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Water Resources Science & Technology

Program Course Listing

WATR 1301 - INTRODUCTION TO WATER TREATMENT

WATR 1302 - INTRODUCTION TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT

WATR 3320 - POLLUTANTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS

WATR 3325 - AQUATIC SYSTEMS SCIENCE

WATR 3330 - GREEN SYSTEMS FOR WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT

WATR 3340 - WATER RESOURCES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INTERNSHIP

WATR 4191 - WATER RESOURCES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SEMINAR

WATR 4310 - DESALINATION AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

WATR 4315 - ADVANCED WASTEWATER RECYCLING SYSTEMS

WATR 4330 - WATER MANAGEMENT AND FIELD INVESTIGATIONS

CHEM 2171 - WATER AND WASTEWATER CHEMISTRY LAB

CHEM 2371 - WATER AND WASTEWATER CHEMISTRY

GEOL 3331 -  HYDROLOGY

POLS 3315 - WATER LAWS, RULES AND POLICY

 

WATR 1301

INTRODUCTION TO WATER TREATMENT

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course provides an introduction to the basic chemical, biological and mechanical processes by which conventional water treatment plants operate. Students will also be introduced to the history and evolution of water treatment technologies, as well as examine emerging trends in treatment.  The course will provide an introduction to the study of conventional water treatment plants including an introduction to the various sources and problems associated with raw water. Topics discussed will include the theory, chemistry and practice of pretreatment, purification, process control procedures, chlorination systems, water softening, treatment plant safety procedures, and distribution. Students will be exposed to standard equipment, facilities, water transport, safety, and information technologies. Students will also gain an understanding of plant design, basic operation, management, and instrumentation at treatment plants. Hands-on experience with and observation of standard equipment and processes will be provided through a field experience. Students will tour actual water plant operations and learn about water purification at a local level.

COURSE OUTCOMES

This course provides an introduction into the principles, theories and science used in water treatment and how these principles relate to the world around us.  These principles will be taught primarily through lectures, a field experience, and problem solving.  Topics to be covered include but are not limited to:

  • Sources of water
  • Water supply hydrology
  • Water quality/chemistry
  • Basic water chemistry
  • Surface and ground water treatment
  • Chemical disinfection processes
  • Theory of coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, and filtration
  • History and future of water treatment, distribution and storage

Field Experience: San Antonio Water Authority “Rain to Drain” Field Trip

 

WATR 1302

INTRODUCTION TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course provides an introduction to the basic chemical, biological and mechanical processes by which conventional wastewater treatment plants operate. Students will also be introduced to the history and evolution of wastewater treatment technologies, as well as examine emerging trends in treatment.  Students will be exposed to standard equipment, facilities, water transport, chemical injections, safety, information technology, and theory of wastewater treatment systems. Students will also gain an understanding of plant design, basic operation, management, and instrumentation at treatment plants. Hands-on experience with and observation of standard equipment and processes will be provided through a field experience.

COURSE OUTCOMES

This course provides an introduction into the science, principles and mechanics used in wastewater treatment and how these principles relate to evolving wastewater treatment technologies and the world around us.  These principles will be taught primarily through lectures, a field trip, and problem solving.  Topics to be covered include but are not limited to:

  • Characteristics of wastewater
  • Water transport mechanisms
  • Chemical and biological processes
  • Conventional and historic processes, equipment and technologies
  • Process controls, Information technology applications
  • Basic wastewater treatment instrumentation and theory

 

WATR 3320

POLLUTANTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course provides study of the fate of contaminants in natural, disturbed, and man-made water systems. Study will focus on pollutants of concern to public and environmental health, including toxic chemicals, industrial discharges and spills, endocrine disruptor chemicals, methyl mercury, pesticides, sediment-borne contaminants, and other contaminants. Impacts, emergency response, safety advisories, impact on water supplies, and natural remediation processes will be explored, including biodegradation, thermodynamics, aeration, bioaccumulation, state change reactions, acid-base equilibria, speciation, solubility, redox chemistry, dilution, and sequestration. Prerequisites: Prerequisites: CHEM 2371, CHEM 2171.

