and the reservoir engineering. The information that has been taken by developing the inverse models which merge with the response of coupled geomechanical models. These models have a large number of outputs and inputs. This research aims that avoidance saving and consumption by replacing with the quantification for natural geysers. Objectives The objectives of this study are the following:

• To analyse the geomechanical inverse modelling.
• To analyse the uncertainty quantification for natural geysers.
• To evaluate the critical analysis of the inverse modelling of geomechanical and the uncertainty quantification for the natural geysers.

Aim The study aims that it is a systematic study for the understanding and quantifying with the associated risk subsurface fluid injection in the industry of petroleum. This study also determines the subsurface containment assurance with environmental damage, impact on the well operations and damage to the operating assets which incurred by the leakage due to injection or production of the fluids from the intended ones. Therefore, in the petroleum industry, the operations management of change and process and well operations with the associated risk of fluid subsurface injection. This process has been used at a worldwide scale for the variety of the purposes and irrespective injection target and observed a land uplift. Objectives: The objectives of this study are the following:

• To understand the subsurface fluid injection.
• To understand and quantify the associated risk with the subsurface fluid injection.

To critically evaluate the related risks with subsurface fluid injection in the petroleum industry

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Water Engineering Dissertation Ideas For Awe Inspiring Dissertations

Water engineering overlaps a lot of other disciplines e.g. urban engineering, structural engineering, civil engineering, manufacturing engineering to name a few. Therefore, a few water engineering dissertation topics might not be enough to cover the whole aspect of water engineering. To solve this problem our industry specialist have prepared a list of some of the best water engineering dissertation ideas that you can use to formulate best water engineering dissertation topics for yourselves.  

Research Aim The aim of this research is to conduct the study on the development of an advanced dynamic risk assessment tool based on agent based modelling. Agent based model is the type computational models for interactions of autonomous agents and simulating the actions. It is helpful tool for the risk assessment. Agent based model can be used for the assessment of the flash floods. Therefore, it is essential to conduct the research on the risk assessment of the flash flood through Agent based model.

Research Objectives The primary objective of this research is to achieve the research aim that is to conduct the study on the development of an advanced dynamic risk assessment tool based on agent based modelling. Secondary objective of the research are as follows:

• To gain complete insight into the agent based model.
• To understand the effectiveness of the agent based model.
• To evaluate the development of an advanced dynamic risk assessment tool based on agent based modelling.
• To perform the risk assessment of the flash flooding.

Research Aim The aim of this research is to conduct the exploratory study for understanding urban flooding using physical modelling. Physical modelling is one of the prominent tools of understanding urban flooding. Therefore, this research is conducted for evaluating the effectiveness of physical modelling.

Research Objectives The primary objective of this research is to achieve the research aim that is to conduct the exploratory study for understanding urban flooding using physical modelling.  The secondary objective of the research are as follows:

• To evaluate urban flooding.
• To understand the urban flooding using physical modelling.
• To use the dual drainage hydraulic for assessment of risks associated with urban flooding.

The aim of the study to analyze the use of HYBRID ANAEROBIC BAFFLE REACTOR (HABR) for the decrease in Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and generate quality byproduct through the spent wash of molasses. The study will be the experimental condition investigation such as the concreate of the solution, pH of the solution and the NPK quantity existing in sludge for the direct use.

Objectives:

The study is to be conducted on the sugar industry wastewater treatment through HABR. The aim of the study can be achieved through secondary objectives. Therefore, the secondary objectives of the study are the following:

• To study the COD content variation with the aspect of various Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT).
• To study the BOD content variation with the aspect of various HRTs.
• To study the Total suspended Solid (TSS) content variation with the aspect to various HRTs.
• To study the pH variation in the period of treatment with aspect to various HRTs.
• To obtain the optimal HRTs of the reactor.
• To analyze the anaerobic digestion use as the overall solution to decrease COD and BOD.

The aim of the study is to conduct a comparative analysis of the groundwater and surface water treatment. The research aims to study the use of bio-coagulant for the treatment.

