FNE 1203 Water Resources

This course unit covers freshwater science from the ecological or environmental science point of view. The students are exposed to biological, chemical, physical, geological and other attributes of inland waters (running and standing waters, fresh and saline, natural or manmade). This includes the study of lakes, ponds, rivers, springs, streams and wetlands. The landscape approach of the study reflects the need to view the interconnectedness of these water bodies as part of the landscape hence aspects of watershed management are considered. Water resources are presented in the context of scarcity and the relevance for improving human welfare and the environment in the 21st century. Aspects of Water scarcity and pollution with consequent water use conflicts are studied. Mitigations are biophysical and socio-economic in nature requiring an understanding of the basics of water resources and how the root causes can be minimized through proper trans-boundary management and governance of water resources.

Course objectives
By the end of the course, students will be;

• Equipped with concepts and terminologies used sustainable management of water resources.
• Able to describe techniques water resource conservation in an integrated manner. 
• Able to discuss he governance and socioeconomic issues related to water trans- boundary and the linkage to the existing and potential water crisis.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course, the student should demonstrate capacity to;

• Apply the concepts and terminologies used in water resources to conservation of aquatic ecosystems.
• Manage and conserve aquatic ecosystems in an integrated manner from a landscape perspective.
• Articulate the governance and socioeconomic issues related to water trans- boundary and the linkage to the existing and potential water crisis.