PREREQUISITES

CHEM 2371 and CHEM 2171

COURSE OUTCOMES

This course provides study into the science and principles of pollutants in environmental systems and how these principles relate to water use, conservation and the world around us.  These principles will be taught primarily through lectures and problem solving.  Topics to be covered include but are not limited to:

  • Fate of contaminants in natural, disturbed, and man-made water systems
  • Pollutants of concern to public and environmental health
  • Toxic chemicals
  • Industrial discharges and spills
  • Endocrine disruptor chemicals
  • Methylmercury
  • Pesticides
  • Sediment-borne contaminants
  • Natural remediation processes
  • Biodegradation
  • Thermodynamics
  • Aeration
  • Bioaccumulation
  • State change reactions
  • Acid-base equilibria
  • Redox chemistry
  • Sequestration.

 

WATR 3325

AQUATIC SYSTEMS SCIENCE

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Aquatic systems are covered comprehensively, with relevant principles of chemistry, physics, geology, hydrology, geography, ecology, and biology highlighted. Students explore aquatic systems from aquifer/headwaters to ocean with emphasis on Texas ecosystems. Students also are presented an introduction to the laws, policies and environmental perturbations impacting aquatic ecosystems and what citizens and governments are doing to manage these systems. Prerequisites: BIOL 1307, BIOL 1107.

PREREQUISITES

BIOL 1307, BIOL 1107

COURSE OUTCOMES

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to aquatic ecology and Texas’ aquatic systems.  Topics to be covered include but are not limited to:

  • Water Properties and Distribution; the Hydrologic Cycle
  • Watersheds and the Land
  • Adaptations for a Life In Water; Aquatic Food Webs; Aquatic Biodiversity
  • Hydrology and Ecohydrology
  • Aquifers and Springs
  • Streams and Rivers
  • Lakes and Ponds
  • Wetlands
  • Bays and Estuaries
  • Oceans –The Gulf of Mexico
  • Conserving Aquatic Ecosystems; Water, People and the Environment

 

WATR 3330

GREEN SYSTEMS FOR WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course provides Students will learn about using constructed green biological systems to manage raw and treated waste streams from runoff, combined sewer overflows, and treatment facilities across urban and rural landscapes. Students will examine best practices in restoration of wetlands, riparian zones, and other natural areas in a watershed that may function in bioremediation of wastes and augment municipal and industrial treatment. Work will include assessing the effectiveness and value of natural ecologic functions in maintenance of healthy watershed systems and water sustainability. Students will learn from practicing professionals about recent advances in urban and multiple use planning that incorporate extensive use of greenways and other green infrastructure for management of water distribution, wastes, and sustainable water systems, as well as support local agriculture and industry. Prerequisite: WATR 3325.

PREREQUISITES

WATR 3325

COURSE OUTCOMES

This course provides an introduction into the science, principles and mechanics of using constructed green biological systems to manage raw and treated waste streams from runoff, combined sewer overflows, and treatment facilities across urban and rural landscapes, and how these principles relate to evolving wastewater treatment technologies and the world around us.  These principles will be taught primarily through lectures, a field and cooperative research experience, and problem solving.  Topics to be covered include but are not limited to:

  • Green biological systems to manage raw and treated waste streams
  • Combined sewer overflows
  • Restoration of wetlands, riparian zones, and natural areas
  • Watersheds
  • Bioremediation of wastes to augment municipal and industrial treatment
  • Ecologic functions
  • Urban and multiple use planning
  • Greenways
  • Green infrastructure
  • Water distribution
  • Sustainable water systems

 

WATR 3340

WATER RESOURCES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INTERNSHIP

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Students taking this course conduct specialized work on an individual basis, that includes training and actual practice working in a water resources science or water technology related for profit business, government agency, municipal agency, or nonprofit organization in the area of industrial water technology or water resource management. Students will be engaged in supervised experiential learning, under the direction of a university faculty member and employees of participating organizations. Students will have the opportunity to be involved in activities such as data collection, analysis, report writing, and plant, field or laboratory experiences. Prerequisites: Prerequisites: POLS 3315; junior-level academic standing.