The primary objective of the study is to achieve the aim of the study. However, the aim can be achieved through secondary objectives. Therefore, the secondary objectives of the study are the following:

• To study the concept of groundwater treatment.
• To study the concept of surface water treatment.
• To analyze the use of Bio-coagulant in the treatment.
• To compare and contrast the difference between groundwater treatment and surface water treatment.
• To analyze the characteristics of groundwater treatment.
• To analyze the characteristics of surface water treatment.
• To investigate how the turbidity level and the bacteriological contaminants can be reduced through natural coagulant which is locally available.
• To evaluate ways for making the treatment process of water easy for the application of household.

The aim of the study is to comment and develop graphene oxide (GO) recent application as the adsorbent for the treatment of wastewater. The study aims to include a small introduction regarding adsorption data (Thermodynamics, isotherms and kinetics) and some of the major facts for the route preparation of graphene oxides (that is a magnetic material, nanocomposites etc). The categorization of the adsorbent that is prepared will also be commented with the help of the recent detail data regarding the utilisation of GO for the organic’s removal (that is antibiotics or dyes) and the wastewater heavy metals.

The primary objective of the study is to achieve the aim of the research. However, the aim of the research can be fulfilled through various secondary objectives. Therefore, the secondary objectives of the current research are the following:

• To study the graphene effectiveness.
• To evaluate the graphene effectiveness for the emulsified oil removal from water.
• To investigate the conditions which will be best for the process of treatment.
• To analyze the concept of adsorption.
• To evaluate the use of adsorption.

The aim of the study is to perform a critical analysis of the usage of wastewater treatment using the reed bed lab-scale system using the australis phragmites. The research aims to represent the construction method of the root zone bed. The research aims to analyze the effectiveness of root zone bed for various contaminant removal using the treatment process of the root zone. The aim of the research is to discuss and compare the result for treated water samples and raw water.

The primary objective of the study is to achieve the aim of the research. However, the aim of the study can be achieved through secondary objectives. Therefore, the secondary objectives of the study are the following:

• To study the parameters of wastewater.
• To develop an understanding of the importance of root zone treatment.
• To analyze the functions of phragmites australis.
• To evaluate the concept of a reed bed system.
• To study reed bed systems’ principles.
• To study the advantage of using a reed bed.
• To investigate the working and construction of reed bed.
• To evaluate the kind of reed beds.

The aim of the study is to conduct a critical analysis of the treatment potential of domestic wastewater by using a constructed system of wetland. The research aims to improve the knowledge regarding the process of wastewater purification through the constructed wetlands in a humid environment. The study aims to develop the finest operation criteria and design that apply to the wetland or a similar environment.

The primary objective of the study is to achieve the aim of the study. The study aim can be achieved through secondary objectives. Therefore, the secondary objectives of the study are the following:

• To determine the constructed wetland subsurface flow effectiveness for the treatment related to domestic wastewater.
• To analyze the performance and processes that can be obtained in the constructed wetland with the help of species of phragmites Mauritius plants and Cyperus papyrus under various operating conditions and loading rates with the aspect to COD, TSS, BOD, pathogens and nutrients.
• To analyze the macrophytes functional role that can be utilised in nutrients uptake and the capacity storage in the rooting and standing biomass.
• To evaluate the performance and design of constructed wetland of household.
• To suggest guidelines for construction, design, management and use of constructed wetlands on the basis of information collection on cost and processes involved.

The aim of the study is to analyze the utilization of pollution for generating electricity. The research aims to present the idea for making opportunities for hydropower from the sewage water which is treated.

Objective :

• To evaluate the resource management and environmental aspect of different kinds of wastewater systems.
• To determine different concepts for the choice of the system when planning a new or modifying the old wastewater system.
• To study the considerations of energy in treatment plants of wastewater.
• To analyze the distribution of energy in treatment plants of wastewater.
• To analyze and evaluate energy performance.
• To analyze methods for the consumption of energy.
• To evaluate how the opportunities of hydropower can be generated through treated water of sewage.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of porous concrete for urban pavement and the harvesting of rainwater. The research aims to analyze the extent to which porous concrete might help to deal with urban flash floods.

