Syllabus 2009/2010 VVR140

Syllabus academic year 2009/2010
(Created 2009-08-11.)

RURAL WATERS

VVR140

Higher education credits: 7,5. Grading scale: TH. Level: A (Second level). Language of instruction: The course will be given in English. Optional for: MWLU2, Pi4, Pi4mrk, V4vr, W4, W4vr. Course coordinator: Rolf Larsson, rolf.larsson@tvrl.lth.se, Teknisk vattenresurslära. Recommended prerequisits: Hydrology : VVR111or VVR145 or corresponding. The course might be cancelled if the numer of applicants is less than 15. Assessment: Assessment is based on three assignments and a written examination. Marking of assignments is based on both form and content of a written report. For passing grade an oral presentation is also required. The written exam is "closed book" and consists of questions which are mainly open in character. The course grade is a weighted average of the four marked components. Home page: http://www.tvrl.lth.se/utbildning/undergraduate_courses/VVR140.

Aim
The course is part of the International Master's programme (WaterLU). It is also an optional course for students of Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering ("civilingenjör V, W") specialising in Water Resources and for students of Technical Mathematics ("civilingenjör Pi") specialising in Environment, Risk and Climate. The course deals with the hydrological processes in some detail. The students also gain skills in rainfall/runoff modelling as well as increased knowledge and skills with respect to modelling and project work in a more general sense.

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

be able to describe - showing deep insights - the components of the hydrological cycle and their relationship with the runoff process
be able to describe and discuss principles and techniques used in conceptual rainfall/runoff models and understand their limitations

Skills and abilities
For a passing grade the student must

be able to adapt and implement a rainfall/runoff model to a watershed, and understand the methodology
be able to present project results scientifically in the form of a report written in English
be able to orally present hydrological results in English for other engineers

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

be able to critically evaluate rainfall/runoff models and results based on models
show deep understanding of the necessity of presenting uncertainty in results and the limitations of methods when using results based on hydrological models

Contents
Run-off modelling in rural areas. Hands-on exercises using computer models. Associated topics; rain characteristics, snow melt, melt water movement, water movement in the unsaturated zone, surface run-off, linear reservoir theory, conceptual modelling. Thermo- and hydrodynamics of lakes. Assignments include an essay, rainfall-runoff modelling and lake routing.

Literature
Ward & Robinson: Principles of Hydrology (4th ed.). McGrawHill 1990. ISBN 0 07 709502 2. (recommended)
Beven Keith: Rainfall-Runoff Modelling, The Primer, Wiley, 2001. ISBN 0-470-86671-3 (recommended)
Bengtsson, Lars Excerpt from Lars Hydrology Theory and processes, Dept of Water Resources Engineering Lund University. Translated from Swedish by Rolf Larsson Sept 2004 (available on course web site).
The students are expected to find supplementary literature and references for the assignments.