COURSE OUTCOMES

This course provides opportunity to serve in a supervised capacity in a water resources science or water technology related for profit business, government agency, municipal agency, or nonprofit organization in the area of industrial water technology or water resource management

 

WATR 4191

WATER RESOURCES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SEMINAR

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course provides students an opportunity to explore current topics in water resources science and technology, along with guest presentations by experts in the field. Students may engage in “Point-Counter Point” debates. Students will research topics before class and participate in discussions. Prerequisite: Senior-level academic standing.

COURSE OUTCOMES

This course provides students an opportunity to explore current topics in water resources science and technology and how progress in water science and technology is improving or harming water resources and the world around us.

Example topics may include, but are not limited to:

  • The Nexus of water, energy and food
  • Climate change effects on water resources
  • Is better science and technology the answer to Texas’ water shortages
  • Impact of oil and gas activities on groundwater
  • World water shortages and solutions
  • Can desalination be the world’s freshwater solution
  • Basic wastewater treatment instrumentation and theory
  • How can science help change human behavior on water use

 

WATR 4310

DESALINATION AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course takes advantage of close proximity to one of the first inland desalination plants that uses saline groundwater for freshwater production. Students will learn about the full range of desalination technologies in use and under development.  Instruction will include membrane systems, microfiltration, distillation, atmospheric water generation, reverse osmosis, forward osmosis, brine disposal, electrodialysis, solar desalination, and small-scale desalination solutions. Students will participate in a field trip to a production-scale desalination facility where they will discuss desalination technologies and plant operations with practicing operators and technical experts. Students will also participate in a small-group cooperative research project from which a scientific report will be written.  Results of the research will be orally presented to the class as a scientific report/paper. Prerequisites: CHEM 2371, CHEM 2171, WATR 1301.

PREREQUISITES

CHEM 2371 and CHEM 2171, WATR 1301

COURSE OUTCOMES

This course provides an introduction desalination technologies in use and under development, and how these technologies relate to evolving water conservation efforts and the world around us.  This course will be taught primarily through lectures, a field trip, a cooperative research project, and problem solving.  Topics to be covered include but are not limited to:

  • Saline groundwater use technologies and science
  • Freshwater production technologies and science
  • Desalination technologies and science
  • Membrane systems
  • Microfiltration
  • Distillation
  • Atmospheric water generation
  • Reverse osmosis
  • Forward osmosis
  • Brine disposal
  • Electrodialysis
  • Solar desalination
  • Small-scale desalination solutions

WATR 4315

ADVANCED WASTEWATER RECYCLING SYSTEMS

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is about water treatment technologies that are rapidly advancing the state of the art in pollution control. Taking advantage of San Antonio’s proximity to oil fields, students will be exposed to innovative technologies coming into use through research and proof of concept testing directed at finding solutions to water resource impacts and usage during energy extraction, especially resulting from hydrologic fracturing processes.  They will have an opportunity to explore compact modular treatment works now addressing unique pollution treatment requirements of specific industries and locations where a “one size fits all” approach to treatment of effluents no longer exists. New strategies for advanced recycling of gray water wastes, as well as innovative uses of black water and industrial effluents will be explored.  Students will have an opportunity to visit field locations where new oilfield and industrial directed technologies are being used. Prerequisites: CHEM 2371, CHEM 2171, WATR 1302.