• To analyze the overall suitability for the preparation of porous pavement block on the basis of their grade, size, toughness index, angularity and compatibility.
• To develop the finest size of coarse aggregate for the determined effective permeability and porosity.
• To analyze the advanced characteristics like compressive strength, splitting strength and the resistance abrasion to analyze the porous concrete suitability for the pavement blocks.
• To analyze the permeability and porosity of the standard in porous concrete for understanding and evaluating the rainwater harvesting and groundwater infiltration effectiveness.
• To study how porous, concrete can assist with flash floods in urban areas.

The aim of the study is to conduct a systematic analysis of the treatability studies and design for cheap bio-filter in the treatment of greywater. The research aims to analyze the filter material performance in virus and bacteria removal from greywater.

The primary objective of the study is to achieve the aim of the study. However, the aim of the study can be achieved through secondary objectives. Therefore, the secondary objective of the study is the following:

• To compare and contrast the efficacy of biochar, pine bark and filters of activated charcoal I the removal of viruses and bacteria from greywater.
• To assess the filter performance.
• To evaluate the effect of additional wastewater in the filter performance.
• To review the result of using various filter material.

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PhD Program in Water Resources and Environmental Engineering

• Hydrology and Water Resources Management
• Hydraulic Engineering
• Water Supply and Sanitary Engineering
• Irrigation Engineering and Management

Rationale of the Program Major development problems in Ethiopia are water-related: food insecurity, low economic development, recurrent droughts, poor health conditions and low energy production. The root cause of these problems is not the lack of adequate water resources, but rather the limited development and management of this most important resource. Several institutions in Ethiopia have tried to mobilize resources to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015 and the sustainable development goals (SDG) by 2030. However, the main challenge is to continue and accelerate the progress made in recent years toward the SDGs and to address the causes of poverty among the population.

The need for highly qualified human resources is highlighted in Ethiopia's Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP II) and the Africa Water Vision (AWV) for 2025. The AWV also calls for a new way of thinking about water and a new form of regional cooperation. This calls for expanding training of highly qualified professionals that can play the leading role in research, planning, decision making and policy development in the water sector. Moreover, there is a need for highly qualified professionals that cross the border of engineering, social, environmental and economics fields of studies.

Research in the area of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering will address the development and application of scientific principles, economic theory, mathematical and social techniques and fully integrate them with the management and planning of environmental and water resource systems. Understanding hydrologic and erosion processes, irrigation and water supply systems management, water quality, flooding, river basin and reservoir systems planning and operation, ecological systems management, and sustainable development are topics that need immediate consideration.

Objectives The general objective of the PhD program is to satisfy the national, regional and international demand for highly trained water educators, researchers and water resources management and development specialists.

Admission Requirements PhD with course work

• A candidate who has MSc. Degree or equivalent in water resources engineering, hydrology; irrigation engineering and management; hydraulic engineering, hydrogeology, integrated watershed management, water supply and sanitary engineering, water supply and environmental engineering, soil and water conservation engineering and management, natural resources management, and other engineering fields from a recognized institution depending on the research type for the PhD dissertation.
• Candidates are expected to submit two recommendation letters, statement of motivation, and a research concept note (2–3 pages) for the PhD program.
• The Faculty will give a written qualifying examination and/or an interview following presentation of research concept note. The Faculty Graduate Committees (FGC) and an academic staff who will be main supervisor of the applicant will conduct the evaluation of the application document as well as the interview. Refer the BiT–BDU guideline about the role of FGC.
• Admission will be considered based on the soundness of the applicants’ PhD concept note specifying: relevance of the research topic; the scientific approach, theory and methodology; publication and research experience; written and oral examination.
• The assessment of admission is made by the FGC, endorsed by the Faculty academic commission and approved by the counsel of graduate studies (GSC).
• Candidates must also meet the general application and graduate admission policy of BDU.

