Masters of Science Program in Water

Masters of Science Program in Water Engineering

Water Supply, Waste Water Engineering and Ground Water Hydrology

September 1999

Birzeit University IHE Delft

Sponsored by the

Directorate General of International Cooperation,

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Netherlands

Introduction and Background

The provision of a good quality domestic and industrial water supply and the protection of existent water resources from pollution are matters of great concern in Palestine. The country is increasingly suffering from water shortages and environmental pollution suggesting that groundwater sources may be facing both over-exploitation and deterioration in quality.

One obstacle facing the ability of Palestinian society to address these crucial issues is the limited number of local engineers who are qualified in the fields of water and the environment. Thus, there is an urgent need for developing local skills in the design, planning and implementation of water and environment policies and projects, as well as in the current abilities to upgrade existing facilities.

Birzeit University and the International Institute of Infrastructure, Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering (IHE) are cooperating in a long-term project on Water Sector Capacity Building in Palestine funded by the Netherlands Government. The long-term objective of the cooperation project is to build integrated research and education capacity in the fields of water and environmental engineering.

The project will help meet local needs for trained professional staff while developing academic capacity the fields of water and environment. It will also strengthen existing research capacity and practical know-how in the areas of water and environment at Birzeit University. It is in the framework of this cooperation project, that Birzeit University offers a Masters of Science Program in Water Engineering.

Aims of the Masters Program

The Masters Program aims to train engineers working in governmental, municipal, non-governmental and private organizations, to deal with the complex problems of environmental pollution and degradation. It will provide professional training and qualifications in sanitary engineering and hydrology, with an emphasis on integrating theoretical concepts with engineering practice and the ability to translate them into master planning processes and frameworks. Considerable attention is given to issues of infrastructural sustainability, cost recovery, institutional arrangements and sound operation and maintenance practices.

The Masters Program is aimed at engineers who have successfully completed their B.Sc. degree in civil, mechanical or chemical engineering. The Program is also targeted at professionals with an engineering background who have practical work experience. A part-time Program is offered to enable participants to combine work and study.

Structure and Organization of the Program

The Program offers a total of fifteen taught courses divided over three specializations: water supply, wastewater engineering and groundwater hydrology. Each taught course is equivalent to three credit hours. Courses comprise lectures and workshops and may involve design, computer and laboratory exercises. The Program will also include visits to relevant institutions, organizations and field sites.

To fulfill the requirements, students must successfully complete ten taught courses and a research thesis of six credit hours. The full-time Program lasts one and a half years. Completion of the part-time Program takes between two and three years, depending on individual circumstances.

Courses

ENWE 631 Sewerage

ENWE 632 Water Distribution

ENWE 633 Water Quality

ENWE 634 Environmental Processes

ENWE 635 Introduction to Water and Waste Water Treatment

ENWE 636 Hydrology

ENWE 637 Hydrogeology

ENWE 638 Waste Management

ENWE 639 Data Management

ENWE 731 Waste Water Treatment

ENWE 732 Water Treatment

ENWE 733 Groundwater Flow and Exploration

ENWE 734 Water Resources Management

ENWE 735 Groundwater modeling

ENWE 736 Project Management

ENWE 760 Thesis

Required compulsory and elective courses depend on the specialization chosen.

The research thesis consists of the formulation of a research proposal, literature study and implementation of a research project through laboratory and field experiments.

Admission Requirements

The Program accepts applicants with B.Sc. degrees in civil, chemical and mechanical engineering. Applications are evaluated on an individual basis. When deemed necessary, the applicant may have to complete prerequisite courses, scheduled before or during the Masters Program. Engineers working at municipalities, non-governmental organizations or at other community service institutions are strongly encouraged to join the Program.

Language of Instruction

Instruction and examinations are held in English. It is therefore essential that applicants have a good working knowledge of the English language. Applicants will have to demonstrate acceptable language proficiency before being admitted to the course.

Tuition Fee

The tuition fee is JD 85 per credit hour, but may be subject to change. The tuition fee does not cover the costs of books, technical papers and other educational materials.

Applications

Candidates seeking admission to the Program are requested to complete and return the application form that can be obtained from the Administration Office at Birzeit University. All applications will be treated confidentially. For further information please contact the programs office at Birzeit University.

Address: P.O. Box 14, Birzeit, Palestine

Tel./Fax: +972-2-298 2120

Fax: +972-2-298 2984

E-mail: enwe@birzeit.edu

Home page: http://www.birzeit.edu

Overview of Cooperating Institutions

Birzeit University is a well-established independent Palestinian University offering Bachelor and Masters degrees in Engineering, the Natural and Social Sciences, Arts, Commerce and Economics. The engineering studies cover the fields of civil, mechanical and electrical engineering and architecture. The University has played a leading role in Palestinian national development throughout the years.

President: Prof. Hanna Nasir

Address: P.O. Box 14, Birzeit, and Palestine

The International Institute of Infrastructure, Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering (IHE) aims at transferring scientific and technological knowledge related to water and environment. Its target group consists of professionals in the water sector, especially in Developing countries. IHE offers Ph.D. research programs master of Engineering and Master of Science programs and tailor-made post-graduate courses offered in Delft, Netherlands and overseas. IHE is involved in a range of long-term capacity building projects. In addition to the cooperation program with Birzeit University, IHE is active in similar university cooperation projects in Ghana, Yemen, Columbia and Zimbabwe.

Rector: Prof. Wim van Vierssen

Address: P.O. Box 3015, NL-2601 DA
Delft, The Netherlands.
Tel: +31-152-151701

Fax: +31-152 122921

E-mail: ihe@ihe.nl

Home page http://www.ihe.nl