PREREQUISITES

WATR 1302, CHEM 2371, CHEM 2171

COURSE OUTCOMES

This course provides This course provides students instruction on water treatment technologies that are rapidly advancing the state of the art in pollution control and how this affects water quality, water use, water conservation and the world around us. These principles will be taught primarily through lectures, a field trip, and problem solving.  Topics to be covered include but are not limited to:

  • State of the art in pollution control
  • Water resource impacts and usage during energy extraction
  • Water and hydrologic fracturing processes
  • Modular treatment works
  • Pollution treatment requirements of specific industries
  • Boron
  • New strategies for advanced recycling of gray water wastes
  • Innovative uses of black water
  • Industrial effluents
  • Oilfield and industrial directed technologies

 

WATR 4330

WATER MANAGEMENT AND FIELD INVESTIGATIONS

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course provides an introductory course on the chemical and biological characteristics of groundwater, groundwater assessment and management, aquifer storage technologies, life underground, value to society, and the interactions of surface water and groundwater with the geologic environment. Topics include microbial processes, water quality sampling techniques, capacity, flow rates, living communities, aquifer mapping and modeling, recharge rates and projections, remote sensing techniques, impact of energy production activities, uses, role in society and economic value, and the fate of chemicals, contaminants, and dissolved components in water. Students will have an opportunity to explore groundwater through use of simple demonstration models and field visits to locations where groundwater management activities are currently underway. The course will include field activities, and students will participate in a small-group research project from which a scientific report will be written.  Results of the research will be orally presented to the class as a scientific report/paper. Prerequisite: WATR 3325.

PREREQUISITES

WATR 3325

COURSE OUTCOMES

This course provides an introduction to the chemical and biological characteristics of groundwater, groundwater assessment and management, aquifer storage technologies, life underground, value to society, and the interactions of surface water and groundwater with the geologic environment and how these matter affect the world around us. This course will be taught primarily through lectures, a field trip, and problem solving.  Topics to be covered include but are not limited to:

  • Chemical and biological characteristics of groundwater
  • Groundwater assessment and management
  • Aquifer storage technologies
  • Life underground
  • Value of groundwater to society
  • Interactions of surface water and groundwater with the geologic environment
  • Microbial processes
  • Living communities
  • Aquifer mapping and modeling
  • Recharge rates and projections
  • Remote sensing techniques
  • Impact of energy production activities
  • Fate of chemicals, contaminants, and dissolved components in groundwater

The course will include field activities. 


CHEM 2171

WATER AND WASTEWATER CHEMISTRY LAB

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course provides instruction in chemical and microbiological analysis for nonstandard water and wastewater samples following typical laboratory procedures according to local, state and federal environmental regulatory guidelines.  Students will learn to perform on-stream analysis for the measurement of inorganic and organic compounds, ions, particles and microorganisms. Students learn to conduct basic water sample testing in a lab environment. Students are provided with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) industry standards and best practice protocols for establishing and maintaining a safe laboratory environment and proper equipment use in a lab setting. As a student project students will conduct a field experience and conduct a water analysis of a local water body. As a student project students will conduct a field experience and conduct a water analysis of a local water body. Prerequisites: CHEM 1111, CHEM 1112, CHEM 1311, and CHEM 1312.

PREREQUISITES

CHEM 1111, CHEM 1112, CHEM 1311, and CHEM 1312

COURSE OUTCOMES

This course provides advanced training into the principles used in a water analysis and how these principles relate to water science and the world around us.  These principles will be taught primarily through a lab and problem solving.  Topics to be covered include but are not limited to:

  • Use of appropriate water and wastewater analytical methods and standards.
  • Analyzing and profiling water and wastewater samples.
  • Conducting advanced chemical and biological testing.
  • Interpretation of complex water analysis results.
  • BOD/CBOD analysis
  • Chlorine analysis
  • Dissolved oxygen analysis
  • Fecal coliform and E-coli analysis
  • Laboratory safety and reviews
  • pH and temperature analysis
  • Quality assurance and control
  • Solids: TSS/VSS analysis 

 

CHEM 2371

WATER AND WASTEWATER CHEMISTRY

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course provides instruction on the principles and practice of chemical and microbiological analysis for nonstandard water and wastewaters. Chemical and biological testing requirements of governmental regulatory agencies are examined. This course also provides an overview of the theory; processes, and technologies used in common membrane water treatment systems. Content includes micro-filtration, ultra-filtration, electrode-ionization, nano-filtration and reverse osmosis membrane technologies. Students will also examine system design considerations and membrane integration into water treatment systems. Students will also learn the theory and technologies to perform on-stream analysis for the measurement of inorganic and organic compounds, ions, particles and microorganisms. Prerequisites: CHEM 1111, CHEM 1112, CHEM 1311, and CHEM 1312.