PhD without course work

• All the admission criteria mentioned above (applicable for PhD with course work) also hold for PhD without course work.
• Applicants should demonstrate a strong academic and research background (i.e. at least 2 publications, in which one as first author, in peer reviewed journals of web of science or science citation indexed database during admission) including having the ability to independently pursue the research of interest in a scientific manner to be admitted in PhD program without course.
• The publication should be in a related area with the PhD program and should have been published within two years of the application period.

Graduation Requirements As per the University Senate Legislation.

Duration As per the University Senate Legislation.

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You are here, two phd students win awards in 2024 asce-ewri congress paper contest.

PhD students in the InterCONnected Critical Infrastructure Systems Engineering ( CONCISE ) Laboratory, led by CEE Assistant Professor  Farrah Moazeni , won two out of the three awards presented in the Graduate Student Technical Paper Competition at the 2024 ASCE-EWRI World Environmental & Water Resources Congress, held May 19-22, in Milwaukee.

Nazia Raza was recognized with the award for the second-best  paper  for "A Holistic Cybersecurity Framework against False Data Injection Attacks in Smart Water Distribution Systems Employing Auto-Encoders."

Saskia A. Putri was honored with the award for the third-best  paper  for "Data Driven System Identification of Water Distribution Systems via Kernel-Based Interpolation."

Each award winner received a $500 check and had their conference registration fees refunded.

"All of our students presented exceptionally well," says Moazeni, "and Nazia and Saskia should be proud to have won these highly competitive awards." 

Members of the CONCISE Lab at the 2024 World Environmental & Water Resources Congress, from left: PhD students Nazia Raza, Saskia Putri, and Oluwabunmi Iwakin.

Faegheh (Farrah) Moazeni, assistant professor, civil and environmental engineering

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I'm considering pursuing a career in engineering when I go to college. What are the different types of engineering degrees available, and could you provide some insight into what they involve?

Sure! Engineering is a diverse field with numerous degrees and specializations. Here's an overview of some of the main engineering degree types along with a brief description of what they involve:

1. Civil Engineering: Focuses on the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, dams, and buildings. Areas of specialization can include structural engineering, transportation engineering, environmental engineering, and more.

2. Mechanical Engineering: Encompasses the design, analysis, and manufacturing of mechanical systems. This includes engines, machines, and other devices that involve motion. Subfields include robotics, mechatronics, and automotive engineering, among others.

3. Electrical Engineering: Deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. This field includes subdisciplines such as power engineering, control systems, and microelectronics, as well as telecommunications and signal processing.

4. Computer Engineering: Combines aspects of electrical engineering and computer science. Computer engineers design and develop computer systems, including both hardware and software components. Specializations may include embedded systems, networking, and cybersecurity, among others.

5. Chemical Engineering: Involves the design and operation of processes that convert raw materials into useful products, such as chemicals, fuels, and pharmaceuticals. This field combines knowledge from chemistry, physics, and biology, with practical applications in environmental protection, materials science, and biotechnology.

6. Biomedical Engineering: Applies engineering principles to solve problems in medicine and biology. This interdisciplinary field focuses on developing medical devices, imaging technologies, and tissue engineering solutions, as well as studying biomechanics and cellular engineering.

7. Aerospace Engineering: Concerns the design, development, and testing of aircraft, spacecraft, and satellite systems. Subdisciplines include aerodynamics, propulsion, and control systems, in addition to materials and structural analysis.

8. Industrial Engineering: Integrates engineering, mathematics, and business principles to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of complex systems. This includes areas such as supply chain management, operations research, and quality control.

9. Environmental Engineering: Applies engineering principles to address environmental challenges, such as pollution control, waste management, and sustainable resource use. Topics covered include air and water quality management, as well as ecological and risk assessments.

10. Materials Science and Engineering: Studies the properties, processing, and application of materials, including metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. This field combines elements of physics, chemistry, and engineering to develop innovative materials for various industries.

Of course, there are other engineering disciplines and specialized subfields not listed here. As you explore engineering degrees, keep in mind that many programs offer both broad and focused coursework, allowing you to tailor your education to your specific interests and career aspirations.

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