Aquatic Ecosystems Management
Couplings of the biogeochemistry of all components of the ecosystem, the drainage basin, land-water interface communities, and the open water communities are critical to both the qualitative and quantitative understanding of lake and river ecosystems. This essential ecosystem perspective is now being widely discussed and gradually incorporated into management of inland waters. However, for a number of reasons, the ecosystem perspective is not being effectively incorporated into the graduate training of students in aquatic ecology.
The most effective and economical management of aquatic ecosystems results from an understanding of the mechanisms governing the integrated hydrology, chemistry, and biology of these ecosystems. The correct diagnoses of freshwater problems and their corrective management are most effective when the dynamics of controlling processes are quantified. Effective management of freshwater resources ultimately must be based on an in-depth understanding of the structure and physical, chemical, and biotic mechanisms governing the biotic development within lake, river, and wetland ecosystems. This critical inquiry must be taught rigorously in sufficient detail to understand both the individualities of the ecosystems, as well as the functional commonalities that prevail among them.
The aquatic ecosystems management program has the combined objectives of training students
(1) with the critical scientific underpinnings required for understanding integrative ecosystem processes
(2) with sufficient understanding of the ecosystem components to allow individuals to solve problems and make effective managerial and regulatory decisions.
(3) With sufficient understanding of the basin scale anthropogenic and natural environmental processes that influence aquatic ecosystems and productivity. Because of several complex but coupled reasons, these objectives are rarely accomplished in training programs.
Program Objectives
The principal objective of this PhD Program is to offer a comprehensive understanding of water resources and hydrological processes, water science and technology, and management of aquatic ecosystems and services. The Program aims to produce graduates with sound knowledge and skill in water management, as well as in leading the scientific endeavor required to understand and model hydrological processes and water resources systems, water quality, water and wastewater treatment processes, and water supply and sanitation system planning and management.
Intended Learning Outcomes of The Program
Knowledge
By the end of the program, students will:
- Understand the principles, concepts and tools of water management in the respective specializations;
- Have a broad, multi‐disciplinary foundation in water science, technology and management;
- Understand key inter‐ disciplinary issues in water management;
- Have formed associations with a substantial number of students in other disciplines.
Skills
By the end of the program, students will:
- Be able to effectively apply their disciplinary knowledge in a multi‐ or, inter‐disciplinary setting;
- Effectively communicate project analyses and results to classmates and faculty;
- Be able to develop new interdisciplinary knowledge.
Values
By the end of the collaborative program, students will:
- Be able to work cooperatively with experts in water management;
- Understand the importance of multi‐, inter‐ or trans‐disciplinary approaches in the water sector;
- Be able to identify the role of their discipline expertise in multi‐ or interdisciplinary problem solving.
Admission Requirement
- Applicants must have MSc degree in aquatic science, aquatic ecosystems, environmental science, liminology or other related areas from a recognized
- Applicants will be required to take and successfully pass an entrance
- Applicants must meet the general admission policies of the University
- An outstanding MSc. candidate if recommended can be admitted to the PhD program