Introduction to Water and Climate from edX

Water is essential for life on Earth and of crucial importance for society. Water also plays a major role in affecting climate. Its natural cycle, from ocean to atmosphere by evaporation, then by precipitation back to land returning via rivers and aquifers to the oceans, has a decisive impact on regional and global climate patterns.

For those interested in engineering, climate science and environmental studies, this course offers a first introduction to the physics of water systems and their role in climate. In addition, we show you the state-of-the-art engineering interventions that can be applied to water systems. These can improve coastal safety and increase the availability of water supplies worldwide.

The course welcomes students from all over the globe, so we actively encourage discussion of water and climate issues you may experience in your location, now and in the coming decades.

After taking this course, you will be able to:

Understand the different processes at play in the global water cycle.
Identify and describe the flows of water and sand in different riverine, coastal and ocean systems.
Identify mechanisms of climate change and explain the interplay between climate change, sea level, clouds, rainfall and future weather.
Explain why, when and which engineering interventions are needed in rivers, coastal and urban environments.
Explain why water for food and water for cities are the main challenges in water management and propose solutions.
Explain and confront the challenges in better understanding and adapting to the impact of climate change on water over the coming 50 years.

The course consists of knowledge clips, movies, exercises, and exam assignments. There are opportunities to discuss course materials with your fellow students and the Course Team through our online forum. We also provide interactive feedback video sessions in which the lecturers discuss issues raised by students.

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) has a unique reputation when it comes to water and climate, with faculty experts in the fields of climate research, water management and hydraulic engineering. The course introduces you to many aspects of water and climate: from the micro scale of raindrops to the macro scale of oceans, and from understanding the physics of the different water systems to practical engineering solutions that may help societies adapt to the present and future impacts of climate change on water.

Together with the courses "Drinking water treatment" and "Urban Sewage Treatment" this course forms the Water XSeries, from the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences at TU Delft.

What's inside

Learning objectives

The different processes of the global water cycle
The challenges in better understanding and adapting to the impact of climate change on water for the coming 50 years
The flows of water and sand in different riverine, coastal and ocean systems

How to identify mechanisms of climate change and explain the interplay of climate change, sea level, clouds, rainfall and future weather
Why, when and which engineering interventions are needed in rivers, coasts and urban environments
Why water for food and water for cities are the main challenges in water management and what the possibilities and limitations of reservoirs and groundwater are to improve water availability

The different processes of the global water cycle
The challenges in better understanding and adapting to the impact of climate change on water for the coming 50 years
The flows of water and sand in different riverine, coastal and ocean systems
How to identify mechanisms of climate change and explain the interplay of climate change, sea level, clouds, rainfall and future weather
Why, when and which engineering interventions are needed in rivers, coasts and urban environments
Why water for food and water for cities are the main challenges in water management and what the possibilities and limitations of reservoirs and groundwater are to improve water availability

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores different processes of the global water cycle, which is crucial for understanding Earth's climate system

Teaches about the flows of water and sand in different riverine, coastal, and ocean systems. This is important for managing water resources and mitigating the impact of climate change

Examines mechanisms of climate change and explains the interplay of climate change, sea level, clouds, rainfall, and future weather. This knowledge is critical for planning and adapting to the effects of climate change

Provides guidance on how, when, and which engineering interventions are needed in rivers, coasts, and urban environments. This is essential for protecting infrastructure and communities from water-related hazards

Addresses the challenges of water management in the context of food production and urban development. These are pressing global issues that require innovative solutions

Taught by reputable instructors from Delft University of Technology, who are experts in water and climate research

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Water and Climate with these activities:

Refresh Your Knowledge of Physics and Mathematics

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Refreshing your knowledge of physics and mathematics will strengthen your foundational understanding of the concepts and principles related to water and climate, making it easier to follow along and engage with the course material.

Browse courses on Physics

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Review your notes or textbooks from previous physics and mathematics courses.
Solve practice problems and exercises.

Review Introductory Text on Water and Climate

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Reading an introductory text on water and climate will provide you with a solid foundation in the key concepts and theories related to the course topics, making it easier to follow along and engage with the course material.

View The World's Water Volume 7: The Biennial Report... on Amazon

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Read the assigned chapters or sections.
Take notes on important concepts and ideas.
Summarize the main points of each chapter or section.

Follow Online Tutorials on Water Management Techniques

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Following guided online tutorials on water management techniques will supplement the course material and provide you with practical knowledge and skills in managing water resources effectively.

Browse courses on Water Management

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Identify specific water management techniques you want to learn more about.
Search for reputable online tutorials or courses that cover these techniques.
Follow the tutorials, take notes, and apply the techniques to practical scenarios.

Four other activities

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Compile and Review Prior Course Materials

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Reviewing prior course materials will help you recall and strengthen your understanding of the fundamental concepts of water and climate covered in your previous coursework.

Browse courses on Water Cycle

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Gather all course notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams.
Organize and review the materials, focusing on key concepts and topics.
Summarize the main points of each section.

Attend a Water Industry Event

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Attending networking events will allow you to connect with professionals in the water industry, gain insights into current trends and challenges, and explore potential career opportunities.

Browse courses on Water Engineering

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Research and identify relevant water industry events in your area.
Register and attend the events.
Engage with speakers, attendees, and potential mentors.

Develop a Visual Presentation on a Water Engineering Topic

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Creating a visual presentation on a water engineering topic will help you deepen your understanding of the topic, develop your communication skills, and present your knowledge in a clear and engaging way.

Browse courses on Water Engineering

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Choose a specific water engineering topic to focus on.
Research and gather information about the topic.
Design and create a visually appealing presentation using appropriate software or tools.