PREREQUISITES

CHEM 1111, CHEM 1112, CHEM 1311, and CHEM 1312 

COURSE OUTCOMES

This course provides advanced training into the principles used in a water analysis and how these principles relate to water science and the world around us.  These principles will be taught primarily through lectures, a concurrent lab, and problem solving.  Topics to be covered include but are not limited to:

  • Choosing and explaining appropriate water and wastewater analytical methods and standards.
  • Analyzing and profiling water and wastewater samples.
  • Advanced chemical and biological analytical testing.
  • Recognizing and identifying critical levels of test results.
  • Interpreting and understanding complex water analysis results.

 

GEOL 3331

Hydrology

Course Description:In this course, we will advance our understanding of the occurrence, distribution, movement, and chemistry of water at and near the Earth’s surface by discussing hydrology from the ground up. We will characterize aquifer materials and the quantitative methods for determining surface and groundwater flow directions and velocities.  Additionally, consideration of the exploitation, degradation, and contamination of water resources and the role humans play will be discussed. Focus will be on the San Antonio River Basin, the Edwards Aquifer and its Recharge Zone.

Course Outcomes:

Students will be able to:

      • describe the water cycle and the significance of water resources.
      • describe the nature of aquifer materials
      • predict and describe the nature of groundwater movement.
      • predict and describe the nature of surface water movement.
      • able to collect and interpret surface and groundwater data.
      • explain the potential human impacts in surface and groundwater resources.

Pre-Requisite:

  • MATH 1314, College Algebra
  • GEOL 1301, Physical Geology

Course Topics to be Covered:

  • Introduction and Properties of Water
  • Hydrological Cycle
  • Occurrence of Groundwater
  • Groundwater Movement
  • Groundwater and Well Hydraulics
  • Rock and Sediment Properties
  • Karst Processes
  • Artificial Recharge
  • Stormwater Infiltration
  • Saltwater Intrusion
  • Surface Hydraulic Processes
  • Hydraulic Measurements
  • Water Quality
  • Legal and Political Implications for Water

 

POLS 3315

WATER LAWS, RULES AND POLICY

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course provides an introduction to local, state, and federal rules and regulations relevant to water. Students will receive an introduction to the history and function of water laws, rules, and policies and how they are created, including the roles of the three branches of government and the public. Relevant U.S. and Texas laws, rules, and policies governing water resources will be reviewed and evaluated in detail, including the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and National Environmental Policy Act. Students will examine federal, state and local approaches to water allocation, pollution control and resource management on private and public lands, public waters, for groundwater, and for other beneficial uses serving society. Students will explore the challenges of law making and regulatory processes and discuss alternative strategies for water pollution control and resources management, including sustainability models, voluntary approaches, real-time information feedback and new technology applications, sanctions, and economic incentives and other market-based mechanisms. The student will become familiar with the political environment within which water laws and public policy are created, including the roles of science, opinion, and influence.

COURSE OUTCOMES

Students will receive an introduction to local, state, and federal rules and regulations relevant to water. Students will receive an appreciation of how policies governing water use and protection affect the world around us.  These principles will be taught primarily through lectures and problem solving.  Topics to be covered include but are not limited to:

  • Local, state, and federal rules and regulations
  • Policies governing water resources
  • Clean Water Act
  • Endangered Species Act
  • National Environmental Policy Act
  • Law making and regulatory processes
  • Strategies for water pollution control
  • Public policy
  • Roles of science, opinion, and influence.