Regional use of water resources around the world has evolved through deep interaction and harmonization of the natural hydrologic cycles and human society. Expanding human activities has resulted in serious problems in the use of water resources and their environments. In the introductory part of this course, students will understand the historical aspects of water resources development. Then, students will learn the natural or physical phenomena significant for the development and use of water resources. Finally, students will learn methodologies for water resources management and use, as well as accompanying problems and issues at present and in the future, using actual examples from different regions and places.
By the end of the course, students will understand how to develop water resources and sustainably use water by harmonizing with the natural hydrological cycle. Through the course students will gain a broad range of knowledge which covers the historical aspect of water resources development, problems and issues constrained by the climatic and geographical conditions and social or cultural backgrounds, as well as water resources planning and related infrastructure design.
Water resources, water use, management, conservation, planning, infrastructure, hydrologic cycle, aquatic environment, ecosystem
✔ Specialist skills | ✔ Intercultural skills | Communication skills | Critical thinking skills | Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
This course consists of eight lectures. Students are required to read the materials written in English before coming to the class.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | History of water resources development and water use in Japan and in the world | Become aware of the historical aspects of water use and resources development in various parts in Japan and the world. |
Class 2 | Regional characteristics of water resources: relationship with climate and land condition | Understand the regional characteristics of water resources, influential factors and their degrees of importance. |
Class 3 | Theory and actual situation of hydrological processes relevant for water resources management (1) | Understand the theory and actual situation of natural hydrological processes relevant for water resources management. |
Class 4 | Theory and actual situation of hydrological processes relevant for water resources management (2) | Understand the theory and actual situation of natural hydrological processes relevant for water resources management. |
Class 5 | Aquatic environment and ecosystem in water resources management | Understand the significance of water quality and influence on humans, the environment and ecosystems. |
Class 6 | Water resources planning and infrastructure design | Understand fundamental ideas how to develop and utilize water resources. |
Class 7 | Issues and future perspectives about the conservation and utilization of water resources | Understand issues and solutions for water resources conservation and utilization. Also, discuss about future water resources and their management. |
Class 8 | Review and summary | Review and summarize the important points in the whole series of lectures. |
Textbooks are specified by the instructor.
Supplemental materials are specified by the instructor. Lecture notes are distributed if necessary.
References
Thomas V. Cech: Principles of Water Resources: History, Development, Management, and Policy, Wiley
Larry W. Mays: Water Resources Engineering, Wiley
Evaluate the level of understanding for the whole lecture content by the midterm repot (30%) and final exam (70%).
It is better that students have finished the related courses.