Design a Local Water Management System

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Working on a project that involves designing a local water management system will provide you with hands-on experience in applying the principles and concepts learned in the course to a real-world problem.

Browse courses on Water Management

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Research and identify the water-related challenges and needs in a specific local area.
Design and develop a comprehensive water management system that addresses the identified challenges and needs.
Evaluate the effectiveness and sustainability of the proposed system.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Water and Climate will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Water Conservation Specialist

A Water Conservation Specialist develops and implements programs to reduce water use. They may work for government agencies, water utilities, or private companies. A Water Conservation Specialist typically has a background in environmental science, water resources management, or a related field. The Introduction to Water and Climate course will help build a foundation for students and professionals who want to pursue a career as a Water Conservation Specialist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Conservation Specialist

Water Resources Engineer

A Water Resources Engineer designs and manages water resources systems to meet the needs of society. They may work on projects such as dams, reservoirs, canals, and water treatment plants. Taking the Introduction to Water and Climate course may be useful for students and professionals who are interested in learning more about water resources engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Resources Engineer

Hydrologist

A Hydrologist is a scientist who focuses on the movement, distribution, and quality of water on Earth. A Hydrologist must be able to understand the physical, chemical, and biological processes that affect water. The course Introduction to Water and Climate will help build a foundation for students and professionals who want to pursue a career as a Hydrologist.

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Climate Change Analyst

A Climate Change Analyst collects and analyzes data on climate change and its impacts. They may work for government agencies, research institutions, or private companies. A Climate Change Analyst typically has a background in environmental science, atmospheric science, or a related field. The Introduction to Water and Climate course will help build a foundation for students and professionals who want to pursue a career as a Climate Change Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Change Analyst

Water Quality Scientist

A Water Quality Scientist is a scientist who studies the quality of water and how it is affected by human activities. They may work in a variety of settings, such as government agencies, research institutions, and private companies. A Water Quality Scientist typically has a background in chemistry, biology, or environmental science. The Introduction to Water and Climate course will help build a foundation for students and professionals who want to pursue a career as a Water Quality Scientist.

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Hydrogeologist

A Hydrogeologist is a geologist who specializes in the study of groundwater. They may work in a variety of settings, such as government agencies, research institutions, and private companies. A Hydrogeologist typically has a background in geology, hydrology, or a related field. The Introduction to Water and Climate course will help build a foundation for students and professionals who want to pursue a career as a Hydrogeologist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hydrogeologist

Water Policy Analyst

A Water Policy Analyst develops and analyzes policies related to water resources management. They may work for government agencies, research institutions, or private companies. A Water Policy Analyst typically has a background in public policy, environmental science, or a related field. The Introduction to Water and Climate course will help build a foundation for students and professionals who want to pursue a career as a Water Policy Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Policy Analyst

Coastal Engineer

A Coastal Engineer designs and manages coastal structures to protect against flooding and erosion. They may work on projects such as seawalls, breakwaters, and jetties. The Introduction to Water and Climate course may be useful for students and professionals who are interested in learning more about coastal engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Coastal Engineer

Environmental Scientist

An Environmental Scientist is a scientist who studies the environment and how human activities affect it. They may specialize in a particular field, such as air quality, water quality, or soil science. An Environmental Scientist collects and analyzes data to assess the environmental impact of human activities and to develop solutions to environmental problems. The Introduction to Water and Climate course will help build a foundation for students and professionals who want to pursue a career as an Environmental Scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Meteorologist

A Meteorologist is a scientist who studies the atmosphere and weather. They may work in a variety of settings, such as government agencies, research institutions, and private companies. A Meteorologist typically has a background in meteorology, atmospheric science, or a related field. The Introduction to Water and Climate course may be useful for students and professionals who are interested in learning more about meteorology.

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Oceanographer

An Oceanographer is a scientist who studies the ocean. They may specialize in a particular field, such as biological, chemical, geological, or physical oceanography. An Oceanographer collects and analyzes data about the ocean and its inhabitants to better understand how the ocean works and how it affects the planet. The Introduction to Water and Climate course provides a solid foundation for students and professionals interested in learning more about the ocean.

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Sustainability Consultant

A Sustainability Consultant helps organizations to reduce their environmental impact and become more sustainable. They may work in a variety of industries, such as manufacturing, energy, and transportation. A Sustainability Consultant typically has a background in environmental science, engineering, or a related field. The Introduction to Water and Climate course may be useful for students and professionals who are interested in learning more about sustainability.

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Water Treatment Plant Operator

A Water Treatment Plant Operator operates and maintains water treatment plants to ensure that the water is safe to drink. They may work for government agencies, water utilities, or private companies. A Water Treatment Plant Operator typically has a background in water treatment, environmental science, or a related field. The Introduction to Water and Climate course may be useful for students and professionals who are interested in learning more about water treatment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Treatment Plant Operator

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

A Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator operates and maintains wastewater treatment plants to ensure that the wastewater is treated and discharged safely. They may work for government agencies, wastewater treatment utilities, or private companies. A Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator typically has a background in wastewater treatment, environmental science, or a related field. The Introduction to Water and Climate course may be useful for students and professionals who are interested in learning more about wastewater treatment.

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Climate Scientist

A Climate Scientist researches the Earth's climate system and how it has changed and will continue to change over time. The rising concerns over climate change and the search for climate solutions has increased the demand for Climate Scientists. Taking the Introduction to Water and Climate course may be useful for students and professionals who are interested in learning more about the global water cycle, climate change, and the impact of climate change on water.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Scientist